Late follow-up of peripheral neural decompression in leprosy: functional and clinical outcomes / Seguimento tardio da descompressão neural periférica na hanseníase: resultados funcionais e clínicos

ABSTRACT Background: Peripheral neural surgical decompression (PNSD) is used as a complementary therapy to the clinical treatment of neuritis to preserve neural function. Objective: To evaluate the long-term (≥ 1 year) clinical and functional results for PNSD in leprosy neuritis. Methods: This cross-sectional study included leprosy patients who were in late postoperative period (LPO) of surgical decompression of ulnar, median, tibial, and fibular nerves. Socioeconomic, epidemiological, and clinical data were collected. The following instruments were used in this evaluation: visual analogue pain scale (VAS), Douleur Neuropathique en 4 Questions (DN4), SALSA scale, and simplified neurological assessment protocol. The preoperative (PrO) and 180-day postoperative (PO180) results were compared. Results: We evaluated 246 nerves from 90 patients: 56.6% were on multidrug therapy (MDT) and 43.3% discharged from MDT. Motor scores and pain intensity showed statistically significant improvement (p<0.01). There was an increase in sensory scores only for bilateral ulnar nerves (p<0.05). Of the operated cases, 26.0% of patients were referred for surgery of ulnar neuritis and 23.6% of tibial neuritis. Neuropathic pain was reported in 41% of cases. Daily dose of prednisone reduced from 39.6 mg (±3.0) in PrO, 16.3 mg (±5.2) in PO180, to 1.7 mg (±0.8) in LPO. The SALSA scale results showed mild activity limitation in 51% and moderate in 34% of patients. Eighty percent of individuals reported that the results reached their expectations. Conclusions: PNSD in leprosy was effective in the long term to decrease the prevalence and intensity of pain, improve motor function, and reduce the dose of corticosteroids, which is reflected in the patients' satisfaction.

RESUMO Antecedentes: A descompressão cirúrgica neural periférica (DCNP) é usada como uma terapia complementar ao tratamento clínico da neurite hansênica para preservar a função neural. Objetivo: Avaliar a longo prazo (≥ 1 ano) os resultados clínicos e funcionais da DCNP na neurite hansênica. Métodos: Este estudo transversal incluiu pacientes que estavam no pós-operatório tardio (POT) de cirurgia de descompressão dos nervos ulnares, medianos, tibiais e fibulares. Foram coletados dados socioeconômicos, epidemiológicos e clínicos. Os instrumentos utilizados foram: escala visual analógica de dor (EVA), questionário de dor neuropática 4 (DN4), escala SALSA e protocolo de avaliação neurológica simplificada. Os resultados obtidos foram comparados com os do pré-operatório (PrO) e pós-operatório de 180 dias (PO180). Resultados: Foram avaliados 246 nervos de 90 pacientes: 56,6% estavam em poliquimioterapia (PQT) e 43,3% em alta da PQT. Escores motores e intensidade da dor apresentaram melhora significante (p<0,01). Houve aumento nos escores sensitivos nos nervos ulnares bilaterais (p<0,05). Neurite ulnar foi indicação cirúrgica em 26,0% dos casos operados, seguida pela neurite tibial (23,6%). Dor neuropática foi relatada em 41% dos casos. Dose diária de prednisona reduziu de 39,6 mg (±3,0) na PrO, 16,3 mg (±5,2) na PO180, para 1,7 mg (±0,8) na POT. Escala SALSA mostrou limitação leve da atividade em 51% e moderada em 34% dos pacientes. 80% dos indivíduos relataram que os resultados atingiram suas expectativas. Conclusão: DCNP na hanseníase foi eficaz a longo prazo na redução da prevalência e intensidade da dor, na melhora da função motora e redução da dose de corticosteroides, refletindo na satisfação do paciente.

Adverse effects of polychemotherapy for leprosy in 13 years of follow-up at a university hospital

Abstract Leprosy is one of the neglected diseases in the world and Brazil is the second country with more cases. A retrospective study was conducted based on the medical records of 196 leprosy patients diagnosed during the course of 13 years at a university hospital. The aim was to describe the adverse effects of polychemotherapy, as well the most prevalent and most vulnerable populations. In the study, dapsone was the most implicated drug, especially in women, and the risk increased with age. The authors conclude that with this patient profile, greater vigilance should be taken regarding possible adverse effects, especially anemia.

Case for diagnosis. Erythematous and infiltrated plaques in the infrahyoid region

Abstract Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae and, depending on the host immune status, presents different clinical forms. This report describes the case of a 46-year-old man who had hypoesthetic lesions in the infrahyoid region for 30 days. The bacilloscopy was negative. The anatomopathological examination showed alterations corresponding to the tuberculoid pole (epithelioid histiocytes) and virchowian pole (foamy histiocytes), compatible with borderline-virchowian leprosy (Ridley and Jopling classification). Rapid tests for HIV I, II, and syphilis were positive, with a CD4 count of 223. The patient started treatment with multibacillary multidrug therapy, antiretroviral therapy, and benzathine penicillin, with marked clinical improvement in two months.

Case for diagnosis. Infiltrated areas on the trunk

Abstract Leprosy is an infectious disease with chronic evolution, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, an acid-fast bacillus that mainly affects the skin and peripheral nervous tissue. Many of the clinical manifestations of leprosy can mimic connective tissue diseases. The authors present the case of a 49-year-old woman who had been treated for four years for systemic lupus erythematosus in a rheumatological service. Skin biopsy of a plaque on the inguinal region was compatible with borderline lepromatous leprosy associated with a type 1 lepra reaction. The patient is undergoing treatment with multibacillary multidrug therapy, showing clinical improvement.

Prevenção de incapacidade física por hanseníase no Brasil: análise histórica / Prevention of physical disabilities due to leprosy in Brazil: a historic analysis

Resumo As orientações para prevenção de incapacidades físicas por hanseníase vêm ganhando destaque no controle da doença para além da poliquimioterapia. O objetivo deste artigo é descrever as mudanças, de forma cronológica, nas orientações técnicas para prevenção das incapacidades físicas por hanseníase no Brasil. Trata-se de relato histórico baseado em documentos oficiais dos órgãos de saúde brasileiros. Foram incluídos todos os decretos, portarias e manuais que fizeram menção à prevenção de incapacidades, publicados entre 1962 e 2016. Os documentos estabeleceram os critérios clínicos, técnicos, assistenciais, emocionais e sociais, de direcionamento das ações de prevenção nas instituições de saúde. As publicações foram coordenadas pelo Ministério da Saúde e adequadas ao longo dos anos sob o ponto de vista conceitual, político, estratégico e assistencial. As orientações abrangeram, principalmente, as atividades de avaliação neurológica e do grau de incapacidade física, técnicas de prevenção de incapacidades e autocuidado. As incapacidades físicas refletem a qualidade do acesso ao diagnóstico, do acompanhamento dos casos durante o tratamento e pós-alta por cura. Os serviços de saúde deverão ser organizados não apenas para o diagnóstico e oferta da poliquimioterapia, mas para todos os aspectos que envolvem a doença.

Abstract Guidelines for the prevention of physical disabilities due to leprosy have been gaining prominence in the control of the disease over and above multidrug therapy. The scope of this study is to describe the chronological changes in the technical guidelines for the prevention of physical disabilities due to leprosy in Brazil. It is a historical account based on official documents of the Brazilian health agencies. All the decrees, ordinances and manuals that mentioned assessment and prevention of disabilities published between 1962 and 2016 were included. The documents established the clinical, technical, welfare, emotional and social criteria that governed preventive actions in health institutions. The publications were coordinated by the Ministry of Health and adapted over the years from a conceptual, political, strategic and welfare standpoint. The guidelines mainly encompassed the activities of neurological assessment and the degree of physical incapacity, techniques of prevention of incapacities and self-care. Physical disabilities reflect the quality of access to diagnosis, monitoring of cases during treatment and post-discharge due to cure. The health services should be organized not only for the diagnosis and provision of multidrug therapy, but for all aspects involving the disease.

The interference of polypharmacy and the importance of clinical pharmacy advice in the treatment of leprosy: a case-control study

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Although supervised doses are essential for reducing leprosy treatment failure, the impact of specific drug interactions has rarely been assessed. This study aimed to estimate the risk of leprosy treatment suspension in patients receiving polypharmacy. METHODS We performed this case-control study in which the primary outcome was defined as the need to discontinue multibacillary leprosy treatment for at least one supervised dose, and the main risk factor was the detection of polypharmacy. Multivariate analysis by logistic regression was used for calculating odds ratio (OR). RESULTS: This study included 103 patients, of whom 43 needed to discontinue leprosy treatment (hemolysis = 26, hepatitis = 2, hemolysis associated with hepatitis = 6, and suspected treatment resistance = 9) and the rest did not. The severity of drug interactions had no effect on treatment discontinuation. Patients who used five or more drugs in addition to leprosy treatment had almost a 4-fold greater risk of treatment suspension (OR, 3.88; 95% confidence interval: 1.79-9.12; p < 0.001). The number of drugs used also positively influenced the occurrence of hemolysis (p < 0.001). No patient presented evidence of molecular resistance to rifampicin, dapsone, or ofloxacin treatment, as evidenced by genetic sequencing detection of rpoB, folp1, and gyrA mutations. CONCLUSIONS: Polypharmacy has deleterious effects on the already difficult-to-adhere-to treatment of leprosy and polypharmacy induces hemolysis. Additional measures must be taken to avoid the undesirable effects of inadequate polypharmacy.

Rationale use of Thalidomide in erythema nodosum leprosum - A non-systematic critical analysis of published case reports

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Thalidomide is an anti- tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) drug used mainly in the management of moderate to severe form of Erythema Nodosum Leprosum (ENL). Because of its teratogenic potential it has to be used under proper supervision. Our critical analysis tries to look into the rationale with which it has been used by means of case reports on lepra reaction. METHODS: We looked for the case reports between December 2005 to June 2019 in databases like Pubmed, Embase and other relevant resources. We used search words like "erythema nodosum leprosum(ENL)", "thalidomide", "case report" in different combinations to get relevant reports that focus on thalidomide usage atleast once at any time point during management. The information extracted were indication of thalidomide use, dose, response, outcome, complication if any, along with all the demographic details and geographical distribution. RESULTS: We found 41 case reports eligible for analysis.The information was critically evaluated. From the analysis it was found that 7 of the case report mentioned the exact indication, 4 case report showed irrational use of thalidomide in the case of neuritis without use of steroids, 7 showed proper use of Clofazimine prior to thalidomide initiation, 26 case report showed case report of rationale dose range and in 4 case reports clofazimine was used prior to thalidomide along with the rational dose of thalidomide. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis helps to guide the rationale use of thalidomide focussing on few important points that anyone should keep in mind while managing a case of ENL.

Procedural dermatology in the COVID-19 era: an online survey of the Philippine Dermatological Society members and practical recommendations for safe practice

@#BACKGROUND: The novel COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 19) predisposes the general population to a high risk of infection. The 106 million population of the Philippines would be considered an at-risk group due to the high density of the populace in cities. As the situation in each country differs during this era of the COVID-19 pandemic, this paper aims to give practical recommendations for safe procedural dermatology practice in the Philippine setting after the lifting of the government-mandated quarantine. METHODS: An online survey was conducted among Philippine Dermatological Society members. The survey was sent electronically on March 22, 2020. RESULTS: A total of 466 or 42% of the PDS’s 1100 current members replied to the survey. The top 10 procedures performed among the respondents are: 1. Electrocautery (N=437, 94.38%), 2. Chemical peeling (N=422, 91.13%), 3. Laser & energy based device treatment (N= 341, 73.65%), 4. Botulinum toxin injection (N=323, 69.76%), 5. Excision (N=263, 56.80%), 6. Acne surgery (N=176, 38.01%), 7. Injectable Filler (N=171, 36.93%), 8. Cryotherapy (N=145, 31.32%), 9. Platelet rich plasma injection (N=111, 23.97%) and 10. Scar revision (N=85, 18.36%). The majority of the respondents have access to personal protective equipment (PPE) such as surgical masks (N=457, 98.7%), face shields (57.67%), goggles (46.00%), protective gown (42.76%) and bonnets (32.83%). Before the government quarantine, the majority (N=375, 81.17%) of respondents see patients on a firstcome, first-serve system. Only 18.83% (N=87) see patients only by appointment. Regarding teledermatology, most respondents answered that they would advise patients to do digital consultation with only a minority responding they would not consider doing teledermatology. CONCLUSIONS: In the Philippine setting, the best ways to prevent COVID infection inthe procedural dermatology setting include: 1. Education of staff and patients on proper exposure prevention and sanitation measures. 2. Ensuring the correct usage of PPE. 3. Ensuring physical distancing and reducing patient wait times by scheduling visits on an appointment basis. 4. Sufficient protocols must be made for sanitation before and after each patient visit. 5. Teledermatology in pre-procedure consults and post-procedure follow-ups would reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission for both patient and physician.

Relapse rate among smear-positive leprosy cases after 12 blister packs and 24 blister packs of multibacillary drug therapy in a tertiary hospital

@#BACKGROUND: Several trials on relapse rates on duration of multibacillary regimens have varying results. OBJECTIVE: To compare the relapse rate among smear-positive Leprosy patients receiving 12 blister packs of multibacillary drug therapy and 24 blister packs of multibacillary drug therapy. METHOD: A review of records of smear positive Leprosy patients seen from 2002 to 2006 was done. Demographic, clinical and therapeutic data were collected. Bacteriologic index was determined from Leprosy Laboratory records. RESULT: A total of 391 patients were found to have complete records for review and analysis. Relapse rate was 11.9%(28) for patients who received 12 blister packs and 1.91%(3) for patients who received 24 blister packs and the difference was found to be statistically significant (p<0.01). Distribution of relapse was statistically significant according to age (p<0.01), bacteriologic index (p<0.01) and clinical spectrum (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Relapse rates shown among smear positive leprosy patients receiving 12 blister packs vs. those receiving 24 blister packs was statistically higher which differs from previously published studies. Significant predictors were clinical spectrum, bacteriologic index of >3.5, and >4 and number of blister packs.

de novo Histoid leprosy: an expatriate case recently diagnosed in Johannesburg

Abstract: Histoid leprosy (HL) is a rare variant of lepromatous leprosy with unique clinical, histopathological, and microbiological features. A 32-year-old man from Malawi who immigrated to Johannesburg 1-year-ago, presented with a 4-month history of flesh-colored nodules on the face and trunk and hyperpigmented plaques on the chest and limbs. Skin slit smears confirmed multibacillary leprosy, and skin punch biopsies showed proliferation of spindled cells containing a large number of acid-fast bacilli. The prevalence of de novo HL is increasing in the era of leprosy elimination. HL cases may act as reservoirs and negatively affect the global control of leprosy.

Células gigantes en lepra lepromatosa: dermatitis difusa con células gigantes exuberantes de tipo cuerpo extraño en lepra lepromatosa tratada / Giant cells lepromatous leprosy: Diffuse dermatitis with exuberant foreign body giant cells in treated lepromatous leprosy

Resumen Los pacientes con lepra lepromatosa que han recibido tratamiento durante años, usualmente requieren seguimiento con biopsias de piel para detectar lesiones persistentes o si la baciloscopia es positiva, incluso si los valores son menores que los iniciales. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 48 años de edad con lepra lepromatosa de 15 años de evolución, índice bacilar de 4 en el extendido directo y en la biopsia, que recibió tratamiento con múltiples medicamentos durante 32 meses, aunque lo recomendado por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) es una duración de 12 meses. Se tomó una biopsia de piel para determinar si la enfermedad estaba activa. Se observó inflamación dérmica difusa con numerosas células gigantes de tipo cuerpo extraño y macrófagos vacuolados (células de Virchow). Estas células, CD68 positivas, contenían material granular ácido-alcohol resistente positivo con inmunohistoquímica para BCG. Se encontraron bacilos fragmentados y el índice bacilar fue de 2. Se interpretó como una forma residual de lepra lepromatosa y se concluyó que la paciente no requería prolongar el tratamiento con múltiples medicamentos. Este perfil histológico se ha observado en casos similares, pero sin datos clínicos estas biopsias representan un reto diagnóstico. La acumulación de lípidos en estas células gigantes se debe a la destrucción bacilar y a la fusión de macrófagos vacuolados. Se revisó el papel de los lípidos del bacilo y del huésped en la patogenia de la lepra lepromatosa. En estos casos, no es necesario extender los 12 meses de tratamiento con múltiples medicamentos recomendados por la OMS. En el seguimiento de los pacientes, se recomienda contar con los hallazgos clínicos, la baciloscopia, la biopsia anual de piel y los títulos IgM antiglucolípido fenólico.

Abstract Patients with lepromatous leprosy that have received treatment for many years usually get follow up biopsies for persistent skin lesions or positive bacilloscopy even if the values are lower than in the initial bacilloscopy. We report the case of a 48-year old woman with long-standing lepromatous leprosy of 15 years of evolution, with a bacterial index of 4 in the direct smear and the initial skin biopsy. The patient was treated with multidrug therapy for 32 months although the treatment recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) is only for 12 months. A skin biopsy was taken to determine if there was an active disease. We observed a diffuse dermal inflammation with numerous foreign body giant cells and vacuolated macrophages (Virchow´s cells). These cells contained granular acid-fast material that was also positive with immunohistochemistry for BCG. There were fragmented bacilli and the BI was 2. These cells were also strongly positive for CD68. The biopsy was interpreted as a residual form of lepromatous leprosy that did not require further multidrug therapy. We have observed similar histological profiles in several cases. The lack of clinical data makes it a histological challenge. The accumulation of lipids in these giant cells is due to bacillary destruction and fusion of vacuolated macrophages. We discuss here the role of bacillary and host lipids in the pathogenesis of lepromatous leprosy. We concluded that there was no need to extend the 12-month multidrug therapy recommended by WHO. Clinical findings, bacilloscopy, annual skin biopsy, and anti-phenolic glycolipid-I IgM titers are recommended procedures for the follow-up of these patients.

Análise contextual da atenção à saúde na alta em hanseníase: uma revisão integrativa / Análisis contextual de la atención a la salud en el alta en lepra: una revisión integradora / Contextual analysis of health care at discharge in leprosy: an integrative review

Resumo OBJETIVO Analisar as relações contextuais da atenção à saúde na alta em hanseníase. MÉTODO Estudo analítico pautado no referencial teórico de análise do contexto, elaborado mediante revisão integrativa de literatura nas bases de dados SCOPUS, PUBMED, LILACS, SCIELO e BDENF, com descritores Hanseníase e Alta do Paciente, obtendo-se 14 publicações. RESULTADOS O contexto imediato aborda a atenção em saúde na alta em hanseníase; o contexto específico trata da hanseníase como problema de saúde pública; as concepções simbólicas que envolvem a hanseníase são abarcadas pelo contexto geral; e no metacontexto estão descritos programas e políticas de saúde que subsidiam o atendimento à pessoa com hanseníase. CONCLUSÃO Os elementos contextuais ressaltam a necessidade de garantir a atenção em saúde para os casos de hanseníase, do diagnóstico até o pós-alta, reconhecendo a hanseníase como problema de saúde pública. Apesar das limitações dos estudos bibliográficos, estes possuem relevância para a área da saúde.

Resumen OBJETIVO Analizar las relaciones contextuales de la atención a la salud en el alta en lepra. MÉTODO Estudio analítico, pautado en el referencial teórico de análisis del contexto, elaborado mediante revisión integrativa de literatura en las bases de datos SCOPUS, PUBMED, LILACS, SCIELO y BDENF, con descriptores Lepra y Alta del Paciente, obteniendo 14 publicaciones. RESULTADOS El contexto inmediato aborda la atención en salud en el alto en lepra; el contexto específico trata de la lepra como problema de salud pública; las concepciones simbólicas que envuelven la lepra son abarcadas por el contexto general; y en el metacontexto se describen los programas y políticas de salud. CONCLUSIÓN Los elementos contextuales resaltan la necesidad de garantizar cobertura universal casos de lepra, del diagnóstico hasta el post-alta, reforzando la hanseniasis como problema de salud. A pesar de las limitaciones de los estudios bibliográficos, éstos tienen relevancia para el área de la salud.

Abstract OBJECTIVE To analyze contextual relations of health care in the discharge of leprosy. METHOD An analytical, reflexive study based on the theoretical framework of context analysis, elaborated through an integrative review of literature in the databases SCOPUS, PUBMED, LILACS, SCIELO and BDENF, with uncontrolled descriptors Leprosy and Patient Discharge, obtaining 14 publications. RESULTS The immediate context addresses health care at discharge in leprosy; the specific context treats leprosy as a public health problem; the symbolic conceptions and marks involving leprosy are encompassed by the general context; and in the metacontext are described the health programs and policies that subsidize the care of leprosy patients. CONCLUSION The contextual elements emphasize the need to guarantee universal coverage of cases of leprosy, from diagnosis to the post-discharge, reinforcing leprosy as a public health problem. Despite the limitations of the bibliographic studies, these have relevance for the health area.

Adverse events in patients with leprosy on treatment with thalidomide

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Thalidomide, used to treat erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL), is associated with severe adverse events (AEs) and is highly teratogenic. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on thalidomide-treated patients with ENL. AEs and selected variables were investigated through interviews and assessment of medical records. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were estimated via logistic regression. RESULTS: Peripheral neuropathy symptoms and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) were the most common AEs reported. Although women of reproductive age used contraceptives, <50% of patients reported using condoms. Polypharmacy was associated with all endpoints, except DVT. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacovigilance is crucial to prevent harmful thalidomide-associated AEs.

Avaliação neurológica simplificada: auxílio no diagnóstico de Hanseníase / Simplified neurological assessment: aid in the diagnosis of leprosy

Apresenta dados da Hanseníase no Brasil no Mundo. Apresenta avaliação das Lesões dos nervos periféricos, na região nasal, olhos, Nervo Facial, Nervo Trigêmeo, Teste de Acuidade Visual, Nervo Auricular, Nervo Ulnar, Nervo Mediano, Nervo Radial e Radial Cutâneo, Técnica do Estesiômetro, Nervo Fibular Profundo e Superficial, Nervo Tibial Posterior, Estesiometria nos pés.

It presents data on Hansen's disease in Brazil worldwide. Presents evaluation of peripheral nerve injuries, in the nasal region, eyes, facial nerve, trigeminal nerve, visual acuity test, auricular nerve, ulnar nerve, median nerve, radial and radial cutaneous nerve, esthesiometer technique, deep and superficial fibular nerve, Posterior Tibial Nerve, Stoichiometry in the feet.

Presenta datos sobre la enfermedad de Hansen en Brasil en todo el mundo. Presenta evaluación de lesiones de nervios periféricos, en la región nasal, ojos, nervio facial, nervio trigémino, prueba de agudeza visual, nervio auricular, nervio cubital, nervio mediano, nervio cutáneo radial y radial, técnica de estesiómetro, nervio peroneo profundo y superficial, Nervio Tibial Posterior, Estequiometria en los pies.

Il présente des données sur la maladie de Hansen au Brésil dans le monde entier. Présente l'évaluation des lésions nerveuses périphériques, dans la région nasale, les yeux, le nerf facial, le nerf trijumeau, le test d'acuité visuelle, le nerf auriculaire, le nerf ulnaire, le nerf médian, le nerf cutané radial et radial, la technique de l'esthésiomètre, le nerf fibulaire profond et superficiel, Nerf tibial postérieur, stoechiométrie dans les pieds.

Clinical trial for uniform multidrug therapy for leprosy patients in Brazil (U-MDT/CT-BR): adverse effects approach

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Clinical Trial for Uniform Multidrug Therapy for Leprosy Patients in Brazil (U-MDT/CT-BR), designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a six-months regimen, assessed the adverse effects caused by the drugs. OBJECTIVE: Describe adverse effects due to MDT in U-MDT/CT-BR, comparing the uniform regimen (U-MDT) to the current WHO regimen (R-MDT). Patients and methods: After operational classification, patients were randomly allocated to the study groups. U-MDT PB and U-MDT MB groups, received the U-MDT regimen, six doses of MB-MDT (rifampicin, dapsone and clofazimine). R-MDT PB and R-MDT MB groups, received the WHO regimens: six doses (rifampicin and dapsone) for PB and 12 doses (rifampicin, dapsone and clofazimine) for MB. During treatment, patients returned monthly for clinical and laboratorial evaluation. Patients with single lesion were not included in this trial. RESULTS: Skin pigmentation (21.7%) and xerosis (16.9%) were the most frequent complaints among 753 patients. Laboratory exams showed hemoglobin concentration lower than 10g/dL in 23.3% of the patients, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) above 40U/L in 29.5% and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) above 40U/L in 28.5%. Twenty-four patients (3.2%) stopped dapsone intake due to adverse effects, of whom 16.6% due to severe anemia. One case of sulfone syndrome was reported. STUDY LIMITATIONS: Loss of some monthly laboratory sample collection. CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistical difference regarding adverse effects in the R-MDT and U-MDT groups but anemia was greater in patients from R-MDT/MB group, therefore adverse effects do not represent a constraint to recommend the six-month uniform regimen of treatment for all leprosy patients.

Effectiveness of the retreatment of patients with multibacillary leprosy and episodes of erythema nodosum leprosum and/or persistent neuritis: a single-center experience

Abstract: Background: Erythema nodosum leprosum may appear before, during or after treatment of leprosy and is one of the main factors for nerve damage in patients. When it occurs or continues to occur after treatment, it may indicate disease recurrence and a new treatment may be instituted again. Objective: To evaluate the retreatment of patients with multibacillary leprosy who underwent standard treatment with multidrug therapy, but developed or continued to present reactions of erythema nodosum leprosum and/or neuritis 3-5 years after its end. Method: For this objective, a new treatment was performed in 29 patients with multibacillary leprosy who maintained episodes of erythema nodosum and/or neuritis 3-5 years after conventional treatment. Results: In general, we observed that 27 (93.10%) had no more new episodes after a follow up period of eight months to five years. In five of these patients the reason for the retreatment was the occurrence of difficult-to-control neuritis, and that has ceased to occur in all of them. Study limitations: Small number of patients.. Conclusion: In the cases observed, retreatment was an effective measure to prevent the occurrence of erythema nodosum leprosum and/or persistent neuritis.