Antimony plus Recombinant Human Granulocyte‐Macrophage Colony‐Stimulating Factor Applied Topically in Low Doses Enhances Healing of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Ulcers: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Study

Abstract

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) requires 2–6 months to heal. In an effort to reduce this healing time, we studied topically applied granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) as an adjunct to antimonial therapy. Ten patients received antimony plus topical GM-CSF, and 10 patients received antimony plus placebo (saline). GM-CSF was diluted for topical use and was applied 3 times weekly for 3 weeks (1–2 µg/cm²/lesion). The mean ± SD healing time was 43 ±14 days in the GM-CSF group and was 104±79 days in the placebo group (P = .043). Ten (100%) of 10 patients in the GM-CSF group healed within 60 days, compared with 5 (50%) of 10 patients in the placebo group. Two of the patients in the placebo group required retreatment with antimony. In conclusion, topically applied GM-CSF is effective in the management of CL.