[Arsenical-induced encephalopathy during the treatment of African trypanosomiasis. Apropos of a case with a favorable outcome]

Abstract

We describe one case of reactive encephalopathy as a complication during treatment of human trypanosomiasis (T.b. gambiense) with melarsoprol (Arsobal, Mel B.). A 37 year white man who had typical T. gambiense sleeping sickness and secondary convulsions, coma and hemiplegia after three days of treatment by melarsoprol. Within 48 hours of intensive care the symptoms and signs released. In the encephalomeningeal period of trypanosomiasis the therapy currently available is the parenteral administration of organic arsenicals as melarsoprol used since the 1940s. This drug remains highly effective but severe untoward reactions occur and the incidence of mortality attributable to melarsoprol is not negligible. Choice and optimal condition of treatment are discussed.