Open AccessAntimony plus Recombinant Human Granulocyte‐Macrophage Colony‐Stimulating Factor Applied Topically in Low Doses Enhances Healing of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Ulcers: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Study
Author(s) -
Jussamara B. Santos,
Amélia Ribeiro de Jesus,
Paulo Roberto Lima Machado,
Andréa Magalhães,
Kátia Salgado,
Edgar M. Carvalho,
Roque Pacheco de Almeida
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
the journal of infectious diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.69
H-Index - 252
eISSN - 1537-6613
pISSN - 0022-1899
DOI - 10.1086/424848
Subject(s) - medicine , placebo , granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor , cutaneous leishmaniasis , saline , granulocyte , gastroenterology , randomized controlled trial , lesion , placebo controlled study , leishmaniasis , surgery , pharmacology , immunology , double blind , pathology , cytokine , alternative medicine
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) requires 2-6 months to heal. In an effort to reduce this healing time, we studied topically applied granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) as an adjunct to antimonial therapy. Ten patients received antimony plus topical GM-CSF, and 10 patients received antimony plus placebo (saline). GM-CSF was diluted for topical use and was applied 3 times weekly for 3 weeks (1-2 microg/cm2/lesion). The mean +/- SD healing time was 43 +/- 14 days in the GM-CSF group and was 104+/-79 days in the placebo group (P=.043). Ten (100%) of 10 patients in the GM-CSF group healed within 60 days, compared with 5 (50%) of 10 patients in the placebo group. Two of the patients in the placebo group required retreatment with antimony. In conclusion, topically applied GM-CSF is effective in the management of CL.
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