Childhood Visceral Leishmaniasis: A Review of 30 Cases

Abstract

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a chronic parasitic infection vhich is endemic in the Mediterranean region with a predilection to early childhood. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical, laboratory and therapeutic results in patients vith VL. Methods: We retrospectively analysed 30 cases with VL admitted to the Pediatric infection Unit of Ondokuz Mayıs University Children's Hospital, between 1985 and 2001. Results: Median age at presentation vas 3 years. Fever and splenomegaly were found in ali patients. Anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and pancytopenia were found in 100%, 53%, 40%, and 37% of the cases, respectively. Bone marrow smear examination and Formol-gel test vere positive in 93% of the patients. Ali patients vere treated with meglumine antimonite. No death occurred. Conclusion: We conclude that VL should be kept in mind in patients with fever and splenomegaly, especially in the Mediterranean region.