Topical terbinafine in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis: triple blind randomized clinical trial

Leishmaniasis is a spectrum of disease condition with considerable health impacts, caused by different species of Leishmania. This disease is currently endemic in 98 countries and territories in the world. There are many treatment modalities for cutaneous leishmaniasis. The use of topical terbinafine in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis has recently been considered. Eighty-eight participants more than two years old with proven acute CL by a positive direct smear were randomly allocated to one of the two study arms: first group received meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime) 20 mg/kg/day intramuscular injection (IM) plus a placebo ointment (Mahan Vaseline) for 20 days. The second group received meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime) 20 mg/kg/day IM plus topical terbinafine, for 20 days and were monitored closely by dermatologist during the course of the study. Crude regression analysis showed that there was no significant difference between placebo and intervention group regarding partial or complete treatment (partial treatment: HR_crude = 1.1, CI 95 % = 0.7–1.7; complete treatment: HR_crude = 1.1, CI 95 % = 0.8–1.7). Although, there was no statistically significant different between the two treatment groups, but clinically it seems that the treatment rate in those who receive glucantime plus terbinafine was more effective than the other group. However this rate depended on the type of lesions. As data indicated ulcerated nodules, papules and plaque in experimental group have been completely improved two times faster than placebo group. Ulcerated nodules, nodules and plaque were partially improved faster in those used tebinafine than placebo ointment.