Clinical and Epidemiological study of Leprosy in a tertiary care hospital of North India

Dr. Rajeev Agarwal; Dr .Shweta Agarwal

Volume : VI, Issue : VII, July - 2016

Clinical and Epidemiological study of Leprosy in a tertiary care hospital of North India

Dr. Rajeev Agarwal, Dr . Shweta Agarwal

Abstract :

Background: Hansen’s disease, also known as leprosy, is an infectious disease still prevalent in India. It is a chronic illness with acute immunological phenomena known as leprosy reactions. Objectives: The study aimed to characterize the clinical and epidemiological profile of Hansen’s disease patients at the Hospital of Career Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow by descriptive, retrospective analysis of 50 patients over the period from 2013 to 2015. Material and Methods: A retrospective analytical study, carried out using health centre based data. All new cases of leprosy registered under the department of dermatology, Career Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow during this period were taken in to the study. Records of all leprosy cases who were registered in department of dermatology over a period of three year i.e. Jan 2013 to Dec 2015 were analyzed. Clinical spectrum of the patients was decided after recording detailed clinical history, clinical and slit–skin smear examination. Histopathological examination was done where needed. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23 statistical software. Chi square test was applied as a test of significance with a significance level of p≤0.05. Results: Out of the total 50 patient who attended the leprosy clinic under department of dermatology there were 30 (60%) male and 20 (40%) female. Majority of cases 36% belonged to 15–30 years closely followed by 30% in 31–45 year age–group which represent i.e. reproductive active age group. Out of the total 50 cases, majority of patient 31 (62%) belonged to multibacillary group treated with MB MDT while 19 (38%) were paucibacillary treated with PB MDT. Out of 50 new cases 10 (20%) patient suffered from various deformities. Prevalence of type 2 deformity was lower than type 1 deformities. Conclusion: While leprosy incidence has declined after MDT, early detection & proper monitoring of new cases was required to facilitate effective management, disability limitation and rehabilitation.