Visceral Larva Migrans Treatment & Management
- Author: Raymond D Pitetti, MD, MPH; Chief Editor: Russell W Steele, MD more...
Medical Care
- Therapy in patients with visceral larva migrans (VLM) is aimed at relieving symptoms and is intended to diminish the host inflammatory response to the parasite. Corticosteroids and antihistamines are often used for this purpose. Patients with myocarditis or CNS disease should always be treated with corticosteroids.
- Antiparasite agents, such as mebendazole, may help reduce symptoms; however, systemic treatment with anthelminthics can result in hypersensitivity reactions. Clinical trials have raised questions about their efficacy.
- Attempt to identify the source of infection. Infected puppies and kittens should be treated with appropriate anthelminthic agents.
Consultations
- Consider infectious diseases consultation in unusual or difficult cases.
- Consider other consultations depending on the organ system involved.
Diet
- No special diet is necessary for acute treatment.
- If children have a history of pica (eg, eating dirt, paint chips), attempts should be made to alter the behavior.
Activity
- No activity restrictions are required beyond that required for the treatment of the acute infection or its sequelae.
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