Early efficacy of liposomal amphotericin B in the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis

Abstract

The rapidity and efficacy of a short course of liposomal amphotericin B was evaluated in 29 children affected by visceral leishmaniasis (Leishmania infantum). Their overall health status was assessed using the prognostic inflammatory and nutritional index (PINI), and their haematological status by the reticulocyte count and haemoglobin blood levels. All these quantities were measured on day 0, and 3 and 10 d after starting therapy. A significant decrease of inflammatory signs, associated with an improved reticulocyte count, was recorded after 3 d of therapy. A significant increase of haemoglobin levels was also observed 10 d after the start of treatment. The early reduction of inflammatory signs and the improvement of bone marrow function in most patients confirmed the validity of amphotericin B therapy. The PINI score is helpful in assessing the severity of visceral leishmaniasis and the follow-up of its treatment.

Cellular Profile of Cytokine Production in a Patient with Visceral Leishmaniasis: γδ+ T Cells Express Both Type 1 Cytokines and Interleukin‐10

“…All other repeated radiological, serological and microbiological examinations including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serology and HIV polymerase chain reaction remained negative. The patient responded rapidly to treatment with liposomal amphotericin B, with clinical signs and laboratory values returning to normal [9]. Blood for analyses was taken before the initiation of treatment.…”

A pilot study comparing low‐dose liposomal amphotericin B with N‐methyl glucamine for the treatment of American cutaneous leishmaniasis

“…This is a pilot study that was started in 2000 with the aim of using the lowest dosage of L‐AmB that could achieve a similar cure rate to that of NMG. At that time, L‐AmB had already been well studied for the treatment of VL, with a dosage from 1 to 4 mg/kg/day, obtaining high level of cure rate 11–16 . But there were few case reports of ACL treated with L‐AmB 19–22 .…”

“…Liposomal amphotericin B has been used extensively for the treatment of VL 11–18 and has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of this disease since 1999 8 . But a certain number of cases have been reported in which L‐AmB 19–22 has been used off‐label for treatment of CL.…”

Viszerale Leishmaniose - nicht nur eine Tropenkrankheit

“…Bei einer Leberbeteiligung kommt es zu dem auch bei unserer Patientin dokumentierten Transaminasenanstieg. Eine ebenfalls beschriebene Erhöhung von Kreatinin und Harnstoff-N haben wir nicht beobachtet [3,4,5,20,22].…”