Leprosy presenting as peripheral neuropathy.
Cases of leprosy are increasing in the United States because of immigration from countries where the disease is endemic. Infection may not become apparent for several years after immigration. Symptoms related to involvement of peripheral nervous tissue are often the presenting complaint. Prompt treatment can prevent the potentially severe sequelae of this disease. Current regimens utilize rifampin with dapsone to decrease the development of drug resistance.
Hale
W A
WA
Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital, Greensboro, North Carolina.
D000328:Adult; D003622:Dapsone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D007918:Leprosy / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D012293:Rifampin / Q000627:therapeutic use
D003622:Dapsone; D012293:Rifampin