Visceral leishmanisis in paediatrics: a study of 367 cases in southwest Iran

Abstract

Kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis [VL]) is endemic in southern Iran. We retrospectively evaluated 367 infants and children suffering from VL at hospitals affiliated to the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Fars Province, southwest Iran). Seasonal variations were observed with more cases presenting in late winter, spring and fewer in summer. The predominant clinical features in these patients were chronic fever, pallor, weight loss, abdominal distention and hepatosplenomegaly. Lymphadenopathy was less common. Common laboratory abnormalities included anaemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminaemia and hypergammaglobulinaemia. Liver function tests were deranged in two-thirds of the patients. The immunofluorescence antibody test was positive in all patients and all of them had a positive bone marrow smear or a culture for Leishmania donovani. Patients responded well to glucantim therapy with a cure rate of 96.7%. Relapse was observed in 8.2% (30). Mortality in this series was 7.3%. Twenty patients died during their therapy period. Jaundice and grossly deranged liver function tests were found to be bad prognostic signs.