[Childhood kala-azar: the cases of a decade]

The aim of our work was to review the epidemiological, clinical and laboratory features of the cases of Kala-azar in our hospital during a decade in order to outline data that might be useful in helping to make an earlier diagnosis and subsequently, earlier treatment. We report eighteen cases of visceral Leishmaniasis treated in our hospital between January 1981 and December 1990. The ages of the patients varied between five months and seven years. In our experience, medullar aspirate was the most effective diagnostic method. However, it this test is negative, specific serological tests should be included in the assessment of any pediatric inpatient with fever and splenomegaly. In our opinion, it is very important to keep this disease in mind, especially in non-endemic areas.