Comparing Zinc and Antimony for Skin Leishmaniasis Treatment
Author Information
Author(s): Mohamad Javad Yazdanpanah, Mahnaz Banihashemi, Fakhrozaman Pezeshkpoor, Mohammad Khajedaluee, Sororozaman Famili, Rodi Iman Tavakoli, Hadis Yousefzadeh
Primary Institution: Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
Hypothesis
Is oral zinc sulfate as effective as systemic meglumine antimoniate in treating cutaneous leishmaniasis?
Conclusion
While systemic meglumine antimoniate showed a slightly better cure rate, oral zinc sulfate is easier, cheaper, and safer to use.
Supporting Evidence
- Both treatments had similar cure rates after 45 days.
- Zinc sulfate had fewer side effects compared to meglumine antimoniate.
- The study included patients with lesions less than 6 months old.
Takeaway
This study looked at two treatments for a skin disease called leishmaniasis. One treatment is a pill (zinc), and the other is an injection (antimony). The injection worked a bit better, but the pill is easier and safer to take.
Methodology
A prospective interventional case control clinical trial with 100 patients randomly assigned to two treatment groups.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the exclusion of patients with side effects from the antimony treatment.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and excluded patients with certain health conditions.
Participant Demographics
Patients with proven acute cutaneous leishmaniasis, aged 25 years on average, with a mix of males and females.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.42
Statistical Significance
p=0.42
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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