Time to revisit the purported link of leprosy reactions with infective triggers: An unnecessary economic burden for patients.

Existing literature on factors triggering leprosy reactions is based only on case reports and case series, and thus probably gives a biased view. We undertook a case-control study to investigate such purported trigger factors in 42 leprosy reaction patients and 40 non-reactional controls, and the cost of investigations required for the same. Detailed history, clinical evaluation and investigations for triggers were carried out. Infections (typhoid, dental caries) were the most common triggers found, followed by pregnancy. Trigger factors were commoner in the type 2 reaction (T2R) group compared to type 1 (T1R) reaction group. There was however no statistical difference between the two groups. The average estimated cost of investigations was higher in the reactional group and this difference was statistically significant. Hence, except for essential investigations required for initiating steroids, an extensive battery of investigations is unjustified unless the medical history suggests a definitive infective trigger.

Assessment of Clinical, Histopathological, and Bacteriological Findings in Treated Leprosy Patients with Persistent Skin Lesions: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Since the introduction of multidrug therapy (MDT), various disabilities/morbidities due to leprosy have been prevented. However, there is a subset of patients in whom the skin lesions do not resolve completely or remain unchanged despite a full course of MDT, which is a great source of anxiety to the patient and their family members. Hence, we tried to ascertain the putative causes and risk factors of persistent skin lesions (PSLs) by analyzing the clinical, histopathological, bacteriological, and drug resistance patterns. This is a retrospective, cohort study wherein 35 patients who had PSLs after completion of MDT were included. The majority of the patients were 18 to 30 years of age, with males predominating. Borderline tuberculoid leprosy was the most common clinical spectrum observed (71.4%). The majority had PSLs distributed predominantly over photo-exposed sites (upper limbs > trunk > face). Eight patients (22.8%) had a history of contact with leprosy patients in their family, and six patients (17.1%) had associated comorbidities. Improvement in histopathological parameters such as a decrease in granuloma fraction was observed in 22 patients (62.8%) with PSLs after release from treatment in comparison with baseline. Four patients (11.4%) were noted to have drug resistance (three to rifampicin and one to dapsone). Thus, our study emphasizes that leprosy patients with PSLs after completion of MDT should undergo histopathological evaluation and drug resistance studies.

Assessment of neuropathic pain, functional activity limitation and quality of life of people affected by leprosy in an endemic area in Northeast Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the prevalence of neuropathic pain (NP) among people affected by leprosy and its effects on functional limitation and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in an endemic area in Northeast Brazil. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of 122 leprosy patients. Functional limitation and HRQoL were assessed using the Screening of Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness (SALSA) and WHO Quality-of-Life (WHOQoL-BREF) scales, respectively. Participants were assessed for the presence of pain and completed the Douleur Neuropathique 4 and the Brief Pain Inventory scales. RESULTS: The prevalence of NP was 59%. Participants with NP had higher SALSA scores than those without pain (median; IQR: 42; 32-49.5 vs 27.5; 24-34; p=0.002). Increasing SALSA scores were related to decreasing WHOQoL-BREF scores in the physical (r=-0.54; p<0.001), psychological (r=-0.33; p=0.002) and environmental (r=-0.22; p=0.01) domains, but not in the social domain (r=-0.14; p=0.10). Individuals with NP had the lowest scores in all domains compared with individuals without pain. CONCLUSIONS: Appropriate tools and training of clinicians for diagnosing NP in leprosy patients are necessary for their appropriate management and better HRQoL outcomes.

Assessment of neuropathic pain in leprosy patients with relapse or treatment failure by infrared thermography: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Neuropathic pain (NP) is one of the main complications of leprosy, and its management is challenging. Infrared thermography (IRT) has been shown to be effective in the evaluation of peripheral autonomic function resulting from microcirculation flow changes in painful syndromes. This study used IRT to map the skin temperature on the hands and feet of leprosy patients with NP. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: This cross-sectional study included 20 controls and 55 leprosy patients, distributed into 29 with NP (PWP) and 26 without NP (PNP). Thermal images of the hands and feet were captured with infrared camera and clinical evaluations were performed. Electroneuromyography (ENMG) was used as a complementary neurological exam. Instruments used for the NP diagnosis were visual analog pain scale (VAS), Douleur Neuropathic en 4 questions (DN4), and simplified neurological assessment protocol. The prevalence of NP was 52.7%. Pain intensity showed that 93.1% of patients with NP had moderate/severe pain. The most frequent DN4 items in individuals with NP were numbness (86.2%), tingling (86.2%) and electric shocks (82.7%). Reactional episodes type 1 were statistically significant in the PWP group. Approximately 81.3% of patients showed a predominance of multiple mononeuropathy in ENMG, 79.6% had sensory loss, and 81.4% showed some degree of disability. The average temperature in the patients' hands and feet was slightly lower than in the controls, but without a significant difference. Compared to controls, all patients showed significant temperature asymmetry in almost all points assessed on the hands, except for two palmar points and one dorsal point. In the feet, there was significant asymmetry in all points, indicating a greater involvement of the lower limbs. CONCLUSION: IRT confirmed the asymmetric pattern of leprosy neuropathy, indicating a change in the function of the autonomic nervous system, and proving to be a useful method in the approach of pain.

Burden of depression and anxiety among leprosy affected and associated factors-A cross sectional study from India.

BACKGROUND: Leprosy is a Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) known to cause stigma and discrimination in low-and middle-income countries. It often results in visible impairments, thus pre-disposing to poor mental health. Aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of depression and anxiety among people affected by Leprosy and to determine the associated factors. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A multi-centric, cross-sectional study was carried out in four leprosy endemic states of India-Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu in randomly selected blocks (a sub-unit of district), from one district in each state. From selected blocks those registered for leprosy treatment at public health or referral centres, people above the age of 18 years were interviewed with PHQ-9 and GAD-7 questionnaires for Depression and Anxiety, respectively. Disease profile like leprosy classification, deformity grade, number and site of the patches and socio-economic status were collected along with individual data. Of the total 220 respondents, prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms was, 33% (73) and 19% (42), respectively. Presence of disability (47%) and Female gender (46%) were significantly associated with depression. Presence of disability (32%), Lower income group (27%) and low education (22%) were significantly associated with symptoms of anxiety. As the severity of disability increased, risk of developing depression and anxiety increased. CONCLUSION: The study indicates that more than 30% of people affected by leprosy have mental health problems, which emphasizes the importance of mental health care services in leprosy. Women, those who had lower level of education, those belonging to lower socio-economic status and those with any level of disability due to leprosy are at risk of developing depression and/or anxiety. The study concludes more attention to be paid to the categories identified to be at risk.

Leprosy: Treatment and management of complications.

In the second article in this continuing medical education series, we review the treatment of leprosy, its immunologic reactions, and important concepts, including disease relapse and drug resistance. A fundamental understanding of the treatment options and management of neuropathic sequelae are essential to reduce disease burden and improve patients' quality of life.

Magnitude e tendência temporal dos indicadores da hanseníase em Goiás: um estudo ecológico do período 2001-2017 / Magnitud y tendencia temporal de los indicadores de lepra en Goiás, Brasil: un estudio ecológico en 2001-2017 / Magnitude and temporal trend of leprosy indicators in Goiás, Brazil: an ecological study 2001-2017

Objetivo: Analisar a tendência dos indicadores da hanseníase em Goiás no período de 2001 a 2017. Métodos: Foi realizado estudo ecológico de séries temporais. Indicadores de morbidade e operacionais da hanseníase foram calculados a partir de dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan). Utilizou-se regressão de Prais-Winsten para análise de tendência. Resultados: Verificou-se tendência decrescente na taxa de detecção na população geral (variação percentual anual [VPA] = -6,8 - IC95% -8,2;-5,4) e em menores de 15 anos de idade (VPA = -7,2 - IC95% -8,5;-5,9); e tendência crescente na proporção de grau 2 de incapacidade física (VPA = 3,7 - IC95% 2,0;5,3) e na proporção de incapacidade física examinada (VPA = 0,6 - IC95% 0,3;0,8); as proporções de cura e de contatos examinados mostraram-se estáveis. Conclusão: As taxas de detecção diminuíram, enquanto as proporções de grau 2 de incapacidade física e de incapacidade física examinada cresceram.

Objetivo: Analizar la tendencia de los indicadores de lepra en Goiás entre 2001 y 2017. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio ecológico de series temporales. La morbilidad y los indicadores operativos se calcularon a partir de los datos del Sistema de información de Agravamientos de Notificación (Sinan). Se utilizó la regresión de Prais-Winsten para el análisis de tendencias. Resultados: Se confirmó una tendencia de disminución de la tasa de detección en la población general (Variación Porcentual Anual [VPA] = -6,8 - IC95% -8,2;-5,4) y en niños menores de 15 años (VPA = -7,2 - IC95% -8,5;-5,9); proporción creciente de incapacidad grado 2 (VPA = 3,7 - IC95% 2,0;5,3) y proporción creciente de incapacidad física examinada (VPA = 0,6 - IC95% 0,3;0,8); las proporciones de cura y contactos examinados fueron estables. Conclusión: Las tasas de detección disminuyeron mientras que aumentaron las proporciones de incapacidad física de grado 2 e incapacidad física examinada.

Objective: To analyze the trend of leprosy indicators in Goiás between 2001 and 2017. Methods: An ecological time series study was conducted. Leprosy morbidity and operational indicators were calculated using Notifiable Health Conditions Information System data. Prais-Winsten regression was used for trend analysis. Results: There was a falling trend in the detection rate in the general population (Annual Percent Change [APC] = -6.8 - 95%CI -8.2;-5.4) and in children under 15 years old (APC = -7.2 - 95%CI -8.5;-5.9); a rising trend in the proportion of grade 2 disability (APC = 3.7 - 95%CI 2.0;5.3) and in the proportion of examined physical disability (APC = 0.6 - 95%CI 0.3;0.8); healing and examined contacts proportions were stable. Conclusion: Detection rates decreased while the proportions of grade 2 physical disability and examined physical disability increased.

Limitação de atividade e restrição à participação social em pessoas com hanseníase: análise transversal da magnitude e fatores associados em município hiperendêmico do Piauí, 2001 a 2014 / Limitación de la actividad y restricción de la participatión social en personas con lepra: análisis transversal de la magnitud y factores asociados en un municipio hiperendémico de Piauí, 2001 a 2014 / Activity limitation and social participation restriction of people with leprosy: a cross-sectional analysis of magnitude and associated factors in a hyperendemic municipality in the state of Piauí, Brazil, 2001-2014

Objetivo: analisar a magnitude e os fatores associados à limitação de atividade e restrição à participação social em pessoas com hanseníase de 2001 a 2014, em Picos, Piauí. Métodos: estudo transversal com dados coletados por meio de entrevistas e exames físicos; foram utilizadas as escalas SALSA (Screening of Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness) e de participação social; calcularam-se razões de prevalência (RP) brutas. Resultados: participaram do estudo 263 pessoas com hanseníase; a limitação de atividade foi associada com grau de incapacidade I/II (RP=1,66; IC95% 1,14;2,41), idade ≥60 anos (RP=1,68; IC95% 1,09;3,02) e baixa escolaridade (RP=1,76; IC95% 1,26;2,45); observou-se correlação entre escore olho-mão-pé e limitação de atividade (r=0,29; p<0,001) e restrição à participação (r=0,27; p<0,001). Conclusão a limitação de atividade e a restrição à participação apresentaram alta prevalência no contexto estudado, e foram associadas a gravidade da doença, idade avançada e vulnerabilidade social.

Objetivo: analizar la magnitud y factores asociados con la limitación de actividad y restricción de la participación social en personas con lepra entre 2001 a 2014 en Picos/PI. Métodos: Estudio transversal con dados recopilados en entrevistas y exámenes físicos. Se utilizaron las escalas SALSA (Screening of Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness) y de participación social. Se calcularon las razones de prevalencia bruta (RP). Resultados: 263 personas con lepra participaron en el estudio. La limitación de actividad se asoció con el grado de discapacidad I/II (RP=1,66; IC95% 1,14;2,41), edad ≥ 60 años (RP= 1,68; IC95% 1,09;3,02) y baja escolaridad (RP=1,76; IC95% 1,26;2,45). Hubo una correlación entre la puntuación ojo-mano-pie y la limitación de actividad (r=0,29; p<0,001) y la restricción de participación (r=0,27; p<0,001). Conclusión: la limitación de la actividad y la restricción de participación mostraron una alta prevalencia en el contexto estudiado y se asociaron con la gravedad, la vejez y la vulnerabilidad social.

Objective: to analyse the magnitude and factors associated with activity limitation and social participation restriction of people with leprosy from 2001 to 2014 in Picos, Piauí, Brazil. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study with data collected through interviews and physical examinations; the SALSA Scale (Screening of Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness) and Social Participation Scale were used; crude prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated. Results: 263 people with leprosy participated in the study; activity limitation was associated with grade I/II disability (PR=1.66; 95%CI 1.14;2.41), age ≥60 years (PR=1.68; 95%CI 1.09;3.02) and low schooling (PR=1.76; 95%CI 1.26;2.45); correlation was found between eye-hand-foot score and activity limitation (r=0.29; p<0.001) and participation restriction (r=0.27; p<0.001). Conclusion: activity limitation and participation restriction had high prevalence in the context studied and were associated with disease severity, advanced age and social vulnerability.

Chronic aspects of leprosy-neglected but important.

The chronic aspects of leprosy are discussed here. They are a consequence of the peripheral nerve damage that affects many patients during their lifetime with leprosy. The peripheral nerve damage leaves people unable to feel and with weakness in their hands and feet. They are at risk of damaging their hands and feet, causing the disabilities and deformities that characterise late leprosy. More than 200 000 new leprosy patients are diagnosed globally each year. Better data are needed from cohort studies to estimate the number of patients developing nerve damage and modelling studies are needed to estimate the number of patients who develop disabilities. For some of them, this will be a lifelong disability. Nerve damage is caused by inflammation in leprosy-affected nerves. Patients with nerve damage of <6-mo duration need treatment with steroids. About 66% of multibacillary patients will develop nerve damage. Plastic graded monofilaments can be used to detect nerve damage in leprosy and diabetic clinics. Assessing nerve damage and treating patients with steroids in leprosy programmes needs to be strengthened. The World Health Organization has a successful programme for supplying antibiotics for treating leprosy infection to national leprosy programmes. They should take responsibility for providing steroids to national programmes since this is a core part of the treatment for >66% of multibacillary patients. Patients need to be asked about neuropathic pain symptoms and treated if necessary. Treated leprosy patients are at risk of developing ulcers in their feet. Treatment and prevention needs to be improved through health education, providing protective footwear and patient empowerment.

Avaliação neurológica simplificada: auxílio no diagnóstico de Hanseníase / Simplified neurological assessment: aid in the diagnosis of leprosy

Apresenta dados da Hanseníase no Brasil no Mundo. Apresenta avaliação das Lesões dos nervos periféricos, na região nasal, olhos, Nervo Facial, Nervo Trigêmeo, Teste de Acuidade Visual, Nervo Auricular, Nervo Ulnar, Nervo Mediano, Nervo Radial e Radial Cutâneo, Técnica do Estesiômetro, Nervo Fibular Profundo e Superficial, Nervo Tibial Posterior, Estesiometria nos pés.

It presents data on Hansen's disease in Brazil worldwide. Presents evaluation of peripheral nerve injuries, in the nasal region, eyes, facial nerve, trigeminal nerve, visual acuity test, auricular nerve, ulnar nerve, median nerve, radial and radial cutaneous nerve, esthesiometer technique, deep and superficial fibular nerve, Posterior Tibial Nerve, Stoichiometry in the feet.

Presenta datos sobre la enfermedad de Hansen en Brasil en todo el mundo. Presenta evaluación de lesiones de nervios periféricos, en la región nasal, ojos, nervio facial, nervio trigémino, prueba de agudeza visual, nervio auricular, nervio cubital, nervio mediano, nervio cutáneo radial y radial, técnica de estesiómetro, nervio peroneo profundo y superficial, Nervio Tibial Posterior, Estequiometria en los pies.

Il présente des données sur la maladie de Hansen au Brésil dans le monde entier. Présente l'évaluation des lésions nerveuses périphériques, dans la région nasale, les yeux, le nerf facial, le nerf trijumeau, le test d'acuité visuelle, le nerf auriculaire, le nerf ulnaire, le nerf médian, le nerf cutané radial et radial, la technique de l'esthésiomètre, le nerf fibulaire profond et superficiel, Nerf tibial postérieur, stoechiométrie dans les pieds.

Assistive technologies for improving the oral hygiene of leprosy patients residing in a former leprosy colony in Betim, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: This study deals with management of a group of elderly patients with a history of leprosy and hand deformities by a multidisciplinary team of dentists and occupational therapists. Assistive technology devices have been developed to allow such patients to obtain independence in oral self-care and can be a cost-effective approach to improving oral care in this population. The objective of this study was to describe the development of assistive devices to facilitate daily oral hygiene in older people with enduring leprosy-related impairments. METHODOLOGY: Case study realized among elders with a history of leprosy residents in a former isolation colony in Betim, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The elders were evaluated for dependence on others for denture hygiene and mouthwash using the Daily Oral Hygiene Activity Index (ADOH). Those deemed partially or completely dependent on others were eligible for an intervention based on assistive technology. We adopted a personalized approach to each case, taking into account medical history, physical impairment and living environment. Six months after the intervention, the participants were assessed again using the ADOH and an unstructured interview about use of the devices. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Assistive devices for denture hygiene and mouthwash were developed for 16 elders. These devices facilitated oral hygiene in most patients and there was no worsening in any of the cases. Patients' report suggested they were satisfied with the devices provided. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that assistive devices can facilitate oral hygiene activities in leprosy patients. It also reinforces the importance of using a multidisciplinary team for the rehabilitation of these patients.

Grade 2 disabilities in leprosy patients from Brazil: Need for follow-up after completion of multidrug therapy.

BACKGROUND: Leprosy continues to be a public health problem in many countries. Difficulties faced by health services include late diagnosis, under-reporting of new cases, adequate monitoring of disabilities and treatment. Furthermore, systematic follow-up after completion of treatment is important, when new disabilities may occur, or existing disabilities may get worse. The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of leprosy-associated grade 2 disabilities (G2D) after completion of multidrug therapy (MDT) and to identify factors associated with G2D. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of 222 leprosy cases registered in Vitória da Conquista, Bahia state, Brazil from 2001-2014. We performed a clinical examination of the study participants and collected socio-economic and clinical information by interview. We identified factors associated with grade 2 disability (G2D) using logis tic regression. RESULTS: In total, 38 (17.1%) participants were diagnosed with G2D, and 106 (47.7%) with grade 1 disabilities (G1D). The following independent factors were significantly associated with G2D: occurrence of leprosy reaction (adjusted OR = 2.5; 95%CI = 1.09-5.77), thickening and/or tenderness of one or more nerve trunks (adjusted OR = 3.0; CI = 1.13-8.01) and unemployment (adjusted OR = 7.17; CI = 2.44-21.07). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that physical disabilities remain after completion of MDT and frequently occur in an endemic area in Brazil. Finding new ways to reduce the burden of disability are urgently needed, and may include systematic follow-up of patients after treatment completion combined with evidence-based preventative measures.

Work and Leprosy: women in their pains, struggles and toils.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the interference of leprosy in women's life regarding work and daily life activities. METHOD: Exploratory qualitative study developed from semi-structured interviews and with the use of field diaries. The strategy of the organization of data was a thematic analysis of content and referential of the work process in health and gender. RESULTS: The themes presented are: "The leprosy pains", "Changes with the disease and adaptation at work and activities" and "Being a woman with leprosy". On them, we present the aspects that changed in women's life from the leprosy, especially regarding work and daily activities. Beyond physical limitation, there are impacts on social relations and above all on formal work, there may even be dismission. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: In women affected by leprosy, work and daily activities are directly affected; this deepens the social difficulties and requires attention of health professionals.

"A reação é o mais difícil, é pior que hanseníase": contradições e ambiguidades na experiência de mulheres com reações hansênicas / "The reaction is the most difficult, it is worse than leprosy": contradictions and ambiguities in the experience of women with leprosy reactions

Resumo Estudo de abordagem socioantropológica, analisa a experiência de mulheres com reações hansênicas, quadro agudo de evolução crônica que acomete cerca da metade das pessoas que têm hanseníase. Foram entrevistadas sete mulheres com reações, acompanhadas por um serviço de referência em Cuiabá-MT, região com maior número de casos no Brasil. A análise foi realizada na modalidade temática e os resultados abrangem o contexto em que vivem, o aparecimento e interpretação das reações, as repercussões e dilemas de um "tratamento que adoece". As reações imbricam-se na trajetória da hanseníase e são marcadores do adoecimento por intensificarem a dor ou por causarem marcas e eritemas pelo corpo. Ao explicarem sua origem, as reações são inseridas em contextos abrangentes e situações de estresse ou tristeza. O tratamento torna-se um problema na medida em que afeta como elas se veem, processo que é acrescido e incorporado à situação estigmatizante causada pela hanseníase. Ter reações pode ser considerado "pior" do que ter hanseníase, pois nem sempre é possível prevê-las ou controlá-las; por isso, assume-se que a noção de cura requer outros sentidos, baseados na reconstrução cotidiana. Reitera-se a importância de abordar o problema em perspectiva que favoreça uma atenção integral aos adoecidos.

Abstract Study of socio-anthropological approach on the experience of women with leprosy reactions, an acute chronic evolution that affects half of those who have leprosy. Seven women with reactions were interviewed, accompanied by a reference service in Cuiabá-MT, the region with the highest number of cases in Brazil. The analysis was carried out in the thematic modality and the results cover the context in which they live, the appearance and interpretation of the reactions, the repercussions and dilemmas of a "treatment that gets sick". Reactions are embedded in the trajectory of leprosy and are markers of illness by intensifying pain or causing bruising and erythema throughout the body. In explaining their origin, reactions are inserted into broad contexts and situations of stress or sadness. Treatment becomes a problem as it affects how they look, a process that is added and incorporated into the stigmatizing situation caused by leprosy. Having reactions can be considered "worse" than having leprosy, since it is not always possible to predict or control them and therefore, it is assumed that the notion of cure requires other senses, based on daily reconstruction. It reiterates the importance of approaching the problem in a perspective that favors a comprehensive care for the patients.

Work and Leprosy: women in their pains, struggles and toils / El trabajo y la lepra: las mujeres en sus dolores, luchas y esfuerzos / Trabalho e hanseníase: as mulheres em suas dores, lutas e labutas

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the interference of leprosy in women's life regarding work and daily life activities. Method: Exploratory qualitative study developed from semi-structured interviews and with the use of field diaries. The strategy of the organization of data was a thematic analysis of content and referential of the work process in health and gender. Results: The themes presented are: "The leprosy pains", "Changes with the disease and adaptation at work and activities" and "Being a woman with leprosy". On them, we present the aspects that changed in women's life from the leprosy, especially regarding work and daily activities. Beyond physical limitation, there are impacts on social relations and above all on formal work, there may even be dismission. Final considerations: In women affected by leprosy, work and daily activities are directly affected; this deepens the social difficulties and requires attention of health professionals.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar la interferencia de la lepra en la vida de mujeres en relación al trabajo y las actividades de la vida diaria. Método: Estudio cualitativo exploratorio desarrollado a partir de entrevistas semiestructuras y con el uso de diario de campo. La estrategia de organización de los datos fue el análisis temático de contenido y referencial del proceso de trabajo en salud y género. Resultados: Los temas presentados son: "Los dolores de la lepra", "Cambios con la enfermedad y adaptaciones en el trabajo y en las actividades" y "Ser mujer con lepra". En ellos, presentamos los aspectos que cambiaron en la vida de las mujeres a partir de la lepra, especialmente con relación al trabajo y a las actividades diarias. Además de la limitación física, hay impactos en las relaciones sociales y sobre todo en el trabajo formal, con posibilidad incluso de dimisión. Consideraciones finales: En mujeres contagiadas por la lepra, el trabajo y las actividades diarias son directamente afectados, lo que profundiza las dificultades sociales y requiere atención de los profesionales de la salud.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a interferência da hanseníase na vida de mulheres em relação ao trabalho e atividades de vida diária. Método: Estudo qualitativo exploratório desenvolvido a partir de entrevistas semiestruturadas e com uso de diário de campo. A estratégia de organização dos dados foi análise temática de conteúdo e referencial do processo de trabalho em saúde e gênero. Resultados: Os temas apresentados são: "As dores da hanseníase", "Mudanças com a doença e adaptações no trabalho e nas atividades" e "Ser mulher com hanseníase". Neles, apresentamos os aspectos que mudaram na vida das mulheres a partir da hanseníase, especialmente com relação ao trabalho e às atividades diárias. Além da limitação física, há impactos nas relações sociais e sobretudo no trabalho formal, podendo haver inclusive demissão. Considerações finais: Em mulheres acometidas pela hanseníase, o trabalho e as atividades diárias são diretamente afetados; isso aprofunda as dificuldades sociais e requer atenção dos profissionais de saúde.

Oral health conditions in leprosy cases in hyperendemic area of the Brazilian Amazon.

Leprosy is a hyperendemic chronic condition in the Rondônia State . Despite the significant impact of oral health on the quality of life and clinical evolution of leprosy patients, systematic evaluation of oral health status has been neglected. To analyze the dental-clinical profile, self-perceived oral health and dental health service access of leprosy cases in the municipality of Cacoal in Rondônia State , North Brazil, from 2001 to 2012. A descriptive, cross-sectional study design was performed based on dental evaluation and standardized structured instruments. We investigated clinically assessed and self-perceived oral health status, as well as dental health service access. A total of 303 leprosy cases were included; 41.6% rated their oral health as good, and 42.6% reported being satisfied with their oral health. Self-reported loss of upper teeth was 45.5%. The clinical evaluation revealed that 54.5% had active caries. Most (97.7%) cases reported having been to the dentist at least once in their life and 23.1% used public health services. The poor standard of oral health in this population may increase the risk for leprosy reactions, consequently reducing quality of life. Low access to public health dental services and poor self-perceived oral health reinforce the need to achieve comprehensive health care in this population.

Assessment of the sensory and physical limitations imposed by leprosy in a Brazilian Amazon Population.

INTRODUCTION: Leprosy often results in sensory and physical limitations. This study aimed to evaluate these limitations using a quantitative approach in leprosy patients in Belém (Pará, Brazil). METHODS: This epidemiological, cross-sectional study measured the sensory impairment of smell and taste through the use of a questionnaire and evaluated activity limitations of daily life imposed by leprosy through the Screening of Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness (SALSA) Scale. Data were collected from 84 patients and associations between the degree of disability and clinical and epidemiological characteristics were assessed. RESULTS: The majority of patients were men (64.3%), married (52.4%), age 31-40 years old (26.2%), had primary education (50%), and were independent laborers (36.9%). The multibacillary operational classification (81%), borderline clinical form (57.1%), and 0 degrees of physical disability (41.7%) were predominant. SALSA scores ranged from 17 to 59 points, and being without limitations was predominant (53.6%). The risk awareness score ranged from 0 to 8, with a score of 0 (no awareness of risk) being the most common (56%). Evaluation of smell and taste sensory sensitivities revealed that 70.2% did not experience these sensory changes. Patients with leprosy reactions were 7 times more likely to develop activity limitations, and those who had physical disabilities were approximately four times more likely to develop a clinical picture of activity limitations. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients showed no sensory changes, but patients with leprosy reactions were significantly more likely to develop activity limitations. Finally, further studies should be performed, assessing a higher number of patients to confirm the present results.

Assessment of the sensory and physical limitations imposed by leprosy in a Brazilian Amazon Population

Abstract INTRODUCTION Leprosy often results in sensory and physical limitations. This study aimed to evaluate these limitations using a quantitative approach in leprosy patients in Belém (Pará, Brazil). METHODS This epidemiological, cross-sectional study measured the sensory impairment of smell and taste through the use of a questionnaire and evaluated activity limitations of daily life imposed by leprosy through the Screening of Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness (SALSA) Scale. Data were collected from 84 patients and associations between the degree of disability and clinical and epidemiological characteristics were assessed. RESULTS The majority of patients were men (64.3%), married (52.4%), age 31-40 years old (26.2%), had primary education (50%), and were independent laborers (36.9%). The multibacillary operational classification (81%), borderline clinical form (57.1%), and 0 degrees of physical disability (41.7%) were predominant. SALSA scores ranged from 17 to 59 points, and being without limitations was predominant (53.6%). The risk awareness score ranged from 0 to 8, with a score of 0 (no awareness of risk) being the most common (56%). Evaluation of smell and taste sensory sensitivities revealed that 70.2% did not experience these sensory changes. Patients with leprosy reactions were 7 times more likely to develop activity limitations, and those who had physical disabilities were approximately four times more likely to develop a clinical picture of activity limitations. CONCLUSIONS Most patients showed no sensory changes, but patients with leprosy reactions were significantly more likely to develop activity limitations. Finally, further studies should be performed, assessing a higher number of patients to confirm the present results.

Agreement Between the Douleur Neuropathique in 4 Questions and Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs Questionnaires to Classify Neuropathic Pain Among Patients with Leprosy.

Neuropathic pain (NP) often occurs during the course of leprosy, and screening tools to differentiate NP from non-NP are often used. However, their performance varies in different settings. The most frequently used scales are the Douleur Neuropathique in 4 questions (DN4) and the Leeds assessment of neuropathic symptoms and signs (LANSS) questionnaires. Thus, we conducted a study to evaluate the agreement between DN4 and LANSS questionnaires to classify NP in 195 leprosy patients attending two reference centers in Sergipe, Brazil. The DN4 and LANSS classified 166 and 110 patients, respectively, as having NP. One hundred and seven (54.8%) were classified as NP by both questionnaires; 59 (30.2%) solely by the DN4 questionnaire and three (1.5%) solely by the LANSS. The agreement of the questionnaires was 66.2% (weak agreement, Kappa = 0.30). Although both questionnaires identified a high proportion of NP, the development of more robust instruments is necessary to ensure the accuracy of diagnosis of leprosy patients classified as having NP.