[Adverse effects of intralesional Glucantime in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniosis].

OBJECTIVE

The treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis used in Tunisia is Glucantime. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the adverse effects of intralesional Glucantime and to calculate the risk/benefit rate of this treatment.

RESULTS

Adverse effects were observed in 14 cases (5%). For facial lesions, we observed facial staphylococci in 2 cases, stibio-intolerance in 1 case, and a palpebral subcutaneous nodule in 1 case. In limb lesions the complications were: sporotrichoid nodules in 5 cases, vagal malaise (1 case), pyodermitis (1 case), erysipelas (1 case), necrosis (1 case), and urticaria (1 case).

COMMENTARY: The adverse effects of intralesional Glucantime are mostly infections, mainly observed in cephalic localization, and stibio-intolerance. For this reason, intralesional injection of Glucantime must be avoided in the cephalic region.