Biomedical subjects

A M McNicholas

Publications and source records attributed to A M McNicholas.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1992

Coagulation abnormalities and ivermectin.

Prothrombin ratios were measured 13-16 days after treatment in 148 subjects from Sierra Leone taking part in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial of ivermectin. Prolonged prothrombin ratios were observed more frequently in the ivermectin group, although this difference was not significant and no patients suffered bleeding complications. Further investigation of these patients failed to reveal any abnormality of liver function, although factor VII and II levels were reduced in most affected individuals, suggesting interference with vitamin K metabolism. Ivermectin has a minimal effect on coagulation and concern about mass treatment for this reason appears to be unjustified.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A field study of the effect of ivermectin on intestinal helminths in man.

A single stool specimen from each of 904 villagers participating in a placebo-controlled trial of ivermectin for onchocerciasis was examined for intestinal helminths by the formol-ether technique. Ivermectin had a significant effect on Ascaris infection, reducing prevalence and intensity for at least 3 months, but rapid reinfection occurred. There was no significant effect on Trichuris, Necator or Schistosoma mansoni infections. Incidental Strongyloides infections were not seen commonly in this population, but were significantly reduced in the ivermectin-treated group. Regular administration of ivermectin on a mass basis would reduce the prevalence of Ascaris infection and any attendant morbidity. This is a useful additional effect of the drug.

Animals↗