A 5 year study of leprosy patients in a tertiary care centre

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Original Article

Author Details : Rashmi Mahajan, Kishan Ninama, Varun Jain, F.E Bilimoria, Som Lakhani

Volume : 4, Issue : 3, Year : 2018

Article Page : 232-236

https://doi.org/10.18231/2581-4729.2018.0049

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Abstract

Introduction: The implementation of MDT has resulted in bringing the national prevalence down to elimination of less than 1/10,000 in December 2005 and even further down to 0.66/10,000 in 2016. This study highlights the demographic data, clinical features, reactions and deformities in leprosy patients; thereby bringing to light the public health importance of this simmering disease.
Materials and Methods: It is a retrospective study of leprosy patients in S.B.K.S Medical Institute & Research Centre, Piparia, Waghodia, Vadodara. Study-subjects included patients with leprosy who presented at dermatology OPD from 1st April 2013 & till 31st march 2018. Statistical analysis was done using percentages and tables.
Results: There were a total of 329 cases. 10 patients (3.03%) were in pediatric age group. Male preponderance with M:F ratio is 2.2:1. Family history was seen in 8 patients (2.43%). 69.91% patients were from rural area. Clinically 8.38% patients had single patch, 90.57% had nerve involvement. The most common type was borderline tuberculoid leprosy (33.17%). Out of these 329 cases, 209 cases had completed the treatment, 89 were on treatment. 31 patients were defaulters.
Conclusion: Inspite of advent of MDT since 1981 and a multipronged approach by the government to eradicate the disease, we still continue to see new and inadequately treated cases; several of them land up in permanent deformities. Our study is only the tip of iceberg as several cases in the interiors of India still go untreated.

Keywords: Leprosy, Deformity, Disability, Reactions, Erythema nodosum leprosum.

How to cite : Mahajan R, Ninama K, Jain V, Bilimoria F, Lakhani S, A 5 year study of leprosy patients in a tertiary care centre. IP Indian J Clin Exp Dermatol 2018;4(3):232-236

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