Hydatid disease: research and control in Turkana, III. Albendazole in the treatment of inoperable hydatid disease in Kenya--a report on 12 cases.

The results of treatment of 12 cases of inoperable hydatid disease in Kenya using albendazole at a dose of 10 mg/kg body-weight for eight weeks are reported. In all the cases there was marked regression and collapse of the cysts but a further four weeks course of treatment at a higher dose of 15 mg/kg was given to two cases because they both still had a large number of demonstrable cysts on ultrasonography at eight weeks. No side effects of the drug were noted. Albendazole is likely to play an important role in the control programme in Turkana.