The treatment of kala-azar during pregnancy.

Background: Kala-azar in pregnant women is difficult to treat because for them the two commonly used drugs, sodium stibogluconate and pentamidine, are not considered safe. We assessed the effect of amphotericin B on pregnancy, on the foetus and kala-azar.

Methods: Five pregnant women were administered amphotericin B at a dose of 1 mg/kg body weight daily starting with 0.5 mg/kg body weight till a total dose of 20 mg/kg body weight was given. The progress of pregnancy was monitored ultrasonographically and the mothers and children were followed for six months.

Results: All the 5 women were cured of the disease and there was no harmful effect on the children.

Conclusion: Amphotericin B cures kala-azar during pregnancy with no harmful effects on the foetus.