Visceral leishmaniasis during childhood in southern Greece

Records were reviewed of 82 immunocompetent children (median age, 2. 5 years) from southern Greece who were diagnosed with visceral leishmaniasis from 1986 through 1998. Forty-nine (58%) patients originated from the city of Athens; of them, 46 (94%) lived by hills bordering the city. The median interval from the onset of symptoms to admission was 10 days. Fever and splenomegaly were observed in >95% of the patients. Thrombocytopenia was the most frequent hematological finding (80%). All patients were treated with meglumine antimonate; 20 (24%) of them were partially treated on an outpatient basis. Rapid clinical response was noted in all patients but one. Five patients relapsed; 3 responded to reintroduction of meglumine antimonate, 1 responded to liposomal amphotericin B, and 1 underwent splenic artery ligation. We conclude that pentavalent antimonials remain the first choice of treatment for visceral leishmaniasis in immunocompetent children in areas where resistance has not become a problem. It is possible to treat affected patients with outpatient administration of these agents, making them feasible options for therapy.