[Side effects of meglumine antimoniate in cutaneous leishmaniasis: 15 cases].

BACKGROUND: Leishmaniasis is wide spread parasitic disease considered to be endemic in 88 countries in both old and new world. The standard treatment remains Meglumine antimoniate. AIM: We study the side effects of systemic meglumine antimoniate in cutaneous leishmaniasis. METHODS: We conduct a retrospective study covering 3-year period (2002- 2005). All medical reports of cutaneous leishmaniasis treated by systemic Meglumine antimoniate are reviewed. RESULTS: The study comprise 63 patients all treated by systemic meglumine antimoniate at the dose of 60 mg/kg/day for 10-15 days. Side effects were noted in 15 cases (12 females and 3 males). The subject's age range from 11 to 78 years. Stibio-intolerance (fever, rash, arthralgia, abdominal pain) was observed in 12 cases and stibiotoxicity in 3 cases: precordialgies 1 case, hyperamylasemia and increase liver enzyme: 1 case, pancytopenia, renal and hepatic failure leading to death: 1 case, skin eruption: 7 cases, pruritus and erythema in the site of injection: 5 cases, urticaria: 1 case. Meglumine antimoniate was stopped in 13 cases. CONCLUSION: Meglumine antimoniate is the generally recommended treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis. In spite of the rarity of Glucantime's side effects, we recommend a careful survey especially in older patients.