Treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis with localized current field (radio frequency) in Tabasco, Mexico
Velasco-Castrejon, O.; Walton, B.C.; Rivas-Sanchez, B.; Garcia, M.F.; Lazaro, G.J.; Hobart, O.; Roldan, S.; Floriani-Verdugo, J.; Munguia-Saldana, A.; Berzaluce, R.
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 57(3): 309-312
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9637 PMID: 9311641 Document Number: 257
In Mexico cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) occurs in 17 of 32 States, and is a serious public health problem, This is a report of treatment of CL patients in the State of Tabasco, Mexico with a localized current fieldradio frequency (LCF-RF) device to generate precisely controlled heat as an alternative to prohibitively expensive drug treatment. It was not a controlled clinical trial, but rather an evaluation of the feasibility of this form of treatment for all CL patients encountered in the endemic area. A total of 201 previously diagnosed patients with CL caused by Leishmania mexicana were treated with a portable Thermosurgerys LCF-RF generator powered by rechargeable batteries. The ages of the patients ranged from two to 75 years; the sex distribution was 63% males and 37% females. A single device was used in five different municipalities. Lesions were first anesthetized with 1% lidocaine HC1 and moistened with normal saline solution. Treatment consisted of a single application that produced 50°C for 30 see. After four weeks, 122 patients were available for evaluation, of which 95% were totally cured; (even those involving ear cartilage, which respond poorly to antimonials). At eight weeks post-treatment, 191 patients were evaluated, with a total cure rate of 90%. This form of treatment proved to be effective and convenient for use in primary health care facilities in Mexico and has many advantages over traditional forms of therapy.
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