Efficacy of Topical Liposomal Amphotericin B versus Intralesional Meglumine Antimoniate (Glucantime)‎ in the Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

الملخص EN

Background.

Topical treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis is an attractive alternative avoiding toxicities of parenteral therapy while being administered through a simple painless route.

Recently liposomal formulations of amphotericin B have been increasingly used in the treatment of several types of leishmaniasis.

Aims.

The efficacy of a topical liposomal amphotericin B formulation was compared with intralesional glucantime in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Methods.

From 110 patients, the randomly selected 50 received a topical liposomal formulation of amphotericin B into each lesion, 3–7 drops twice daily, according to the lesion's size and for 8 weeks.

The other group of 60 patients received intralesional glucantime injection of 1-2 mL once a week for the same period.

The clinical responses and side effects of both groups were evaluated weekly during the treatment course.

Results.

Per-protocol analysis showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P=0.317, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.610 (0.632–4.101)).

Moreover, after intention-to-treat analysis, the same results were seen (P=0.650, 95% CI=0.1.91 (0.560–2.530)).

Serious post treatment side effects were not observed in either group.

Conclusions.

Topical liposomal amphotericin B has the same efficacy as intralesional glucantime in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.