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Amphotericin B therapy in kala-azar
1Department of Medicine, Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital, Laherisarai.
Journal of the Indian Medical Association
|April 1, 1993
Summary
Amphotericin B effectively treated kala-azar in patients resistant to sodium stibogluconate (SSG). This study found a 100% cure rate with mild side effects, making it a viable alternative treatment.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Tropical Medicine
- Parasitology
Background:
- Kala-azar, also known as visceral leishmaniasis, is a severe parasitic disease.
- Sodium stibogluconate (SSG) is a first-line treatment, but drug resistance is a growing concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of amphotericin B in treating SSG-unresponsive kala-azar patients.
- To determine if amphotericin B is an acceptable alternative treatment for difficult-to-treat kala-azar cases.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-seven adult patients with SSG-unresponsive kala-azar were enrolled.
- Amphotericin B was administered at 0.50 mg/kg body weight on alternate days.
- Treatment duration varied from 21 to 31 infusions based on patient response.
Main Results:
- A 100% cure rate was achieved at the end of therapy.
- No relapses were observed during a 12-month follow-up period.
- Only mild adverse reactions, occurring on infusion days, were reported.
Conclusions:
- Amphotericin B demonstrated high efficacy and a favorable safety profile.
- It is a highly acceptable alternative drug for treating kala-azar unresponsive to SSG.
- This finding offers a crucial treatment option for drug-resistant visceral leishmaniasis.