Visceral Leishmaniasis of Childhood

Leishmaniasis is widespread in many countries, including Turkey. We present the clinical characteristics and the retrospective analysis of 22 children with visceral leishmaniasis, identified between 1995-2008. The mean age at presentation was 3.3 +/- 1.96 years (range 0-8). All patients had splenomegaly. Fever was found in 19 (86.3%) cases. Anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia was observed in all, 19 (86.3%), and 13 (61%) cases respectively. Diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis was made with the identification of amastigotes in giemsa-stained bonemarrow aspirate smears. Initial treatment consisted of meglumine antimoniate in 19 (86.3%) patients and liposomal amphotericin B in 3 (13.7%) patients. Three children who did not respond to meglumine antimoniate were cured with liposomal amphotericin B. The findings highlight liposomal amphotericin B as an effective therapy for visceral leishmaniasis in children. Early detection and appropriate management of complications may reduce morbidity and mortality in childhood visceral leishmaniasis.