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Visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis in an European paediatric population
M Mattot1, J Ninane, G Bigaignon
1Department of Paediatrics, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels.
Insights
This study treated six children with leishmaniasis using Glucantime and Lomidine. Both visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis cases showed positive serology and improved with treatment, with minimal reversible side effects.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Parasitology
- Clinical pharmacology
Background:
- Leishmaniasis is a significant parasitic disease affecting children globally.
- Effective treatment protocols for pediatric leishmaniasis are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
- Understanding drug efficacy and safety in pediatric populations is essential.
Observation:
- Six pediatric patients diagnosed with leishmaniasis (visceral and cutaneous) were treated.
- Diagnosis involved bone marrow examination for visceral leishmaniasis and skin biopsy for cutaneous leishmaniasis.
- All patients presented with positive serology at diagnosis.
Findings:
- Combination therapy with Glucantime and Lomidine was used for visceral leishmaniasis.
- Glucantime monotherapy was administered for cutaneous leishmaniasis.
- All six children demonstrated clinical improvement following treatment.
Implications:
- Glucantime and Lomidine demonstrate efficacy in treating pediatric leishmaniasis.
- The observed side effects (cough, fever, supraventricular premature beats) were transient and reversible.
- These findings support the use of these antimonial drugs in pediatric leishmaniasis management.
Abstract:
Six children with leishmaniasis, aged 10 months to 10 years, were treated in the Paediatric Department. Four patients had visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar): diagnosis was based on bone marrow examination and therapy consisted of a combination of Glucantime and Lomidine. The remaining two children had cutaneous leishmaniasis: diagnosis was made by skin biopsy and the patients were treated with Glucantime alone. In all children, serology was clearly positive at the time of the diagnosis and all patients improved. The only side effects were cough associated with fever in one child, and supraventricular premature beats in another one. They were ascribed to Glucantime, and proved reversible after discontinuation of the treatment.