Single versus multiple dose ivermectin regimen in onchocerciasis-infected persons with epilepsy treated with phenobarbital: a randomized clinical trial in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

Open data for a randomized clinical trial performed in onchocerciasis-endemic villages of the Logo health zone in Ituri province in the Democratic Republic of Congo where mass ivermectin administration had never been implemented. Ivermectin naïve, persons with epilepsy with Onchocerca volvulus infection were randomly allocated to receive ivermectin once, twice or thrice over a one year period of follow up. At the same time they were treated with the anti-epileptic drug phenobarbital. At baseline, information was collected on seizure semiology, seizure frequency, epilepsy risk factors, relevant medical history, previous AED and ivermectin use. The primary outcome was seizure freedom during the last four months of the 12-month follow up period.