Evaluation of Microwave Thermotherapy Versus Intralesional Antimonial in the Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE

There is a need for safer and more efficient therapies for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). This study evaluates the effectiveness of thermotherapy using microwave in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis alongside intralesional meglumine antimoniate.

METHODS

This pilot study was conducted among 40 patients with CL using a randomized controlled methodology. Participants were randomly allocated to receive either microwave thermotherapy (intervention; N=20) twice a week or intralesional meglumine antimoniate therapy weekly (control; N=20). The size of the induration of lesions was assessed at the starting point and at 2, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. A significance level of P <.05 was determined.

RESULTS

The total number of lesions was 55. The rate of complete recovery after 1 year was 55.2% in the intervention group and 76.9% in the control group. There was no statistically significant variation in the remission distribution comparing either of the groups ( P =.155). The complications in the intervention group were markedly reduced compared with the control group ( P =.027).

CONCLUSIONS

Microwave thermotherapy is an efficient and innovative treatment for CL that does not have any adverse effects. This method can be used as an alternative therapy in certain areas and with certain patients.