Comparison of Intralesional Meglumine Antimoniate Plus Oral Allopurinol with Intralesional Meglumine Antimoniate Alone for the Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis- A Prospective Study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of the combination of oral allopurinol plus intralesional meglumine for the
treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis.
Study Design: A prospective study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Department of Dermatology, Combined Military
Hospital, Multan, Pakistan from 18th September 2021 to 18th March 2022.
Methods: The study was conducted on a total of 60 patients (30 in each group) who fulfilled the inclusion
criteria. Patients in group A were given oral allopurinol (15mg/kg/day) and intralesional meglumine
antimoniate (2-5 ml). Patients in group B were given intralesional meglumine antimoniate (2-5 ml). All patients
were given 2 injections each week and were followed up for 8 weeks. The efficacy of the treatment was noted by
the disappearance of induration of the lesion and complete reepithelization of the ulcer. Healing was
characterized by scar formation and was recorded.
Results: Results showed that the cure rate in Group B was 16.6% (5), while in Group A it was 56.6% (17) (P<0.03).
There was no significant difference in efficacy between both groups when stratified based on age, number of
lesions per patient, and lesion location. However, the cure rate of ulcers and papules was significantly higher in
group A compared to group B.
Conclusion: It was concluded that the combination of intralesional meglumine antimoniate and oral allopurinol
has higher efficacy than intralesional meglumine antimoniate alone in the treatment of patients with
cutaneous leishmaniasis.

How to cite this: Qayyum N, Gul P, Zainab A, Jawaid M, Azam M, Sattar S. Comparison of Intralesional Meglumine Antimoniate Plus Oral Allopurinol with Intralesional Meglumine Antimoniate Alone for the Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis- A Prospective Study. 2024; 5(2): 181-186. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.511