Use of Pentamidine As Secondary Prophylaxis to Prevent Visceral Leishmaniasis Relapse in HIV Infected Patients, the First Twelve Months of a Prospective Cohort Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has become an important opportunistic infection in persons with HIV-infection in VL-endemic areas. The co-infection leads to profound immunosuppression and high rate of annual VL recurrence. This study assessed the effectiveness, safety and feasibility of monthly pentamidine infusions to prevent recurrence of VL in HIV co-infected patients.

Methods

A single-arm, open-label trial was conducted at two leishmaniasis treatment centers in northwest Ethiopia. HIV-infected patients with a VL episode were included after parasitological cure. Monthly infusions of 4 mg/kg pentamidine-isethionate diluted in normal-saline were started for 12 months. All received antiretroviral therapy (ART). Time-to-relapse or death was the primary end point.

Re

SUBMITTER: Diro E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4591988 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature