Chemotherapy of schistosomal colonic polyposis with oxamniquine.

Schistosomal polyposis of the colon is a common complication of schistosomiasis. In severe infections it may be associated with considerable morbidity. Surgery is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Niridazole therapy is of limited therapeutic value because of its hepatotoxicity but oxaminiquine has been found to be effective and safe. Several dosage regimens have been tried but a total dose of 40 mg/kg over two days in two equally divided doses has been found to have an effective therapeutic action on the polypi, with correction of the anaemia, hypoalbuminaemia and serum iron.