title: Resolution of type 1 reaction in multibacillary Hansen's disease as a result of treatment with cyclosporine.
abstract: Type 1 Hansen's disease reaction (reversal reaction) is believed to result from a change in the immune response in patients with borderline Hansen's disease. The only effective therapy for significant type 1 reactions has been systemic corticosteroid therapy. Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive drug which has been widely used in organ transplantation. We report a case of type 1 reaction complicating borderline lepromatous Hansen's disease. Cyclosporine therapy resulted in prompt and sustained resolution of the reaction. The possible mechanism of action of cyclosporine and the implications regarding the immunopathogenesis of type 1 reaction are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Tuberculosis/Hansen's Disease Control Branch, State of Hawaii Department of Health, Honolulu.
authors.forename: R I
authors.initials: RI
authors.lastname: Frankel
authors.forename: R T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Mita
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: F J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Dann
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002991:Clofazimine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D015439:Leprosy, Borderline / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D012293:Rifampin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D016572:Cyclosporine; D002991:Clofazimine; D012293:Rifampin