title: Quality of life in patients with erythema nodosum leprosum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There is a paucity of data on quality of life issues in patients with leprosy suffering from erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL). Thus, we aim to study the effect of ENL on quality of life.
  
  
  METHODS
  This cross-sectional study was conducted in Hansen's Clinic, Hospital Kuala Lumpur between January 2010 and December 2013 among patients with multibacillary leprosy using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 153 patients participated with 31.4% suffering from ENL. The mean age at presentation was 40.5 ± 16.49 years. The mean DLQI was 7.1 ± 3.72. Patients with ENL were younger (mean age 36.5 vs. 42.4, P = 0.026), had higher mean bacteriologic index (4.3 vs. 3.8, P = 0.004), had physical deformities (47.9% vs. 31.4%, P = 0.049), and had higher mean DLQI score (9.1 vs. 6.2, P < 0.001). All the DLQI domains were higher in patients suffering from ENL except the treatment domain. Symptoms and feeling was the domain with the largest effect followed by daily activities and leisure. Personal relationship had the lowest effect.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Quality of life impairment in patients with leprosy in Malaysia is moderate, with larger effect among patients with ENL. The impairment in ENL is comparable to itchy skin conditions such as urticarial and is worse than chronic skin disease such as psoriasis. Thus, it is essential that management of leprosy incorporate quality of life issues.
authors: Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Sungai Long Campus, Selangor DE, Malaysia; Department of Dermatology, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Pahang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors: Felix B
authors: FB
authors: Yap
authors: Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Pahang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors: Sze T
authors: ST
authors: Kiung
authors: Department of Surveying, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Sungai Long Campus, Selangor DE, Jalan Pahang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors: Jeffrey B
authors: JB
authors: Yap
keywords: Dermatology Life Quality Index; Malaysia; erythema nodosum leprosum; leprosy; quality of life