Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis with Sodium Stibogluconate and Allopurinol in a Routine Setting in Ethiopia: Clinical and Patient-Reported Outcomes and Operational Challenges

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is common in Ethiopia, but the national guideline does not offer specific treatment recommendations. Consequently, different regimens are used country, without quality evidence. In Boru Meda Hospital, sodium stibogluconate (SSG) routinely combination with allopurinol for systemic CL treatment, although evidence on its effectiveness limited. An observational cohort study was carried out to document clinical outcomes patients receiving SSG/allopurinol at end of each 28-day cycle and after 180 days. Patient-reported were assessed by asking rate lesion severity, dermatological life index. A total 104 included. After one cycle, only four clinically cured, patient-reported significantly improved. The majority (88) appointed a second whom 37 (42%) attended. Among 36 who came final outcome assessment, 50% cured. Follow-up severely affected conflict; drug stock-outs insufficient ward capacity additional challenges. relatively poor, most required more than treatment. Shortages drugs beds indicate existing gaps providing Ethiopia.