Lymphatic filariasis: Difference between revisions
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==Background== | ==Background== | ||
*Also known as elephantiasis | |||
*Causative agents: | |||
**Wuchereria bancrofti | |||
**Brugia malayi | |||
**Brugia timori | |||
==Clinical Features== | ==Clinical Features== | ||
Revision as of 19:35, 7 September 2014
Background
- Also known as elephantiasis
- Causative agents:
- Wuchereria bancrofti
- Brugia malayi
- Brugia timori
Clinical Features
- Larvae migrate to lymphatic vessels and mature into adults
- Massive peripheral edema with thickening of overlying skin particularly in lower extremities and genitalia
- Recurrent cellulitis is common
Differential Diagnosis
Workup
Management
- Diethylcarbamazine:
- Day 1: 50 mg PO
- Day 2: 50 mg TID
- Day 3: 100 mg TID
- Days 4-21: 6 mg/kg/day divided TID
- Combined treatment with diethylcarbamazine/albendazole or ivermectin/albendazole may be more effective
- Meticulous skin care to prevent superinfection/cellulitis
- Surgical management of scrotal elephantiasis and chronic lymphatic obstruction