title: Reversal reaction to Hansen's disease.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, 401 East 34th Street, S-6N, New York, NY 10016, USA.
authors.forename: Ming H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Jih
authors.forename: Arash
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kimyai-Asadi
authors.forename: William R
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: Levis
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D011241:Prednisone; D012293:Rifampin