Risk of adverse swallowing events and choking during deworming for preschool-aged children.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In areas where the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) is >20%, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that deworming medication be given periodically to preschool-age children. To reduce risk of choking-related deaths in children <3 years old, WHO recommends that deworming tablets be crushed and given with water. Little is known about how widely this is practiced or its effectiveness.

Methodology and principal findings

Albendazole distributions for STH were observed for children 1-4 years old in 65 sites in India and Haiti. Information was recorded on child demographics; child demeanor immediately before, as well as struggling or resistance during albendazole administration; tablet form (i.e., crushed or not); and adverse swallowing events

SUBMITTER: Kernell JW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6014639 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature