Efficacy of Systemic Treatment for Leishmania tropica Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

The effectiveness of systemic treatment for Leishmania tropica cutaneous leishmaniasis remains unclear. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of systemic treatments for L. tropica cutaneous leishmaniasis. This retrospective study was performed in 114 patients. Systemic treatments included liposomal amphotericin B and sodium stibogluconate. All patients underwent systemic treatment for L. tropica cutaneous leishmaniasis. Favourable treatment responses were recorded in 72.5% and 70.2% of the patients in the liposomal amphotericin B and sodium stibogluconate groups, respectively; 25.3% and 46% of those in the liposomal amphotericin B and sodium stibogluconate groups respectively, experienced at least one adverse effect. Lesions in cartilaginous areas were associated with higher treatment failure. Prior topical or systemic treatment increased the chance of future systemic treatment success. Liposomal amphotericin B was associated with a shorter intravenous treatment duration and better safety profile. Thus, liposomal amphotericin B is the treatment of choice for L. tropica cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Pemphigus vulgaris with loss of hair on the scalp

Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune disease, which leads to flaccid bullae and erosions. Although the scalp is commonly involved, hair loss is rarely seen. We herein report a case of 32-year-old female patient with a 2-year history of pemphigus vulgaris, involving the skin and mucosa. Although clinical improvement was achieved with oral corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetil, the patient developed tender plaques on her scalp, accompanied by hair loss. Histopathology and direct immunofluorescence were consistent with pemphigus vulgaris. Skin swab cultured Staphylococcus aureus. Treatment with oral and topical corticosteroids combined with mycophenolate mofetil resulted in clinical remission, with regrowth of scalp hair. Alopecia is an unusual clinical manifestation of pemphigus vulgaris. Our case supports the hypothesis that hair loss is induced by antibody-mediated outer root sheath keratinocyte acantholysis, in combination with skin infection, that together lead to the observed hair loss.