Risk Assessment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis and the Outcome of Therapy among Patients in Almaza Fever Hospital

Abstract

Background and study aim: Leishmaniasis infection was listed by the WHO among the six most important tropical diseases, being endemic in many different countries worldwide with global estimate of 350 Million individuals at risk. It was reported more than 12 million chronic cases worldwide. The aim of this study was to improve disease outcome and disease long term sequelae. Patients and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at Almaza Fever Hospital from December 2020 to December 2021 on 90 patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis diagnosed by clinical examination and direct smear biopsy among military groups in Egypt. Patients who were diagnosed with cutaneous leishmaniasis were given sodium stibogluconate (Pentostam) (20 mg Sb/kg/day (maximum 850 mg) IV/IM for 20-28 days) and Cryotherapy sessions (Patients received cryotherapy every two weeks for maximum of three months). Follow up examinations were scheduled at the time of cryotherapy). Patients were followed up for reporting any adverse effects. Results: Upon comparison the outcome of the two treatment modalities, there were 69.1% improved, 5.5% relapsed, 9.1% had treatment failure, 16.4% developed chronic infection among Cry-therapy. While there were 77.1% improved, 5.7% relapsed, 6.7% had treatment failure, 8.6% developed chronic infection. Conclusion: Leishmaniasis is common among young males. The results of the treatment of patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis with cryotherapy and Pentostam were comparable.