Lymphatic filariasis
Background
Clinical Features
- Larvae migrate to lymphatic vessels and mature into adults
- Massive peripheral edema with thickening of overlying skin particularly in lower extremities and genitalia
- Recurrent cellulitis is common
Differential Diagnosis
Workup
Management
- Diethylcarbamazine:
- Day 1: 50 mg PO
- Day 2: 50 mg TID
- Day 3: 100 mg TID
- Days 4-21: 6 mg/kg/day divided TID
- Combined treatment with diethylcarbamazine/albendazole or ivermectin/albendazole may be more effective
- Meticulous skin care to prevent superinfection/cellulitis
- Surgical management of scrotal elephantiasis and chronic lymphatic obstruction