Vision-related quality of life among released from treatment cases of leprosy evaluated with NEI-VFQ-25: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: People with leprosy who have been declared Release From Treatment (RFT) are often not aware of the leprosy sequelae possibility which can decrease their quality of life. This could be because they have been adapting for a long time hence they do not feel the need to see physicians. This study seeks to compare the results of Vision-Related Quality of Life (VR-QoL) among RFT persons based on the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25) and WHO grading disability based on physical examination. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 325 RFT subjects from leprosy communities (Singkawang, West Kalimantan and Tangerang, Banten) was conducted between 2018 and 2019. We used the NEI-VFQ-25 questionnaire that had been validated and translated into Indonesian and distributed to the leprosy population. Relationships and comparisons among variables were evaluated using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS: There were three main results: The median composite score of VR-QoL for WHO grade 0, 1, and 2 disabilities has decreased by 13%, 25.5%, and 30% of the maximum value, respectively. Of the total, eleven subscales were statistically significant between WHO grading disability and VR-QoL based on the NEI-VFQ-25 (p < 0.05). The comparison between grade 0 and grade 2 disability in all subscales was statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The grade of disability is related to their VR-QoL assessment using the NEI-VFQ-25 questionnaire. Thus, it can be used as an initial screening in primary healthcare settings to increase awareness of disability before a thorough physical examination.

Efficacy of gabapentinoids for acute herpes zoster in preventing postherpetic neuralgia: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Gabapentinoids (e.g., gabapentin and pregabalin) have been established as a treatment for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), but their effects on the prevention of PHN are unclear. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of gabapentinoids for acute herpes zoster (HZ) in preventing PHN. PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Web of Science were queried December 2020 to collect data on relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A total of four RCTs (including 265 subjects) were retrieved. Overall, the incidence of PHN was lower, but not statistically significant in the gabapentinoid-treated group compared to the control group. Subjects treated with gabapentinoids were more likely to experience adverse events such as dizziness, somnolence, and gastrointestinal symptoms. This systematic review of RCTs showed that the addition of gabapentinoids during acute HZ are not significantly effective in preventing PHN. Nevertheless, the evidence on this subject remains limited. Physicians should carefully weigh the risks and benefits of prescribing gabapentinoids during the acute phase of HZ owing to its side effects.

Prognostic factors influencing the treatment outcome of onychomycosis Candida.

Onychomycosis contributes as many as half of all nail disorder cases. In 2017, the incidence of onychomycosis was 15% of all dermatomycosis cases at our hospital, a tertiary hospital in Indonesia, with only 25% of the patients achieving mycological cure. This study aims to identify the prognostic factors influencing the treatment outcome of onychomycosis Candida. This is a retrospective study, using data obtained from outpatient registry at our hospital. Fifty-four onychomycosis patients were included in this study. Potential prognostic factors were analysed by STATA15.0. Retrospective analysis with cox proportional-hazard was used to measure the contribution of each variable to the treatment's outcome. Onset of disease, history of nail disorder, and site of infection were not associated with mycological cure (P > .05). Based on retrospective analysis, age[odds ratio (OR)1.46; 95% confidence interval (CI)1.07-2.03], onset of disease (OR 1.14; 95%CI 1.11-1.17), comorbidities (OR 1.07; 95%CI 1.03-1.11), type of onychomycosis (OR 1.08; 95%CI 1.05-1.16), site of infection (OR 1.12; 95%CI 1.04-1.22) and number of infected nails (OR 1.50; 95%CI 1.25-1.68) were significantly associated with poor treatment outcome, while type of treatment and type of systemic agents showed no significant association with the outcome. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that subjects elderly age and more than 3 infected nails had the lowest median survival. Elderly, longer onset, presence of comorbidities, multiple sites of infection, and high number of infected nails can affect the mycological cure negatively. Unstandardised treatment was associated with the mycological cure despite not affecting the prognosis. Therefore, the management's goal is to identify these specific prognostic features.

Effectiveness of topical hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights in xerosis cutis treatment in elderly: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

Dry skin is a common dermatological condition that frequently affects the elderly. A contributing cause to dry skin is a reduced concentration of hyaluronic acid (HA) in both the epidermis and dermis. The effectiveness of moisturizer containing HA as a therapy for dry skin is impacted by its specific molecular weight. Low molecular weight HA (LMWHA) is believed to be more effective in replenishing skin hydration in aging skin compared to High Molecular Weight HA (HMWHA) due to its ability to penetrate the stratum corneum. However, there is a lack of clinical research supporting this claim. A double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted on 36 residents of a nursing home in Jakarta. The participants, aged between 60 and 80 years, had been diagnosed with dry skin. Each test subject was administered three distinct, randomized moisturizing lotions (LMWHA, HMWHA, or vehicle), to be topically applied to three separate sites on the leg. Skin capacitance (SCap), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and specified symptom sum score (SRRC) were measured at weeks 0, 2, and 4. After four weeks of therapy, area that was treated with LMWHA showed greater SCap values compared to the area treated with HMWHA (56.37 AU vs. 52.37 AU, p = 0.004) and vehicle (56.37 AU vs. 49.01 AU, p < 0.001). All groups did not show any significant differences in TEWL and SRRC scores. No side effects were found in all groups. The application of a moisturizer containing LMWHA to the dry skin of elderly resulted in significant improvements in skin hydration compared to moisturizers containing HMWHA and vehicle. Furthermore, these moisturizers demonstrated similar safety in treating dry skin in the elderly. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT06178367, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06178367 .

Photoaging assessment by Glogau classification: correlation of dermoscopy findings in the coastal population of Indonesia.

INTRODUCTION: To date, there is no gold standard for identifying photoaging. This study investigates the correlation of photoaging profiles based on the Glogau scale and the dermoscopy photoaging scale (DPAS) in a coastal population. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at Cilincing Municipal Health Center in Jakarta in October 2022. Individuals living in the coastal area, 20 years and older, with Fitzpatrick skin types III-V, and with a mean daily sun exposure of ≥ 3 hours were included. The Glogau scale and DPAS were assessed through history taking, physical examination, and dermoscopic examination. A Spearman correlation test was used to assess the correlation between the Glogau scale and DPAS. RESULTS: Thirty individuals with a mean age of 41.5 ± 11.5 years participated in the study. The median Glogau score was 3 (range: 2-4). The mean DPAS score was 28.5 ± 5.6. Lentigo, hypo-hyperpigmented macules, telangiectasia, deep wrinkles, and superficial wrinkles were observed in all subjects. There was a moderate positive correlation between the Glogau scale and DPAS (r = 0.536, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The Glogau scale has a significant correlation with DPAS. DPAS can serve as a reliable, easy, practical, and fast diagnostic tool to assess the severity of aging.

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health to map leprosy-related disability in rural and remote areas in Indonesia.

The International Classification of Function, Disability, and Health (ICF-WHO, 2001) recognizes several dimensions of disability, such as body structure and function (and impairment thereof), activity (and activity restrictions) and participation (and participation restriction) and their interactions with contextual factor (personal and environmental). In this study, we map and analyse the relationship between the components of ICF in leprosy patients from two rural areas in Indonesia: Lewoleba (East Nusa Tenggara) and Likupang (North Minahasa). This study was part of a community outreach program by the KATAMATAKU team from Universitas Indonesia. The body structure was graded using the WHO hand and feet disability grade and the number of enlarged nerves, while the body function was measured by the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test (JTT) and Timed-up and Go (TUG). Activity limitation and participation restriction were measured using the Screening Activity Limitation Safety Awareness (SALSA) Scale and Participation Scale (P-scale), respectively. There were 177 leprosy patients from the two regions and 150 patients with complete data were included in the analysis. We found 82% (95% CI: 75.08%-87.32%) of subjects with multibacillary leprosy, 10.67% (95% CI: 6.67%-16.62%) of subjects with grade 2 WHO hand disability, and 9.33% (95% CI: 5.64%-15.06%) of subjects with grade 2 WHO foot disability. Assessment using the SALSA Scale showed 29.33% of subjects with limitation activity and 11.33% with participation restriction. Age was shown to have positive correlations with SALSA, JTT, and TUG. Inter-dimensional analysis showed that the SALSA scale had significant positive correlations with the number of nerve enlargements, P-scale, JTT, and TUG. SALSA scores of grade 2 WHO hand and foot disability were also significantly higher than grades 1 and 0. The participation scale also had a positive correlation with JTT but not TUG. Hand disability seemed to affect societal participation while foot did not. We used the ICF to describe and analyse dimensions of leprosy-related disability in Indonesia.

Effect of adipose derived stromal vascular fraction on leprosy neuropathy: A Preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: Adipose derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) contains a heterogeneous population of mononuclear cells, progenitor cells and about 1-10% are mesenchymal stromal cells. These cells are an ideal candidate for regenerative medicine for peripheral neuropathy. Leprosy is a disabling disorder with neuropathy, usually with consequences of permanent disability of the extremities. We conducted a preliminary study to evaluate the cell yield, its characteristics and clinical outcomes after SVF injections in four leprosy patients. METHODS: Four post leprosy patients were recruited and evaluated for sensory testing (warm detection, cold detection, vibration, pain and sensation) on the ulnar area of the hand. Liposuction was done and adipose tissue was processed into SVF with a closed system and injected to the ulnar area of the hand at the dorsal and palmar side. Evaluation of sensory testing was done after 3 days, 1 week, 1 month and 3 months following SVF injection. SVF was also characterized using flow cytometry, cell counting, sterility and presence of mycobacteria. RESULTS: The results showed that leprosy patients had a low count of mesenchymal cells and a high amount of CD34/CD45 positive cells. One patient was positive for mycobacteria from his adipose tissue and SVF. Sensory examination after SVF injection showed an improvement in temperature and pain sensation in the palmar and superficial branch. Meanwhile, touch sensation improved on the dorsal branch, and there was no improvement for vibration in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that SVF had a potential to improve sensory loss in leprosy patients.

Burnout and coping strategies among resident physicians at an Indonesian tertiary referral hospital during COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the burden on resident physicians. They may use different coping strategies to manage those burdens, which partly determine their mental health outcomes, including burnout syndrome. This study explores the relationship between coping strategies and burnout among resident physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic in an Indonesian tertiary referral hospital. METHODS: This online cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August 2020, involving nine residency programs in the Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia-Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital. Burnout syndrome was assessed using Maslach Burnout Inventory, while Brief COPE measured coping strategies. RESULTS: A total of 388 residents participated in this study. High emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and low personal accomplishment (PA) were found in 15.5%, 5.2%, and 39.2%, respectively. Residents more often use adaptive than maladaptive coping strategies. Higher PA was correlated to residents using problem-focused (r = 0.299; p < 0.001) and emotion-focused (r = 0.397; p < 0.001). Meanwhile, dysfunctional coping strategies are moderately correlated with EE (r = 0,518; p <0,001) and DP (r = 0,507; p<0,001). CONCLUSION: The use of dysfunctional coping strategies is linked to higher emotional exhaustion and depersonalization aspect of burnout. However, a higher sense of personal accomplishment is linked to problem-focused and emotion-focused strategies. Appropriate identification and intervention of residents with dysfunctional coping strategies may be beneficial in reducing burnout risk.

Efficacy of 5% permethrin-2% fusidic acid cream compared to 5% permethrin-placebo in the treatment of impetiginized scabies.

INTRODUCTION: Scabies is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis, often causing secondary bacterial infections, especially by Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. Permethrin 5% cream is the first-line of treatment that is recommended, combined with Fusidic acid 2% cream as the first-line topical antibiotic. We investigated the efficacy of a combination of permethrin 5% cream and fusidic acid 2% cream for the treatment of impetiginized scabies. METHODOLOGY: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial was organized at two Islamic boarding schools in Bogor, West Java, Indonesia. Forty subjects were randomly allocated into the intervention group (permethrin 5% and fusidic acid 2%; n = 20), and the control group (permethrin 5% and placebo; n = 20). Treatment efficacy was determined through the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pruritus and pain, and by examining bacterial cultures. RESULTS: Treatment efficacy in the intervention group was higher than in the control group on day 7 (80% vs. 35%) and day 14 (95% vs 35%, p ≤ 0.001, RR 2.714) with decreasing VAS for pruritus (p = 0.04) and pain (p = 0.035). The most common bacterium was Staphylococcus aureus. Some minor adverse effects such as itch and heat occurred temporarily. CONCLUSIONS: Treating impetiginized scabies with permethrin 5% and fusidic acid 2% cream is more effective than treating with only 5% premethrin. The most common bacterium causing secondary infection in impetiginized scabies is Staphylococcus aureus.

Analysis of therapeutic effectiveness and adverse effects of long-term corticosteroids among leprosy patients with reactions: A retrospective cohort study.

Objectives: Main therapy for leprosy reactions is 12 weeks corticosteroids according to World Health Organization recommendations, but recovery cannot be achieved and recurrence occurs. Long duration of administration was thought to provide better clinical improvement. Evidence of the efficacy of corticosteroids in leprosy reactions is still lacking, and optimal dose and duration of therapy vary, while the need for long-term high-dose corticosteroids makes it difficult to avoid adverse effects. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study analyzing the difference between therapeutic effectiveness and adverse effects of 12 weeks and >12 weeks corticosteroids, involving all new leprosy patients without age restriction, at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital and Cakung Community Health Center in Indonesia during 1 January 2015-31 December 2017. Secondary data were collected from medical records, and observations carried out until December 2018. Therapeutic effectiveness was assessed from clinical improvement to corticosteroids discontinuation, without 3 months recurrence after first cycle was completed. Adverse effects were assessed by all corticosteroids-related side effects. Results: Of 195 patients, 57 (29.2%) used 12 weeks corticosteroids, and 138 (70.8%) for >12 weeks. Effectiveness occurred in 38 (66.7%) of 12 weeks group and 106 (76.8%) of >12 weeks group (relative risk = 0.604, 95% confidence interval = 0.307-1.189, p = 0.143). Of 145 patients, adverse effects occurred in 12 (31.6%) of 12 weeks group and 70 (65.4%) of >12 weeks group (relative risk = 0.244, 95% confidence interval = 0.111-0.538, p < 0.001). Of 171 adverse effects, 37.4% were mild such as dyspepsia, skin disorders, and lipodystrophy, while 62.6% were severe in the form of neuropsychiatric disorders, eye disorders, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, metabolic-hormonal abnormalities, and reactivation of infections. Conclusion: There is no effectiveness difference in the form of clinical improvement without 3 months recurrence, between 12 weeks and >12 weeks corticosteroid, while longer administration causes 4 times more events.

Tuberculous Dactylitis in a Case of Multiple Scrofuloderma.

This paper reports a case of tuberculous dactylitis and multiple scrofuloderma spreading through the lymph nodes. Scrofuloderma, also known as tuberculosis colliquativa cutis, is a form of cutaneous tuberculosis (TB) that occurs most often in children and young adults and involves the skin over the infection focus (i.e., lymph nodes, bones, or joints). Scrofuloderma can affect the lower limbs and upper arms by spreading osteomyelitis TB on the humerus, wrist, and elbow. This study reports the case of a 19-year-old man who initially developed painful and swollen skin, followed by the appearance of numerous recurring lumps on the left arm and hand and the right foot, as well as the folding right hamstring, over 3 years. The patient had no clinical improvement with antibiotics and excision. Radiography of the left hand showed tuberculous dactylitis. A biopsy of the left arm was performed, and Ziehl-Neelsen staining showed acid-fast bacilli. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was confirmed by a real-time polymerase chain reaction. Anti-TB drug treatment was initiated with rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, and debridement was performed on the left hand, which resulted in significant improvement of the lesion. Atypical clinical manifestations and unawareness of M. tuberculosis as an underlying disease delayed the diagnosis and treatment of this patient with tuberculous dactylitis and multiple scrofuloderma.

Serum Interleukin 6 Level and Nutrition Status as Potential Predictors of Clinical Leprosy Development Among Household Contacts in Endemic Areas.

BACKGROUND: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that can lead to severe lifelong disabilities. Close contacts of patients with leprosy have a higher risk of acquiring the disease. Nevertheless, there is a lack of reliable markers to predict Mycobacterium leprae infection. We aimed to identify new potential markers for developing clinical leprosy among contacts. METHODS: Serum levels of interleukin (IL) 6, IL-8, IL-10, hemoglobin, ferritin, and transferrin saturation were measured in 67 patients with multibacillary leprosy (MB), 65 household contacts (HHCs) of MB patients, and 127 endemic controls (ECs). By means of multivariate logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses, we analyzed baseline variables and laboratory parameters that showed significant differences between MB in the HHC and EC groups and obtained the respective areas under the curve (AUC). Optimal cutoff values of the associated cytokines were also determined. RESULTS: Elevated IL-6 level was observed in MB patients compared to HHCs and ECs (P = .022 and .0041, respectively). Anemia and iron deficiency were also higher in the MB group compared to HHCs or ECs (P < .001). Likewise, we observed an increased risk of having MB leprosy in underweight HHCs (odds ratio [OR], 2.599 [95% confidence interval {CI}, .991-6.820]) and underweight ECs (OR, 2.176 [95% CI, 1.010-4.692]). Further ROC analysis showed that high serum IL-6 level, underweight, anemia, and iron deficiency can discriminate leprosy from their HHCs (AUC, 0.843 [95% CI, .771-.914]; P = .000; optimal cutoff value of IL-6 = 9.14 pg/mL). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that serum IL-6 and nutrition status could serve as potential prognostic markers for the development of clinical leprosy in infected individuals.

Functional activity limitation of leprosy cases in an endemic area in Indonesia and recommendations for integrated participation program in society.

BACKGROUND: Leprosy continues to be a health problem in Indonesia, with incidence reaching over 10,000 new cases by 2021. Leprosy-related disabilities cause limitation of patients' activity and participation in social activities. To date, no studies have been conducted in Indonesia which investigates disability in terms of bodily function, structure impairment, limitations in performing daily activities, and restrictions in participation in social activities in leprosy patients. This study is aimed to determine the demographic and clinical characteristics that might affect functional activity limitations of leprosy patients in endemic areas in Indonesia. METHODS AND FINDINGS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 267 retrospectively-diagnosed cases of leprosy. The Screening of Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness (SALSA) scale was used to measure functional activity limitation, which comprises five domains: vision, mobility, self-care, work with hands, and dexterity. Differences among variables were evaluated using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney test. The mean age of participants was 51.89±13.66 years, the majority of which were men (62.5%), uneducated (48.3%), and classified as type 2 in the World Health Organization (WHO) disability grading for hands and feet (66.3% and 68.2%, respectively). Assessment using the SALSA Scale showed 28.5% of subjects were without limitation, 43.8% with mild limitation, 13.5% with moderate limitation, 9.4% with severe limitation, and 4.9% with extreme limitation. Significant differences in the total SALSA Scale were found between age groups (p = 0.014), educational level (p = 0.005), occupation (p<0.001), and WHO disability grades (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that the most significant factor influencing the total score of SALSA was disability grading for feet (score = 0.31, p <0.001) followed by occupational status, disability grading for eyes, and age. Limitation of functional activity was significantly correlated to becoming unemployed with the odds 2.59. CONCLUSION: People affected by leprosy are prone to have functional activity limitation, especially the elderly, uneducated, unemployed and those with multiple disabilities. If they can overcome their barriers in functional activities, they will have better occupational opportunities.

Conformity of yaws clinical features to combined rapid diagnostic test in children aged 2-15 years in an endemic area.

INTRODUCTION: The diagnosis of yaws is established by clinical examination and confirmed through a laboratory test. Unrecognized lesions may lead to a missed opportunity for diagnosis and complete eradication of yaws. The use of Dual Path Platform (DPP® RDT) Syphilis Screen and Confirm RDT (Chembio, Medford, New York) has been recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for endemic areas with limited laboratory facilities. To date, there have not been any studies assessing the conformity of clinical features based on the WHO guidelines with DPP® RDT. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the conformity of yaws clinical features based on the WHO guidelines to the DPP® RDT. We recruited children aged 2-15 years old in Alor, Indonesia. All subjects underwent clinical examination and were tested with DPP® RDT. Fisher's exact test was used to analyze the overall agreement between the clinical features and the DPP® RDT results. RESULTS: A total of 197 study subjects (mean age 9 years) were enrolled. The most frequent skin lesion was a yaws scar (79.7%). Eight subjects (3%) were diagnosed with yaws based on the DPP® RDT examination. The overall agreement between clinical features and DPP® RDT was 26.9% (p = 0.202). CONCLUSIONS: The conformity of clinical features in suspected yaws to DPP® RDT is low; thus, clinical features should not be used as a sole initial reference in establishing yaws diagnosis, even in endemic areas.

Unusual presentations of a severe type 2 leprosy reaction mimicking sepsis induced by helminth infection.

We describe an unusual case of type 2 leprosy reaction (T2R) with septic shock-like features induced by helminth infection in a 31-year-old Moluccan male patient with a history of completed treatment of WHO multidrug therapy (MDT)-multibacillary (MB) regimen 2 years before admission. During the course of illness, the patient had numerous complications, including septic shock, anemia, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Nevertheless, antibiotic therapies failed to give significant results, and the source of infection could not be identified. Helminth infection was subsequently revealed by endoscopic examination followed by parasitological culture. Resolution of symptoms and normal level of organ function-specific markers were resolved within 3 days following anthelmintic treatment. This report demonstrated the challenge in the diagnosis and treatment of severe T2R. Given that helminth infections may trigger severe T2R that mimics septic shock, health professionals need to be aware of this clinical presentation, especially in endemic regions of both diseases.

Characteristics of Grade 2 Disability in Indonesian Children with Leprosy: A Five-Year Multicenter Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: One of the indicators of achieved leprosy control is lower new cases of leprosy with grade 2 disability (G2D), while zero new pediatric case with G2D is one of the targets of The Global Leprosy Strategy. This study aimed to describe the characteristics of leprosy in children with G2D from seven provincial hospitals in Indonesia, spanning a period of five years. METHODS: This was a descriptive and retrospective study with cross-sectional design. Data were obtained from the medical records of leprosy-affected children in seven provincial hospitals in Indonesia between January 2014 and December 2019 using a total sampling method. Data obtained include characteristics of patients, clinical manifestations, and profile of leprosy in children with G2D. RESULTS: From the 132 data of childhood leprosy retrieved, male (58.33%), age group of 13-14 years (47.73%), and borderline tuberculoid leprosy (34.09%) comprised the majority of patients. Most of the patients had anesthetic macules as the initial manifestation. The results showed 20 (15.15%) children had G2D. Hands were the most common site affected (50.00%), manifested as claw hands, contractures, atrophy of thenar and hypothenar muscles, and pseudomutilation. Foot drop was seen in five (62.50%) children, and lagophthalmos was seen in one child with leprosy. CONCLUSION: This study shows that G2D is observed in 15.15% Indonesian children with leprosy at the time of diagnosis, which mostly occurs on the hands in the form of claw hands. Foot disabilities were also observed, most commonly as foot drop, while lagophthalmos was present with disabilities in the eyes. Disability due to leprosy in children really exists. The commitment of all health care services and related institutions is needed in order to reduce the incidence of disability due to leprosy in children.

Evaluation of nerve growth factor serum level for early detection of leprosy disability.

INTRODUCTION: this research aimed to analyze nerve growth factor (NGF) contents as diagnostic tools for early disability in leprosy patients and the cut-off point value. METHODS: research samples consisted of 79 leprosy patients with disability grade 0 or 1 who met the clinically approved inclusion criteria. The age of patients ranged from 14 to 50 years. For both sample groups, blood serum was collected to determine NGF concentration. NGF level was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) according to the manual guide of the kit insert from Cussabio®. Statistical analysis used SPSS 17 software for Windows. A comparison was performed with the Student's t-test and the NGF concentration cut-off point was determined using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: the research result demonstrated that NGF concentration in multibacillary leprosy with disability grade 0 was higher than in grade 1. Leprosy with disability grade 0 had an NGF content reaching 100.46 pg/mL, while those with grade 1 had a lower concentration of NGF at 30.56 pg/mL. The higher disability grade indicated a lower NGF concentration in the blood serum. Based on the ROC analysis result, the NGF cut-off was shown to be 81.43 pg/mL. This result indicated that low NGF in nerve and skin lesions of leprosy patients contributes to early peripheral nerve malfunction due to Mycobacterium leprae infection. CONCLUSION: these results prove that NGF can be used as a marker of early disability in leprosy, with the cut-off value at 81.43 pg/mL.

Association of the HLA-B alleles with carbamazepine-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis in the Javanese and Sundanese population of Indonesia: the important role of the HLA-B75 serotype.

Carbamazepine (CBZ) is a common cause of life-threatening cutaneous adverse drug reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Previous studies have reported a strong association between the HLA genotype and CBZ-induced SJS/TEN. We investigated the association between the HLA genotype and CBZ-induced SJS/TEN in Javanese and Sundanese patients in Indonesia. Nine unrelated patients with CBZ-induced SJS/TEN and 236 healthy Javanese and Sundanese controls were genotyped for HLA-B and their allele frequencies were compared. The HLA-B*15:02 allele was found in 66.7% of the patients with CBZ-induced SJS/TEN, but only in 29.4% of tolerant control (p = 0.029; odds ratio [OR]: 6.5; 95% CI: 1.2-33.57) and 22.9% of healthy controls (p = 0.0021; OR: 6.78; 95% CI: 1.96-23.38). These findings support the involvement of HLA-B*15:02 in CBZ-induced SJS/TEN reported in other Asian populations. Interestingly, we also observed the presence of the HLA-B*15:21 allele. HLA-B*15:02 and HLA-B*15:21 are members of the HLA-B75 serotype, for which a greater frequency was observed in CBZ-induced SJS/TEN (vs tolerant control [p = 0.0078; OR: 12; 95% CI: 1.90-75.72] and vs normal control [p = 0.0018; OR: 8.56; 95% CI: 1.83-40]). Our findings suggest that screening for the HLA-B75 serotype can predict the risk of CBZ-induced SJS/TEN more accurately than screening for a specific allele.