TREATMENT OF EARLY LESIONS OF OLD WORLD CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS WITH PENTAVALENT ANTIMONIALS

ABSTRACT
Objectives: This study highlights the importance of early diagnosis and efficacy of intralesional antimonials in the
treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) to achieve better cure and prevent disfiguring scar.
Methodology: The study was conducted in Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar. Giemsa stained smears examination
was used for diagnosis. Treatment was initiated with intralesional pentavalent antimonials (sodium stibogluconate
or meglumine antimoniate), administered weekly for 3--7 weeks and cure rate was monitored for 6 months.
Results: The study population had a single or 2--4 lesions of CL. A total 123 patients were included in the study. Pentavalent
antimonials achieved a cure rate of 78.9% (N = 97). Sixty nine (56.1%) patients needed 2--5 injections and 28
(22.8%) needed 6-7 injections. Better results (82.3%) were observed in papule. The cumulative frequency of healing
was maximum i.e. 78.9% (N = 97) by Week 12 of start of treatment. Compliance and tolerance was good. No side
effects or signs of recurrence were noted in follow up for 6 months. Patients remained outpatients during treatment
and during follow up visits.
Conclusions: Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment shorten the healing period and prevent disfiguring scar in
the lesions of CL.
Key Words: Cutaneous leishmaniasis, tropical regions, intralesional antimonials, better results, good tolerance