Clinical study of nerve function impairment in newly diagnosed leprosy patients at a tertiary care center in Shahjahanpur district

ABSTRACT

Background:In leprosy nerve function impairment may result from pathological and immunological processes that take place in peripheral nerves. Prevalence rate of leprosy in India is 0.81 per 10,000 populations. The study was undertaken to determine the status of nerve function impairment at the time of registration for therapy in new leprosy patients.Methods:History of the patients was taken and clinical examinations were performed and they were assisted for nerve function impairment by performing sensory test and voluntary muscle power. Results:The most commonly affected nerve by function impairment was theposterior tibial, followed by the ulnar nerve. In the present study 29% patients had grade 1 disability and 10% had grade 2 disabilities.Conclusions:The loss of nerve function and incapacitating deformities occurring in a small proportion of leprosy patients result in serious social and psychological impact in their quality of life. Therefore,early detection of nerve function impairment is needed to avoid complications and better management of leprosy.