Clinical Characteristics Of Patients With Leprosy In Hospital Kuala Lumpur

ABSTRACT

Background: Nearly half of the new leprosy cases reported in Malaysia were foreigners from neighbouring Asian countries. Objectives: To determine the clinical characteristics of leprosy and its difference, among the Malaysian and the foreign patients Methods: This is a 4-year retrospective analysis of 75 leprosy patients who attended Hospital Kuala Lumpur Hansen’s Clinic. Variables included the disease clinical characteristics, clinical severity and the complications. Results: Foreigners accounted for 51% of total patients with mean age of 35.8 years. Malaysians presented at mean age of 40.8 years. The gender ratio (male female) was 2.71 in the former and 2.31 in the latter. The Malaysians tend to present later (average after three years) to the clinic. The clinical presentations in both groups of patients didn’t significantly differ. Conclusion: In Malaysia. Leprosy shouldn’t be labelled as the disease of the immigrants. Social awareness on the disease should be equally highlighted to both locals and foreigners, especially among females.