Reversal reaction to Hansen's disease.
A 25-year-old man with a history of mid-borderline (BB) Hansen's disease developing a reversal reaction after starting dapsone and rifampin therapy is presented. His clinical features included erythematous, edematous plaques and peripheral neuropathy. Reversal reactions are caused immunologically by enhanced cell-mediated (Th-1) immunity to Mycobacterium leprae, resulting in inflammation of infected tissues, such as skin and nerves. Acute neuritis can lead to permanent nerve damage and necessitate prompt treatment with prednisone and/or clofazamine.
Jih
Ming H
MH
Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, 401 East 34th Street, S-6N, New York, NY 10016, USA.
Kimyai-Asadi
Arash
A
Levis
William R
WR
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007918:Leprosy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012293:Rifampin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D011241:Prednisone; D012293:Rifampin