The design and development of a multicentric protocol to investigate the impact of adjunctive doxycycline on the management of peripheral lymphoedema caused by lymphatic filariasis and podoconiosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

As new lymphatic filariasis infections are eliminated through mass chemotherapy, previously affected individuals are left with the sequellae, especially chronic progressive lymphoedema. Currently this is managed by careful attention to limb hygiene to prevent infection. Studies over the past 15 years have suggested that the incorporation of doxycycline treatment may arrest or even reverse progression of lymphoedema. Most of this work has been observational or based on small studies, and if this intervention is effective, studies need to be conducted on a larger scale and under diverse geographical and social conditions before it can be incorporated into treatment policy.

Methods/design

The double-blind, placebo-controlled study was designed to investigate the impa

SUBMITTER: Horton J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7106687 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature