title: A pilot study comparing low-dose liposomal amphotericin B with N-methyl glucamine for the treatment of American cutaneous leishmaniasis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cutaneous leishmaniasis is an infectious re-emerging disease that has increased in incidence worldwide. Antimony, a highly toxic drug, remains the first choice therapy to treat it. Liposomal amphotericin B is active against Leishmania and is less toxic than antimony.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare low-dose liposomal amphotericin B with N-methyl glucamine for the treatment of American cutaneous leishmaniasis.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a controlled open-label trial 35 patients with a localized form of American cutaneous leishmaniasis were included. They were allocated to a first group treated with 1.5 mg/kg/day of liposomal amphotericin B for 5 days, or to a second one treated with 20 mgSbV/kg/day of N-methyl glucamine for 20 days.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the first group, 50% and 81% of patients experienced a clinical cure and clinical improvement respectively. There was a 100% clinical cure in the second group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Liposomal amphotericin B seems to be promising and safe for the treatment of American cutaneous leishmaniasis.
authors.affiliation: Hospital Universitário de Brasília, Brasilia-DF, Brazil. jorgeth@brturbo.com.br
authors.forename: J O C
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Motta
authors.forename: R N R
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: Sampaio
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000666:Amphotericin B / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000965:Antimony / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016773:Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008536:Meglumine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents; C006601:antimony-N-methylglucamine; C068538:liposomal amphotericin B; D008536:Meglumine; D000666:Amphotericin B; D000965:Antimony