[Effect of praziquantel on the uro-nephrologic complications of urinary bilharziasis].

This study shows the effect of praziquantel as a 12 month treatment on the uro-nephrological consequences of Schistosoma haematobium chronic infection. This was done in a hyperendemic setting in the middle west of Madagascar. 435 people with ova in their urine filtration test were followed up with clinical examination, ultrasonography, urinary sticks and creatininemia. The prevalence of macroscopic hematuria decreased significantly from 32.5% (153 patients) to 4.3% (20 patients) (p < 0.05). Other abnormalities decreased but not significantly. The prevalence of proteinuria decreased from 62.3% (271 cases) to 20.2% (88 cases) (p < 0.05%) when microscopic hematuria varied from 72.4% (315 cases) to 31.5% (271 cases). Leukocyturia remained stable from 49% (213 cases) to 47.8% (207 cases). On ultrasonography, the whole abnormalities varied from 54.1% (256 patients) to 16.7% (79 patients). Prevalence of bladder abnormalities decreased from 50% (237 cases) to 16.3% (77 cases) (p < 0.05); prevalence of vesico-ureteral reflux decreased from 5.1% (23 cases) to 0.2% (1 case) (p < 0.05) and that of pyelocaliceal from 14.6% (54 cases) to 2.5% (12 cases). The reference drug, praziquantel has a clear-cut effect on this chronic pathology. Bladder wall abnormalities are particularly interested by this favourable effects.