title: Antimony plus recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor applied topically in low doses enhances healing of cutaneous Leishmaniasis ulcers: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
abstract: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) requires 2-6 months to heal. In an effort to reduce this healing time, we studied topically applied granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) as an adjunct to antimonial therapy. Ten patients received antimony plus topical GM-CSF, and 10 patients received antimony plus placebo (saline). GM-CSF was diluted for topical use and was applied 3 times weekly for 3 weeks (1-2 microg/cm2/lesion). The mean +/- SD healing time was 43 +/- 14 days in the GM-CSF group and was 104+/-79 days in the placebo group (P=.043). Ten (100%) of 10 patients in the GM-CSF group healed within 60 days, compared with 5 (50%) of 10 patients in the placebo group. Two of the patients in the placebo group required retreatment with antimony. In conclusion, topically applied GM-CSF is effective in the management of CL.
authors.affiliation: Servico de Imunologia, Hospital Universitario Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
authors.forename: Jussamara B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.forename: Amélia Ribeiro
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: de Jesus
authors.forename: Paulo R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Machado
authors.forename: Andréa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Magalhães
authors.forename: Kátia
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Salgado
authors.forename: Edgar M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Carvalho
authors.forename: Roque P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Almeida
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000965:Antimony / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001938:Brazil; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D016178:Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D016773:Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016178:Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor; D000965:Antimony