Lepra reactions: A study of 130 cases from Pakistan

Saadia Tabassum, Mutaher Zia, Adeel Akbar Khoja, Juliet David, Muhammad Iqbal, Muhammad Junaid

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: To determine the occurrence and characteristics of lepra reactions in leprosy patients. Methods: The retrospective study was conducted at the Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre, Karachi, and comprised data of patients admitted between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2015, for the management of lepra reactions. Data was noted on a detailed proforma and was analysed using Microsoft Excel and applying chi-square test. Results: Of the 130 cases, 95(73%) were males and 35(27%) were females. Mean age at onset of the first episode was 39±14 years. Borderline lepromatous was the most common classification 76(58%), with 40(53%) of them having type 1 reaction as the first episode and 36(47%) having a type 2 reaction Risk factors associated with recurrence were skin lesions, fever, lymphadenopathy and type of reaction (p<0.05). Conclusion: Healthcare providers need to be aware of the clinical manifestations of lepra reactions in order to diagnose them early.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2317-2320
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of the Pakistan Medical Association
Volume71
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2021

Keywords

  • ENL
  • Erythema nodosum leprosum
  • Lepra reactions
  • Leprosy
  • Neuritis
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Type 1 reversal reactions

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Lepra reactions: A study of 130 cases from Pakistan'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this