title: Comparison between Different Methods of Monofilament Test in Multibacillary Leprosy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Leprosy or Hansen's disease predominantly affects skin and peripheral nerves; therefore, can cause visible deformities from sensory and motor impairment. Early detection of sensory deficit has been of great benefit in a vigorous preventive role.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare the result of sensory evaluation in multibacillary leprosy (AB) patients using Semmes-Weinstein monofilament (SWM) and conventional monofilament technique used in Thailand and to observe the course of neuritis detected during the study period
  
  
  METHODS
  MB patients from Hansen's clinic at the Department of Dermatology, Siriraj Hospital, and Leprosy clinic at Raj Pracha Samasai Institute were evaluated for sensory impairment using monofilament test by both SWM and conventional technique for two consecutive follow-up visits. The patients'demographic data, clinical and laboratory findings, and course of disease were recorded
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seventy MB patients were enrolled Two-third of the patients were male (71.4%) and a mean (SD) age was 43 (15.75) years with a range of 19 to 85-years-old. The results from SWM and conventional Thai technique were not statistically different for ulnar median, and posterior tibial nerve distribution excluding heel area (p = 1.00). Twenty-eight (40%) patients who mentioned of numbness at either palms or soles had impaired sensation detected by SWMtechnique (p = 0.014).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Using SWMwith less tested points can minimize the time spent on sensory evaluation in MB patients; hence, we encourage the application of the present SWM technique to shorten the time in each follow-up visit and to improve the follow-up practice for better services of leprosy patients in Thailand.
authors.forename: Wimoolchart
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Saranjit
authors.forename: Pattanaprichakul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Penvadee
authors.forename: Chayangsu
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Onjuta
authors.forename: Lertrujiwanit
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kamonpan
authors.forename: Iamtharachai
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Pacharee
authors.forename: Chaowattanapanit
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Suteeraporn
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D056006:Leprosy, Multibacillary / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000379:methods*; D013785:Thailand; D014110:Touch; D055815:Young Adult