The role of splenectomy in HIV-infected patients with relapsing visceral leishmaniasis.
The treatment of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in HIV-infected patients is characterized by having a protracted course and frequent relapses, despite the use of adequate anti-leishmanial drugs and effective anti-retroviral therapy. A small subset of patients with significant splenomegaly develops severe cytopaenias and chronic leishmania infection. The use of elective splenectomy is effective for restoring the haematological parameters and reduces the need for blood transfusions but it does not avoid relapsing visceral leishmaniasis.
Troya
J
J
Division of Infectious Diseases, Fundación Jiménez Díaz-UTE, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Avda. de Reyes Católicos 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain. jestrogar@hotmail.com
Casquero
A
A
Muñiz
G
G
Fernández-Guerrero
M L
ML
Górgolas
M
M
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007898:Leishmaniasis, Visceral / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013156:Splenectomy