Article
Schistosoma mansoni infection and nutritional status in schoolchildren: a randomized, double-blind trial in northeastern Brazil1–3
Registro en:
ASSIS, A. M. O. et al. Schistosoma mansoni infection and nutritional status in schoolchildren: a randomized, double-blind trial in northeastern Brazil1–3. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, v. 68, p. 1247–1253, 1998.
0002-9165
Autor
Assis, Ana Marlúcia Oliveira de
Barreto, Maurício Lima
Prado, Matildes S
Reis, Mitermayer Galvão dos
Parraga, Isabel Martin
Blanton, Ronald Edward
Resumen
Brazilian schoolchildren with mild- to moderate-
intensity schistosome infections (< 400 Schistosoma mansoni
eggs/g stool) were randomly allocated to a treatment
(oxamniquine) or placebo group in a double-blind fashion.
Anthropometric measurements were made at baseline, 6 mo,
and 1 y for 353 students. At baseline, the groups were not significantly
different with respect to nutritional status or selected
socioeconomic and biological characteristics, including anthropometric
measures. One year later, significant differences were
noted only in the nutritional status of boys treated for schistosome
infection. Treated boys had greater measurements for
weight, triceps skinfold thickness, midarm circumference, arm
muscle area, and body mass index than untreated boys. They
also showed significant increases over the year in weight,
height, midarm circumference, and body mass index. The rates
of improvement in weight and height were more accelerated in
the first 6 mo after therapy than the last. These results indicate
that, at least in boys, chronic S. mansoni infection at any intensity
is detrimental to short-term growth and development