ABSTRACT
This study was conducted over 2 years period at two leprosy centers of a Tertiary Care Service Hospitals one located in Eastern Uttar Pradesh and second in northern India to assess the factors resulting in pre-mature termination of anti-leprosy treatment in patients. A total of 124 patients, undergoing treatment for leprosy who consumed MDT for at least a month, then stopped it and thereafter reported to us for various reasons, were included. It was observed that 41.1% (51/124) patients dropped out on MDT. 33% (41/124) of the patients who stopped the medication were not formally educated. Most common disease forms observed in these patients was Borderline Lepromatous (BL) and Lepromatous Leprosy in 41.1% (51/124). 49.1% (61/124) patients completed 2-5 months of therapy with MDT prior to stopping it and 38.7% (48/124) patients reported back to us within 2-5 months after suspension of MDT. Reason for reporting in 31.4% (39/124) of these patients was development of deformities while 25% (31/124) reported due to weakness of hands and feet. 23.3% (29/124) developed lepra reaction becoming the reason for their reporting to us for review. Social stigma was the most common factor leading to termination of drug therapy against advice in 25.8% (32/124) patients, 21.7% (27/124) cited loss of occupational hours while 11.2% (14/124) patients felt there was no need to take MDT. To conclude non-compliance to multi drug therapy for leprosy is one of the major obstacles in achieving a leprosy free world and we need to look into all the personal, health care related and social factors responsible for it. Although these factors may vary depending upon the region, society, efficiency of the health care system and the individual commitment level of the patients, the need for better communication at professional and user level is apparent. Focus should be on psychological counselling, motivation of patients, their families and a receptive society to reduce the source of infection, complications and deformities which are otherwise largely preventable and adherence to treat will also prevent of emergence of resistance to MDT. Modified strategy(ies) addressing the factors as identified in this study well in time can make a difference.
ABSTRACT
We report a case of sudden onset bilateral diminution of vision in a young lady with type 1 diabetes. She was administered intravenous fluids for correction of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) prior to onset of her ocular symptoms. Dramatic resolution of macular edema was noted within a very short period after correction of fluid input–output ratio. Visual acuity was restored to baseline after 3 days without any active ocular intervention.
ABSTRACT
In the post elimination phase of leprosy programme, it continues to be an important health problem in India. Further various atypical forms are seen resulting in delayed diagnosis. A retrospective analysis of 2 years (January 2016 to December 2017) records of all in and out patients of leprosy cases who were treated at a service hospital in northern India was done. At this hospital a total of 97 leprosy cases were seen during the study period out of which 18 (18.5%) cases where the diagnosis was missed due to various reasons resulting in delay in initiation of MDT were included. These cases were examined to describe the clinical presentation, delay in diagnosis and its significant outcome. 61% (11/18) were males while 39% (7/18) females. 22.2% (4/97) had Histoid Hansen's disease; 22.2% (4/18) had chronic symmetrical polyarthritis, there was no hypoaesthetic or anesthetic patches or enlarged nerves in these patients and these were initially diagnosed and managed as Rheumatoid arthritis. 16.6% (3/18) had spontaneous ulceration of extremities and had no skin infiltration or thickened nerve on examination. Interestingly two of these three patients had associated hypoaethesia of extremities which was not taken into consideration for making diagnosis as no suspicion of leprosy was made, one patient in this group had developed foot drop (L) and Right ulnar claw. 16.6% (3/18) had pure neuritic leprosy while greater auricular nerve thickening was seen in 11.1% (2/18) atypical cases. 5.5% (1/18) patient had swelling of upper lip but there no lesion on face or nerve and was managed by a Dentist. Lichenoid lesions were seen in 5.5% (1/18) cases. Out of 18 atypical cases 83.3% (15/18) were in multibacillary pole while 16.6% (3/18) were in paucibacillary pole. 27.7% (5/18) each were BL and LL while 22.2% (4/18) each were Pure neuritic and Histoid Hansen's. 83.3% (15/18) patients were Bacillary positive. Grade 2 deformity developed in 22.2% (4/18) of these cases. The total duration elapsed between presenting to the primary care giver and the dermatology center where the final diagnosis was made ranged from 2 weeks to 3 years. Increase in awareness about various presentations of leprosy in post-elimination era should be emphasized to the health care physicians as well as other workers involved in detection/diagnosis of leprosy