Clinico–epidemiological profile of patients of Hansen’s disease in a tertiary care centre in West Bengal
EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HANSEN’S DISEASE IN WEST BENGAL
Keywords:
Hansen's Infection, Borderline Tuberculoid, Reactions, DeformitiesAbstract
Abstract: Background: As 57.8% of new Hansen’s infection cases found globally in 2012 were from India, it is of utmost importance to know the demographic profile of leprosy patients in this post-elimination era. Adequate knowledge and understanding of the epidemiology is a prerequisite for assessing and addressing public health needs in the nation and for enabling efficient programme, planning, and management. Aims: To determine clinical patterns of Leprosy, to evaluate post disease complications, to establish clinico-bacteriological correlation, to analyse the demographic profile of the study group and to determine the changing trend in pattern in the disease if any. Methods and Material: Ours was a cross sectional study and patients between 15 to 60 years of age, attending Dermatology, Venerology and Leprosy clinic, diagnosed with leprosy between April 2018 to March 2019, were included in study by convenient sampling and their demographic profile, history, general and dermatological examination were recorded and slit skin smear, biopsies were performed before arriving at final diagnosis. Statistical analysis: Data were compiled in the form of graphs and tables, and analysed by using SPSS statistical software ver 22.0.0, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Borderline tuberculoid (BT) was found to be the most common clinical type (57%), multibacillary leprosy was more prevalent than paucibacillary leprosy with ratio of 3:2, and type 1 reaction was more common in Borderline Tuberculoid and type 2 reactions in Lepromatous Leprosy. 76% patients had nerve involvement at the time of presentation, and 47% had visible deformities. Conclusions: In conclusion, when slit skin smear is not decisive and facilities for PCR are not accessible, a constellation of clinical and histological symptoms revealed to be crucial in the diagnosis of leprosy. Keywords: Hansen’s Infection, Borderline Tuberculoid, Reactions, Deformities Key Messages: Leprosy continues to be a health concern even in the post elimination era and early case detection, confirmation & commencement of MDT treatment, special endeavour to correct the deformity of the disabled persons is vital.References
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