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[Visceral leishmaniasis: clinical and epidemiological features of children in an endemic area]

Márcia J A Queiroz1, João G B Alves, Jailson B Correia

  • 1Saúde Materno-infantil pelo Instituto Materno Infantil de Pernambuco, Recife, PE. m_msampaio@uol.com.br

Jornal De Pediatria
|April 14, 2004
PubMed

Insights

This study on childhood visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil found a high case fatality rate of 10.2%, primarily due to infections and bleeding. Early recognition and management of visceral leishmaniasis are crucial for better outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Tropical medicine
  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Parasitology

Context:

  • Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a severe parasitic disease affecting children in endemic areas.
  • Socioeconomic factors, such as poor sanitation and limited education, are associated with VL prevalence.
  • This study examines VL in a pediatric referral hospital in northeastern Brazil.

Purpose:

  • To detail the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of pediatric visceral leishmaniasis cases.
  • To report on treatment strategies and the overall case fatality rate.
  • To identify key factors contributing to mortality in children with VL.

Summary:

  • A retrospective analysis of 431 children with visceral leishmaniasis revealed common symptoms like splenomegaly and fever.
  • Laboratory findings indicated severe anemia and thrombocytopenia.
  • Glucantime was the primary treatment, but the case fatality rate remained high at 10.2%, with complications like infections and bleeding being major causes of death.

Impact:

  • Highlights the significant burden of visceral leishmaniasis in pediatric populations.
  • Underscores the need for improved public health interventions and sanitation in endemic regions.
  • Emphasizes the importance of healthcare worker training for early diagnosis and management of VL and its complications.
Abstract

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