Post-treatment Status of Leprosy Lesions: A Cross-sectional Study from a Tertiary Referral Centre
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Date
2025-06
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Hind Kusht Nivaran Sangh (Indian Leprosy Association)
Abstract
Persistence of skin lesions for different time periods and disabilities after completing the schedule of prescribed treatment poses problems in convincing the patients and sometimes treating doctors about adequacy of medical treatment. This study was carried out to assess the post-treatment status of leprosy lesions in patients who received multidrug therapy (MDT) from a tertiary referral centre in Kerala, India. In this cross- sectional study, carried out from January 2020 to December 2021, we contacted the patients who completed MDT for leprosy from our institution between January 2018 and March 2020. We included those who were willing to undergo assessment of post-treatment status of leprosy lesions. The status of leprosy lesions at recruitment to study was recorded. Out of the 109 patients who completed MDT during the given period, 65 (59.6%) gave consent for re-evaluation. Fifty four out of the 65 patients (54/65, 83.1%) had sequelae of leprosy. Persistence of skin lesions was observed in 41 patients (63.05%), while residual nerve deficits were noted in 20 patients (30.7%). A complete resolution of hypopigmented lesions was observed in 15 of 40 patients (37.5%) and no resolution in 3 (7.5%). Among 14 patients with ichthyotic lesions, 3 (21.4%) showed complete resolution, 9 (64.3%) partial and 2 (14.3%) no resolution. Of the 19 patients with erythematous lesions, 5 (26.3%) had complete resolution and 14 (73.7%) partial resolution. Sensory deficits (anaesthesia or hypoaesthesia) in leprosy lesions were present in 55 of 65 patients (84.6%) at MDT initiation. Of these, 18 (32.7%) achieved complete recovery, 28 (50.9%) showed improvement, and 7 (12.7%) had no change. Twenty- three patients (23/29, 79.3%) showed persistent grade 2 disability. Two patients (2/55,3.6%) were diagnosed as relapse at re-evaluation. More than 80% of patients who were reassessed manifesting persistent leprosy lesions indicate that management of leprosy goes beyond completion of MDT. Patients were assessed and provided with appropriate counselling, including recommendations on lifestyle modifications to prevent the development of burns and trophic ulcers. Additionally, rehabilitation exercises were advised for those with deformities. For patients with existing trophic ulcers, comprehensive instructions on ulcer care and strategies to prevent secondary infections were provided. We need population-based studies among treated cases of leprosy to assess disease-related post-treatment events so as to plan future strategies.
Description
Keywords
Post treatment status, Leprosy, Lesion, Grade 2 disability, Multidrug therapy.
Citation
Anagha KV, Sasidharanpillai S, Babitha V, Devi K. . Post-treatment Status of Leprosy Lesions: A Cross-sectional Study from a Tertiary Referral Centre. Indian Journal of Leprosy . 2025 Jun; 97(2): 119-131