Publication:

Clinico-epidemiological study of leprosy in a tertiary care hospital of Eastern India

Background Accurate diagnosis of leprosy is of paramount importance, because delays and misdiagnosis are more common in non-endemic zones. It has a long incubation period, varied clinical presentations, and reaction states which can present in any point of lifetime, becoming more challenging for proper management of this enigmatous disease.

Methods This was conducted as an institution based cross- sectional study over a period of 12 months. 100 patients were selected. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were maintained. Data collected was checked, tabulated, statistically analysed and compared with existing literature.

Results In our study, majority, 49% belonged in age group of 41-60 yrs, only 6% were less than 20 years old. Male: female ratio was 3.34. 62% were from rural areas. Family history of Hansen was present in 5%. 6% had Histoid while 5% had pure neuritic representing least common subtypes. Most common occupations were Housewives (19%), shopkeepers (16%) and office workers (16%). 59% presented with hypoesthesia, 28% with fever. 59% belonged to borderline, 27% belonged to polar spectrum. Trophic ulcers were found in 20%, clawing of digits in 27%.

Conclusions Leprosy is still a pressing problem in our country. A considerable number of children and adolescents get affected indicating high rate of transmission in community. A comprehensive approach includes proper diagnosis, treatment, and identification of reaction patterns, prevention of disability and deformities, and implementation of rehabilitation measures.