Abstract:
Leprosy is a common infectious disease causing as much social problem as a
medical one. It leads to variety of disabilities resulting from nerve damage,
immunological reactions and bacillary infiltration. Among communicable diseases, it
remains a leading cause of peripheral neuropathy and disability worldwide.
Disabilities and deformities are of major concern as it triggers social, economic and
psychosocial problems of leprosy patients. Early identification can lead to prevention
of progression of the deformities and also help in providing rehabilitation in advanced
cases.
Objectives
To detect deformities and disabilities in leprosy patients and grading them
according to WHO deformity and disability grading system (2007).
Method
It was a hospital-based, cross sectional study. One hundred and forty six
patients with leprosy attending the Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy out
patient department of a tertiary care hospital were included in the study. Detailed
history was taken and all patients were examined for all kinds of deformities of hands,
feet and face. Slit skin smear and biopsy was done in all new cases.
Results
Among the 146 patients enrolled in the study, 85 were male and 61 were
female, 10 were children, with a mean age of 38.1(±15.6) years. The mean duration
of disease was 2.6 (±4.1) years. A statistically significant (p<0.001) number of
patients with deformity presented to hospital by 2 years of onset. Proportion of
deformities was greater in males, in farmers and in people belonging to lower socio
xi
economic status (p=0.008). Multibacillary patients had higher rate of deformities of
hands and feet and a statistically significant (p=0.006) number of MB patients had
grade 2 ocular deformity (WHO 2007).
Conclusion
Various deformities can be detected by clinical examination and simple tests.
Early identification of disease and deformities can help in educating the patients about
leprosy and thus prevention of progression to adverse sequelae.
