Towards personalized treatment of alveolar echinococcosis: a pilot study measuring levels of albendazole-sulfoxide in a cohort of patients in Slovakia

Czech version

Authors: R. Rosoľanka ¹; M. Kertys ²; N. Žideková ⁵; D. Antolová ³; K. Šimeková ¹; M. Sučík ¹; L. Nosáková ⁴; L. Špaňo ¹; P. Bánovčin ml. ⁴
Authors‘ workplace: Klinika infektológie a cestovnej medicíny JLF UK a UN Martin ¹; Ústav farmakológie JLF UK a UN Martin ²; Parazitologický ústav SAV, v. v. i., Košice ³; Interná klinika gastroenterologická JLF UK a UN Martin ⁴; Martinské centrum pre biomedicínu, JLF UK a UN Martin ⁵
Published in: Gastroent Hepatol 2025; 79(4): 286-289
Category: Original Article
doi: https://doi.org/10.48095/ccgh2025286

Overview

Introduction: Albendazole is still considered a cornerstone in the treatment of alveolar echinococcosis (AE). Its parasitostatic effect, together with variable individual plasma concentration, can be considered a therapeutic problem. For this reason, the measurement of the plasma concentration of its active metabolite, albendazole sulfoxide is important in optimizing treatment and minimizing toxicity. Aim: The aim of the study is to present preliminary data from Slovakia and to demonstrate the feasibility and applicability of albendazole sulfoxide (ASOX) levels in clinical practice. Methods: Determination of plasma concentrations of ASOX was performed in 19 patients with confirmed AE. The data were evaluated through a basic statistical analysis. A literature review supporting the applicability of monitoring therapeutic levels of ASOX (TDM) was carried out. Results: ASOX concentrations ranged from 1.18 to 12.10 μmol/ l (mean 4.11 μmol/ l), with some values exceeding the recommended therapeutic interval. Conclusion: Our conclusions confirm the technical and clinical feasibility of implementing TDM for ASOX and reflect the step towards personalized AE treatment in Slovakia

Keywords:

alveolar echinococcosis – albendazole – albendazole-sulfoxide – TDM

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ORCID autorov

R. Rosoľanka 0000-0003-0429-6833,

M. Kertys 0000-0002-1095-6810,

N. Žideková 0009-0008-2878-5416,

D. Antolová 0000-0002-9358-2163,

L. Nosáková 0000-0003-0432-8575,

P. Bánovčin 0000-0001-6694-9364.

Doručené/ Submitted: 7. 7. 2025

Prijaté/ Accepted: 14. 7. 2025

Korespondenčný autor

MU Dr. Róbert Rosolanka, PhD.

Klinika infektológie a cestovnej medicíny