Miltefosine for visceral leishmaniasis relapse treatment and secondary prophylaxis in HIV-infected patients

Scand J Infect Dis. 2008;40(6-7):523-6. doi: 10.1080/00365540701787800.

Abstract

Miltefosine is the first effective oral drug against visceral leishmaniasis. However, there are few data about its role against the increasing problem of HIV-associated visceral leishmaniasis. It is necessary to establish a treatment and secondary prophylaxis approach with miltefosine in this population, particularly for those in whom standard treatment was unsuccessful. We report our experience with miltefosine in 5 HIV-infected patients. Miltefosine was used in relapse treatments (50 mg, b.i.d.) in 3 patients and as maintenance therapy (50 mg, 3 times/week) in all of them. Miltefosine was discontinued after full recovery of immune function in 4 patients. The median disease-free period has been 20 months since miltefosine discontinuation. One patient was lost to follow-up. Miltefosine dosage regimens for the treatment of relapses and for maintenance treatment in HIV-infected patients should be established in prospective studies.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Chemoprevention / methods
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • HIV Infections / immunology
  • Humans
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phosphorylcholine / administration & dosage
  • Phosphorylcholine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Phosphorylcholine / therapeutic use
  • Secondary Prevention*

Substances

  • Antiprotozoal Agents
  • Phosphorylcholine
  • miltefosine