[Nasal leprosy: impact of multitherapy in the morphology and physiology of the nose].
BACKGROUND
The multi-drug therapy protocol has allowed leprosy patients following this strategy to achieve complete recovery without developing neurotrophic sequelae or deformities.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the impact of multi-drug therapy on the development of nasal deformities and nasal airway patency.


METHODS
In an overall group of 84 patients studied, 38 were treated with a therapy based on a single drug and 22 were treated with multi-drug while 24 subjects formed a control group. Nose morphology was determined by anterior rhinoscopy. Nasal patency and flow resistances were measured by anterior rhinomanometry. The results were compared by using the Anova test for a single variable.


RESULTS
The nasal structures in the group with therapy based on a single drug underwent resorption of bone and cartilage in the structures of the nose and increased flow resistance. In the group receiving the multi-drug protocol, there were no significant morphological alterations and nasal patency and flow resistance remained within normal levels.


CONCLUSIONS
The multi-drug therapy is effective in preventing the development of nasal deformities and maintains normal nasal airflow.
Torres-Larrosa
María Teresa
MT
Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, Tenerife, España. matetorres@eresmas.com
Pérez-Pérez
Luis Jorge
LJ
Quintana Ginestar
María Vicenta
MV
Torres-Peris
Vicente
V
Artazkoz del Toro
Juan José
JJ
D000328:Adult; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015440:Leprosy, Lepromatous / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D009666:Nose / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D025363:Rhinomanometry