ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC CHANGES DURING TREATMENT WITH CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS

Abstract

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.