ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC CHANGES DURING TREATMENT WITH CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS

Objective: To determine the frequency of Electrocardiographic changes during treatment with cutaneous Leishmaniasis. Methodology: This was an observational study with convenience sampling. Baseline ECG was performed in all the consecutive patients prior to the treatment. Convenience sampling of all the patients reported from Jan 2011 to Dec 2011 confirmed as cutaneous Leishmaniasis and referred by consultant dermatologist because three of the patients died previously during treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis during treatment with Inj. Glucantime. Mean and std. deviation will be computed for quantitative variables and frequencies of qualitative variables using SPSS version 16. Results: Mean age was 35.67 +/- 19.67 SD. Initially there were small Qwaves in 10 patients and with antimonial treatment these changes were found in 18 patients (30%). In 5 patients (8.33%) bradycardia was noticed and in 9 patients (15%) tachycardia. QTinterval was prolonged in 15% of the patients. Conclusion: A team comprising of consultant cardiologist, consultant dermatologist and consultant physician with expertise in the management of cutaneous leishmaniasis because disease is not life threatening but treatment can life threatening. Treatment of cutaneous Leishmaniasis should be monitored strictly for Electrocardiographic changes and regular follow up by the team and if necessary hospitalization may be required.