Liposomal amphotericin B for treatment of visceral leishmaniasis: results of a pilot study on 98 immunocompetent children

Liposomal amphotericin B was administered as treatment of visceral leishmaniasis to 98 immunocompetent children according to different schedules: 11 were treated with a total dose of 21 mg/kg, 13 (8 first diagnoses and 5 relapses) with a total dose of 30 mg/kg, 63 with a total dose of 18 mg/kg and 16 with a total dose of 15 mg/kg. Five episodes of relapse were observed within 4 months after the end of treatment: 1 in the group created with 18 mg/kg and 4 in the group treated with 15 mg/kg. All relapses were treated successfully, with a total dose of 30 mg/kg. The only side effects reported was ipokalemia in 24/103 (23%) administered cycles. In conclusion liposomal amphotericin B is effective and safe for treatment of visceral leishmania in immunocompetent children.