Clinical Scorecard: Uncommon Subcutaneous Nodule Presentation of Paragonimiasis in Three Pediatric Cases: A Case Series Analysis
At a Glance
Category
Detail
Condition
Paragonimiasis
Key Mechanisms
Food-borne zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Paragonimus species, primarily transmitted through consumption of raw or undercooked freshwater crabs and crayfish.
Target Population
Pediatric patients with atypical subcutaneous nodule-type paragonimiasis.
Care Setting
Clinical analysis and treatment in a pediatric department.
Key Highlights
All patients presented with elevated peripheral blood eosinophils and positive Paragonimus antibodies.
Oral praziquantel was effective in treatment, with surgery as an adjuvant option.
Subcutaneous nodule-type paragonimiasis can be misdiagnosed due to non-specific clinical features.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Take detailed epidemiological history.
Elevated eosinophils and positive Paragonimus antibodies are helpful for diagnosis.
Management
Administer praziquantel at 25 mg/kg per dose, three times daily for 3 consecutive days.
Monitoring & Follow-up
Monitor clinical symptoms and eosinophil counts for resolution.
Risks
High clinical misdiagnosis rate due to non-specific symptoms.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Three pediatric patients aged 5 to 10 years.
All patients completed three courses of praziquantel therapy with clinical cure and no recurrence during follow-up.
Clinical Best Practices
Perform fine-needle aspiration cytology or surgical resection for definitive diagnosis.
Conduct multidisciplinary discussions for complex cases.
