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Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Treated with Miltefosine: A Case Series of 10 Paediatric Patients
Ayelet Ollech1, Michal Solomon, Amir Horev
1Department of Dermatology, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital Petach Tikva, Petach Tikva 49100, Israel.
Insights
Miltefosine shows promise as a safe and effective oral treatment for pediatric Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis. Most children treated experienced a complete response with minimal side effects.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Cutaneous leishmaniasis presents significant treatment challenges in children.
- Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis is caused by Leishmania tropica and Leishmania major.
- Paediatric treatment options for leishmaniasis require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of miltefosine for treating Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis in paediatric patients.
- To assess treatment outcomes in children under 18 years old.
Main Methods:
- A multicentre retrospective review was conducted.
- Ten paediatric patients diagnosed with cutaneous leishmaniasis were included.
- Patients received oral miltefosine treatment.
Main Results:
- 80% (8 out of 10) of patients achieved a complete response.
- 20% (2 out of 10) of patients experienced treatment failure.
- Reported side effects associated with miltefosine were minimal.
Conclusions:
- Oral miltefosine appears to be an effective and safe therapeutic option for paediatric Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis.
- Further research is necessary to confirm these findings and establish definitive conclusions.
Abstract:
Cutaneous leishmaniasis poses a therapeutic challenge in the paediatric population. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of miltefosine treatment for Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis in paediatric patients. A multicentre retrospective review of 10 children (≤ 18 years of age) with cutaneous leishmaniasis treated with miltefosine in Israel was performed. Mean ± standard deviation age at diagnosis was 9.1 ± 5.0 years. The Leishmania species diagnosed was L. tropica in 8 cases and Leishmania major in 2 cases. Mean ± standard deviation duration of treatment was 44.8 ± 20.6 days, with a mean follow-up period of 12.1 ± 17.1 months. Complete response was noted in 8 (80%) patients. Treatment failure was noted in 2 (20%) cases. Side-effects related to the medication were minimal. In conclusion, oral miltefosine may be an effective and safe treatment for Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania tropica or Leishmania major in children. However, further studies are warranted to draw a definite conclusion.
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