Comparison of Miltefosine with Glucantime for the Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Cutaneous leishmaniasis, the most prevalent type of leishmaniasis, is a disease characterized by ulcerative skin lesions. Objectives: To compare the safety, efficacy, and patients' satisfaction of glucantime with that of miltefosine in treating cutaneous leishmaniasis in Pakistan. Methods: A quasi experimental study design was conducted at Bacha Khan Medical Complex from 17th August 2023 to 18th November 2023, Swabi among 150 cutaneous leishmaniasis-diagnosed patients. The sample size consists of 150 patients which was divided into equal groups. Group 1 (treated with oral Miltefosine) and Group 2 (received intramuscular Glucantime). A 12-week post-treatment follow-up was conducted to assess treatment efficacy, side effects, and patient satisfaction. Chi-square tests and other statistical analyses were utilized to compare the two groups' results. Results: Complete lesion healing was observed at a considerably greater rate in the Miltefosine group (86%) than in the Glucantime group (68%, p<0.05). Compared to 35% of patients in the Glucantime group had major adverse reactions, including injection site pain and systemic symptoms. There was a lower rate of adverse events in the Miltefosine group (20%) with most being mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Miltefosine (90%) had also a better acceptability rate from patients compared to Glucantime (65%, p<0.05). Conclusions: It was concluded that when treating cutaneous leishmaniasis, miltefosine was shown to be more efficient, secure, and well-tolerated than glucantime. It is advised that more research be done to evaluate long-term results and wider application.