The effect of pentavalent antimonial compounds used in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis on hemogram and biochemical parameters

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of pentavalent antimonials used in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) on hemogram and biochemical parameters.Material and methods: The study consisted of 168 patients diagnosed with CL after microscopic examination and treated with either systemic sodium stibogluconate (SSG) or meglumine antimonate (MA) 20 mg/kg/day for 14 days. The patients were divided into two groups as SSG and MA patients. Neutrophil count, leukocyte count, lymphocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, platelet count, amylase, lipase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels were compared before and on the 14th day of the treatment.Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in the neutrophil, lymphocyte, leukocyte, platelet counts, and hemoglobin and blood urea nitrogen levels on the 14th day of the treatment when compared to the pre-treatment values. A statistically significant increase was found in the ALT, AST, amylase and lipase levels. No significant change was found in the serum creatinine levels.Conclusion: According to the results of our study, pentavalent antimonials given standard doses in the treatment of CL can lead to an increase in the pancreatic enzymes and transaminases and bone marrow suppression. We do not recommend any change in the treatment if these conditions are not corroborated by clinical findings.