Keywords
Nifurtimox
Efficacy
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Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of nifurtimox (NFX) in the treatment of Chagas disease (CD), highlighting benefits and limitations in different clinical phases. Methods: The review was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Lilacs, and Cochrane Library, considering original studies published between 2014 and 2024 in Portuguese, English, or Spanish. The steps proposed by Souza, Silva, and Carvalho (2010) were followed: formulation of the guiding question, search, selection, critical analysis, and synthesis of results. Results: NFX showed greater efficacy in children and in early phases of the disease, with seroconversion rates above 50% and a significant reduction of parasitemia confirmed by PCR. In adults with chronic disease, the benefits were more modest but still relevant, including clinical and cardiological improvements in some cases. Regarding safety, the most frequent adverse events were gastrointestinal and neurological, generally mild to moderate. Final considerations: NFX demonstrates consistent efficacy, particularly in pediatric populations and in the acute or early chronic phases of CD, with a predictable and manageable safety profile. Although efficacy is reduced in chronic adult patients, it remains an important therapeutic option.
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