A 2-YEAR STUDY OF LIQUID-NITROGEN THERAPY IN CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS

Background Among the different modalities for treatment of cutaneous l eishmaniasis, liquid nitrogen is considered an effective therapy with very mild side-effects. Methods A study was conducted using liquid nit rogen topically for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Ki ng Hussain Medical Centre, Amman-Jordan. Among 468 patients of cutaneo us leishmaniasis, 293 were treated with liquid nitrogen and the rest w ere treated with other known treatment modalities. Results Of the pati ents treated with cryo surgery liquid nitrogen, 215 of 293 permitted a ppropriate follow-up; the clinical response was significant and effect ive, No systemic adverse effects were noted. Mild cutaneous complicati ons were infrequent, and included hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, and scar formation. Conclusions From the results of this study, liqui d nitrogen therapy may be considered an effective treatment for cutane ous leishmaniasis.