Treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis with sodium stibogluconate and allopurinol in a routine setting in Ethiopia: clinical and patient-reported outcomes and operational challenges

Abstract

AbstractCutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is common in Ethiopia, but the national guideline does not offer specific treatment recommendations. Consequently, different treatment regimens are used in the country, without quality evidence. In Boru Meda Hospital, sodium stibogluconate (SSG) is routinely used combined with allopurinol for systemic CL treatment, although evidence on effectiveness is limited.An observational cohort study was done to document clinical treatment outcomes in patients receiving SSG/allopurinol at the end of each 28-day treatment cycle and after 180 days. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed by asking patients to rate lesion severity and by the dermatological life quality index.A total of 104 patients were included. After one treatment cycle only four patients were clinically cured, although patient-reported outcomes significantly improved. The majority (88) of patients were appointed for a second treatment cycle, of which only 37 (42%) came. Among 36 patients who came for final outcome assessment, 50% was cured. Follow-up and treatment was severely affected by conflict; drug stockouts and insufficient ward capacity for treatment were additional challenges.Treatment outcomes of SSG/allopurinol were relatively poor, and most patients required more than one cycle of treatment. Shortage of drugs and beds indicates the existing gaps in providing CL treatment in Ethiopia.