Abstract

CAPOTE PEREIRA, Lázaro L. et al. Delusional parasitosis as an expression of the psychological disorder associated with dialysis. Rev Cub Med Mil [online]. 2008, vol.37, n.4, pp. 0-0. ISSN 1561-3046.

We presented the case of a female patient aged 66, with history of acute myocardial infarction, mental health and a end-stage chronic renal failure. She was maintained under treatment with intermittent peritoneal dialysis and an inter-consultation with the Psychiatry Service was arranged because she felt and saw "bugs" walking over all her body that came out from all the natural orifices and from the orifice of the catheter of the peritoneal dialysis. Samples of the supposed parasites were analysed under the microscope and they were really fabrics from bed linen or from clothes. Serial parasitological studies were conducted and there was no evidence of parasite life. In the meticulous physical examination of the skin and of the natural orifices, as well as in the neurological physical examination no alterations were found. After some assessments, she was diagnosed delusional parasitosis. The treatment included Trifluoperazine and floral drops, group and individual therapy. The clinical picture improved, but without a definitive solution. In conclusion, the psychological disorder in this patient is secondary to an organic process with general affectation caused supposedly by end-stage chronic renal failure, and the dialysis treatment. The end-stage chronic renal failure is a disease generating multiple stressing factors due to its general symptoms, the accumulation of toxins, the pharmacological treatment, and the stressing effects of dialysis.

Keywords : Delusional parasitosis; psychological disorders; dialysis.

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