Treatment of outpatients at the British Empire Leprosy Relief Association clinics in British Guiana

Analyses are submitted of 113 cases of incipient leprosy treated as out-patients in British Guiana from 1927 to 1935 and of 73 similar cases treated from 1927 to 1934. The former is concerned with the later history of the cases, that is to say, with whether or not they have later become positive with disappearance of stigmata. The methods of treatment are described. The tables support the view that in these cases regularity of treatment is of equal importance with duration, both being equally essential to a favourable result. No case receiving adequate treatment (about 500 c.c. of Hydnocarpus oil or esters for an adult) over an adequate period (about 4 to 6 years) has become positive up to the present, and most of the cases which have lost all stigmata are to be found within the same group (Summary)

Six years of leprosy work in British Guiana

Extended trial of certain drugs in the treatment of Leprosy in British Guiana has demonstrated the superiority of Hydnocarpus Oil and its products. The standard method of treatment is now Alepol intravenously followed by Hydnocarpus Oil or Esters together with such supplementary aids as Trichloroacetic Acid, Carbonic "Snow," electrical treatment, surgery, etc. The weight chart is used as the guide to dosage. Of 194 early cases treated during the past six years, 168 or 86.6 percent have improved, and out of 63 of those who were open cases, 69.8 percent have become closed after treatment. Of 297 advanced cases, 65 percent have improved, 64 have become arrested, and 59 queiscent. Of 192 advanced cases originally open, 31.8 percent have become closed after treatment. The proportion of relapses has been 4.7 percent. The notification figures reveal a tendency to a decrease in the incidence of leprosy in British Guiana. Nearly all the cases now being discharged leave without any stigmata of Leprosy. In spite of the large number of cases now being treated, and the additional measures instituted, the cost of upkeep of the Leprosy Hospital has decreased from $41,626.85 in 1926 to $31,136.09 in 1931 (Summary)