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.

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