Monitoring the Outcome of Leprosy Using Leprosy Neuropathy Scale: A Preliminary Study
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Date
2023-06
Authors
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Publisher
Hind Kusht Nivaran Sangh (Indian Leprosy Association)
Abstract
The disability and progress of leprosy patients is monitored by the WHO disability grading system which has limited sensitivity in leprous neuropathy. This study aims to report the spectrum of leprosy patients at a tertiary care neurology service and compare WHO grading, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and Leprosy Neuropathy Scale (LNS) in monitoring the treatment outcome. The patients with leprosy diagnosed as per WHO criteria were subjected to medical history and clinical examination. Their disability was graded as per WHO grading scale, modified Rankin scale (mRS) and LNS. These parameters were repeated and compared after six months of multiple drug therapy (MDT). Thirty-eight patients with leprosy, aged 40 (`5-80) years, 33 of whom were males have been evaluated. The duration of symptoms was 24 (91-120) months. Mononeuropathy was present in 14, mononeuropathy multiplex in 24, trophic ulcer in two, claw hand in 11, wrist drop in two, foot drop in four, facial palsy in one, Charcot’s joint in one and lepra reaction in seven patients. Their disability as per WHO grade 1 and 2 was in 19 patients each. After 6 months of MDT, WHO grade improved in two patients, mRS revealed improvement in seven and LNS in nine patients. LNS- a clinical scale, seems more effective and easier to use for monitoring the progress/ outcome of neuropathy in leprosy patients and may complement the WHO grading scale
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Keywords
Modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Leprosy Neuropathy Scale (LNS), WHO, MDT, Acid Fast Bacilli., Disability
Citation
Misra UK, Chaudhary SK, Kalita J. Monitoring the Outcome of Leprosy Using Leprosy Neuropathy Scale: A Preliminary Study. Indian Journal of Leprosy. 2023 Jun; 95: 111-119