Type 1 reactions in leprosy, neuritis and steroid therapy: the impact of the human immunodeficiency virus.
The incidence of type 1 reactions and neuritis among HIV seronegative and HIV seropositive leprosy patients was investigated. HIV seropositivity was associated with an increased incidence of type 1 reactions among multibacillary (MB) patients, which were observed in 9 of 12 seropositive MB patients and in 8 of 40 HIV seronegative MB patients (P < 0.0005). Similarly, the incidence of neuritis was significantly increased among the HIV seropositive MB patients, of whom 8 developed acute neuritis compared to 3 of the HIV seronegative patients (P < 0.0005). There was no significant difference between the numbers of paucibacillary HIV seropositive and HIV seronegative patients who developed these complications. Both the HIV seronegative and HIV seropositive patients showed a similar response to steroid therapy for the management of acute neuritis.
Bwire
R
R
St Francis Leprosy Centre, Buluba, Finja, Uganda.
Kawuma
H J
HJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007918:Leprosy / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009443:Neuritis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D013256:Steroids / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D013256:Steroids