title: Response of thickened nerve trunks and skin lesions of leprosy patients to MDT.
abstract: This paper indicates the responses of thickened nerve trunks in leprosy patients to MDT. Out of 1625 cases, 557 (34.2%) cases had thickened nerve trunks at the time of registration. From these cases, 175 (31.4%) were randomly selected and re-examined by personal visit about 5 years after RFT. Follow-up showed persistent thickening in 96 (54.8%) cases. Persistence of nerve thickening was higher in MB leprosy. Additional nerve thickening appeared in 8 (4.6%) cases. New disability developed in 6 (3.4%) cases after RFT but these persons did not come for check up voluntarily. Reaction occurred in 6 during follow-up. Both MB and PB considered together thickening continued in as high as 96 (54.8%) compared to persisting skin lesions in 24 (13.7%) cases. Persons with thickened nerve trunks require more counseling to report for check up at the earliest sign of nerve function deficit.
authors.affiliation: LEPRA India, Regional Office, Bhubaneswar-751015, Orissa, India. d_porichha@yahoo.com
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Porichha
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Rao
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nehemaiah
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Mishra
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007917:Leprostatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007918:Leprosy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000473:pathology*; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D007917:Leprostatic Agents