Comprehensive treatment of complicated plantar ulcers in leprosy.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate feasible treatment methods for plantar ulcers in leprosy patients according to the agreement between the Ministry of Health (MOH) of China and the Leprosy Mission International (LMI).


METHODS
A total of 2599 complicated foot ulcers in 1804 leprosy cases underwent surgic treatment. Plastic fixation and supports were used, dressings were changed regularly, and protective footwear and modified insoles were provided.


RESULTS
Of the 2599 foot ulcers 1446 (55.64%) healed. The cure rate of the patients treated in leprosy hospitals was 71.31%, with 219 (15.15%) recurrences of foot ulcers. The recurrence rate of those who lived at home was 18.35%.


CONCLUSIONS
Comprehensive treatment of foot ulcers has a high cure rate and a low recurrence rate. Reduction of workload, avoidance of long distance walking, intensification of education on foot self-care and provision of financial support are the main measures for preventing a recurrence of foot ulcers.
Yan
Liangbin
L
Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing 210042, China. yanlb@jlonline.com
Zhang
Guocheng
G
Zheng
Zhiju
Z
Li
Wenzhong
W
Zheng
Tisheng
T
Watson
Jean M
JM
Piefer
Angelika
A
D016523:Foot Ulcer / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007918:Leprosy / Q000150:complications*; D016896:Treatment Outcome