title: [One-year follow-up of 466 nerve decompressions in 123 lepers during multidrug therapy in Madagascar].
abstract: Surgical decompression of nerves in patients with leprosy is a simple procedure that can be used in developing countries. At the leprosy center of Ambatoabo on the east coast of Madagascar, 466 nerve decompressions were performed on 123 subjects and results were evaluated by the same examiner 15 months later. All subjects were undergoing multidrug therapy at the time of the procedure. The decision to perform surgery was based on recent onset of sensory and motor neurologic signs and on progression or persistence of symptoms despite administration of prednisolone. Decompression led to pain relief in 100% of cases and regression of sensory disturbances in 97%. Sensory recovery in the plantar ulcers of the foot was obtained in 80% of cases and motor performance improved in 61%. These favorable results confirm the value of surgical decompression to prevent sequels of leprosy and the feasibility of this procedure in remote areas.
authors.affiliation: Centre Hansénien d'Ambatoabo, Centre Hospitalier de Soavinandriana, Antanananarivo, Madagascar.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ramarorazana
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Rene
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Schwartzl
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Randrianomenjanahary
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Razafindramboa
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Di Schino
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007917:Leprostatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007918:Leprosy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D007917:Leprostatic Agents
vernacular_title: Résultats à un an de 466 décompressions nerveuses réalisées chez 123 lépreux en cours de polychimiotherapie à Madagascar.