Electrocardiographic changes in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis treated with systemic glucantime

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Antimonial compounds, like glucantime, are standard treatments for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL).
• Systemic administration of these drugs carries risks, including cardiotoxicity and electrocardiogram (EKG) alterations.
• Evaluating EKG changes associated with systemic glucantime in CL patients is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the incidence and types of EKG changes in patients with CL treated with systemic glucantime.
• To determine the reversibility of these EKG alterations post-treatment.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 131 patients with confirmed CL undergoing systemic glucantime treatment.
• EKG assessments were conducted pre-treatment, weekly during treatment, and one month post-treatment.
• Data analysis was performed using SPSS software.

Main Results:

• The most frequent EKG change was QT interval prolongation (19%).
• Other observed changes included ST depression (6.1%), ST elevation (3%), inverted T waves (7.4%), premature atrial/ventricular contractions (0.7%-2.29%), bradycardia (10.6%), and left bundle branch block (0.7%).
• Most EKG changes resolved after treatment cessation, with one case of left bundle branch block persisting for a month.

Conclusions:

• Systemic glucantime treatment for CL can induce various EKG changes, with QT prolongation posing a significant risk.
• ECG monitoring is advised for high-risk patients during glucantime therapy.
• Particular attention should be paid to prolonged QT intervals during monitoring.