A retrospective study of the effect of modified multi-drug therapy in Nepali leprosy patients following the development of adverse effects due to dapsone.
Author(s): Sapkota BR, Shrestha K, Pandey B, Walker SL
Affiliation(s): Mycobacterial Research Laboratory and Department of Medicine, Anandaban Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Publication date & source: 2008-12, Lepr Rev., 79(4):425-8.
Publication type: Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
INTRODUCTION: Dapsone Hypersensitivity Syndrome (DHS) occurs in approximately 2% of leprosy patients in Nepal. DHS and other adverse effects of dapsone lead to withdrawal of the drug. METHODS: We reviewed the notes of patients who had dapsone withdrawn from their multi-drug therapy (MDT) following an adverse reaction to the drug between 1990 and 2007. RESULTS: 105 patients were identified from the database and 67 had a documented completion of a modified course of MDT. The majority were treated with rifampicin and clofazimine. All 36 individuals who were slit-skin smear positive had a satisfactory fall in their mean bacterial index. There were no cases of relapse. CONCLUSIONS: Rifampicin and clofazimine appear to be satisfactory treatment for both paucibacillary and multibacillary patients who have to have dapsone stopped because of severe adverse effects.
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