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Antimony-induced cerebellar ataxia.
Eltahir Awad G Khalil1, Ammar E Ahmed, Ahmed M Musa
1Department of Clinical Pathology and Immunology. Institute of Endemic Diseases, University of Khartoum, PO Box 45235, Khartoum, Sudan. eltahirk@iend.org
Saudi Medical Journal
|January 25, 2006
Summary
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a fatal Sudan-endemic disease. This report details two cerebellar ataxia cases possibly caused by Pentostam (sodium stibogluconate), the standard VL treatment.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), caused by Leishmania donovani, is a significant public health concern in Sudan.
- Sodium stibogluconate (Pentostam) is the primary treatment for VL, despite known toxicities.
- Neurological complications associated with VL and its treatment are documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report two cases of cerebellar ataxia potentially induced by Pentostam treatment for VL.
- To explore the probable mechanisms underlying Pentostam-induced neurotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Case report of two patients treated for VL.
- Clinical and neurological assessment of patients presenting with ataxia.
- Review of existing literature on VL and sodium stibogluconate neurotoxicity.
Main Results:
- Two cases of cerebellar ataxia were observed in patients receiving Pentostam for VL.
- The ataxia symptoms were temporally associated with Pentostam administration.
- Cerebellar dysfunction is a potential, though rare, adverse effect of sodium stibogluconate.
Conclusions:
- Pentostam, while effective for VL, may cause neurological side effects such as cerebellar ataxia.
- Further investigation into the neurotoxic potential of antimonials is warranted.
- Awareness of these potential adverse events is crucial for clinicians managing VL.