Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis: a clinical and therapeutic study.

BACKGROUND

Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis is a condition peculiarly confined to the Indian subcontinent.

METHODS

The clinical features and investigations in 18 patients of post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis were studied.

RESULTS

There was a polymorphic picture from hypopigmented macules to nodules and plaques. Mucous membranes were affected in five, the lips and glans penis being the most frequent sites. Histopathologically, a rich dermal infiltrate was seen in indurated lesions and in macules; it was confined to perivascular foci in the upper dermis. Leishman-Donovan bodies were seen in 16.

CONCLUSIONS

The lesions cleared in 4 to 5 months after treatment with sodium antimony gluconate intramuscularly 20 mg/kg/day up to a maximum of 1 g/day. The drug was well tolerated.