Laboratory detection of bacterial pathogens and clinical and laboratory response of syndromic management in patients with cervical discharge: A retrospective study.

Background Cervical discharge as part of cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease is a cause of significant morbidity in sexually active women worldwide. Non-gonococcal and non- chlamydial bacterial pathogens are becoming more prevalent. Aims This study aims to determine bacterial pathogens causing cervical discharge using culture and/or polymerase chain reaction and assess the clinical and laboratory response to the conventional syndromic kit regimen established by the World Health Organisation. Methods A retrospective review of records of women with cervical discharge over one year period. Culture and/or polymerase chain reaction results of endocervical swabs of various bacterial pathogens at baseline and after four weeks of treatment with syndromic kit regimen were recorded. Results A total of 70 case records were reviewed for clinical details, out of which results of bacterial culture and polymerase chain reaction were available for 67 cases. Infectious aetiology was found in 30 (44.7%) patients with Ureaplasma species being the most common organism isolated on culture (18, 26.8%) and polymerase chain reaction (25, 37.3%), respectively. Polymerase chain reaction for Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma hominis was positive in ten (14.9%) and four (6%) cases, respectively. None of the patients showed positive culture for Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Coinfection was seen in eight (11.9%) patients with the majority showing Chlamydia trachomatis and Ureaplasma spp. coinfection (five patients). Forty one cases (58.5%) received tab. cefixime 400 mg and tab. azithromycin one gram stat (kit 1), while 29 cases (43.3%) received tab. cefixime 400 mg stat, tab. metronidazole 400 mg and cap. doxycycline 100 mg, both twice daily for 14 days (kit 6). Minimal to no clinical improvement with treatment was seen in 14 out of 32 cases (44%) at the end of four weeks with the conventional kit regimen. Post-treatment culture and/or polymerase chain reaction were positive in nine out of 28 cases (32.1%) with Ureaplasma spp. being the most common. Limitations Retrospective study design, small sample size and fewer cases with follow-up data were the main limitations. Conclusion Ureaplasma spp. was the most common infectious cause of cervical discharge in our patients. Treatment given as part of syndromic management led to a clinical and microbiological response in around half and two-third cases, respectively.

Social participation restriction among persons with leprosy discharged from a multidrug therapy clinic in northern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The burden of leprosy-related disability, stigma and social participation after completing treatment is not well documented in Nigeria. We assessed the extent of disability, level of stigma and predictors of activity limitation and social participation restriction after completing multidrug therapy (MDT) for leprosy in Kano, Nigeria. METHODS: A consecutively recruited cross-section of 354 persons discharged from MDT and 360 community members were interviewed. The Eyes, Hands and Feet sum score, Screening of Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness scale, Participation scale and Jacoby Stigma scale were used for affected persons. The Exploratory Model Interview Catalogue scale was used to assess community-perceived stigma. Levels of disability, activity limitation, participation restriction and stigma were scored. Adjusted ORs for predictors were generated from logistic regression models. RESULTS: Most (91.5%, n=324) respondents had a disability; (8.2%, n=29) and (83.3%, n=295) were WHO grades 1 and 2, respectively. Similarly, 321 participants (90.7%) had activity limitation and 316 respondents (89.3%) experienced participation restriction. Further, 88.7% of participants (n=314) anticipated stigma. Activity limitation was higher among unemployed participants, men, persons with disability and those who anticipated stigma. Participation restriction was higher among low income earners (≤1000 Nigerian Naira per month (equivalent to US$2.50 per month)) and persons with disability, limited activity and anticipated stigma. CONCLUSION: Leprosy-related disability, stigma, activity limitation and social participation restriction are high after treatment. We recommend community-based rehabilitation to sustain self-care, reduce stigma and ensure social inclusion.

Trends and Determinants of Polypharmacy and Potential Drug-Drug Interactions at Discharge From Hospital Between 2009-2015.

BACKGROUND: Polypharmacy (PP) and excessive polypharmacy (EPP) are increasingly common and associated with risk of drug-drug interactions (DDIs). We aimed to measure the trends and determinants of PP and DDIs among patients discharged from the Department of Internal Medicine of the Lausanne University Hospital. METHODS: The retrospective study included 17,742 adult patients discharged between 2009 and 2015. Polypharmacy and EPP were defined as the concomitant prescription of five or more and ten or more drugs, respectively. Drug-drug interactions were defined as any combination of a drug metabolized by a cytochrome P450 or P-glycoprotein, and a drug considered as strong inductor or inhibitor of the corresponding enzyme was defined as a potential interaction. RESULTS: Three most commonly classes of drugs prescribed were "alimentary tract and metabolism (including insulins)," "nervous system," and "blood and blood forming organs." Polypharmacy decreased from 45% in 2009 to 41% in 2015, whereas EPP increased from 40% to 46%. In 2015, 13% of patients received 15 or more drugs. Age, coming from other health care settings, higher Charlson Index, number of comorbidities, and quartiles of length of stay were significantly and independently associated with PP and EPP. The risk of having at least one DDI decreased from 67.0% (95% confidence interval = 64.8-69.0) in 2009 to 59.3% (57.6-62.0) in 2015 (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed number of drugs (odds ratio and 95% confidence interval = 3.68 [3.3-4.1], 9.39 [8.3-10.6], and 20.5 [17.3-28.4] for [5-9], [10-14], and 15+ drugs, respectively), gastrointestinal disease (3.13 [2.73-3.58]), and cancer (1.37 [1.18-1.58]) to be positively associated, and lung (0.82 [0.74-0.90]) and endocrinological (0.62 [0.52-0.74]) diseases to be negatively associated with risk of DDI. CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of drug prescription has changed and most prescribed groups increased during the study period. Excessive polypharmacy is increasing among hospital patients. The decrease in the overall risk of DDI could be due to an improved management of multidrug therapy.

Perfil de pacientes que concluíram o tratamento poliquimioterápico da hanseníase: um estudo transversal / Perfil de pacientes que concluyeron el tratamiento poliquimioterapéutico de la lepra: un estudio transversal / Profile of patients who completed multidrug therapy treatment for leprosy: a cross-sectional study

RESUMO Introdução: a hanseníase é uma doença infectocontagiosa que prevalece como problema de saúde pública no Brasil. Objetivo: descrever o perfil sociodemográfico, de tratamento e clínico de pacientes que concluíram o tratamento poliquimioterápico para a hanseníase. Método: estudo transversal, desenvolvido de novembro de 2017 a fevereiro de 2018 no município de Natal. A população-alvo foi constituída por 113 indivíduos cadastrados no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação e a amostra por 90, que foram notificados para a hanseníase e concluíram o tratamento poliquimioterápico, selecionados por sorteio. Os dados foram coletados por formulário, tabulados e analisados pelo SPSS 21. Quanto ao teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov, não se observou uma distribuição de normalidade dos achados, optando-se por trabalhar com testes não paramétricos: qui-quadrado de Pearson (ou exato de Fisher) e o teste de Mann-Whitney. Resultados: predominaram indivíduos do sexo feminino, até 59 anos, com baixa renda, baixo grau de escolaridade, tratados nos centros de referência e classificados como paucibacilares. Conclusão: as condições de vulnerabilidade associada à predominância de casos tratados nos centros de referência reforçam a necessidade de organização da atenção básica para acompanhamento dos casos de hanseníase.

RESUMEN Introducción: la lepra es una enfermedad infectocontagiosa que prevalece como problema de salud pública en Brasil. Objetivo: describir el perfil sociodemográfico, de tratamiento y clínico de pacientes que concluyeron el tratamiento poliquimioterapéutico para la lepra. Método: estudio transversal, desarrollado de noviembre de 2017 a febrero de 2018 en el municipio de Natal. La población objetivo fue constituida por 113 individuos registrados en el Sistema de Información de Agravios de Notificación y la muestra por 90, que fueron notificados para la lepra y concluyeron el tratamiento poliquimioterapéutico, seleccionados por sorteo. Los datos fueron recogidos por formulario, tabulados y analizados por el SPSS 21. En cuanto a la prueba de Kolmogorov-Smirnov, no se observó una distribución de normalidad de los hallazgos, optándose por trabajar con pruebas no paramétricas: chi-cuadrado de Pearson (o exacta de Fisher) y la prueba de Mann-Whitney. Resultados: predominaron individuos del sexo femenino, hasta 59 años, con bajos ingresos, bajo grado de escolaridad, tratados en los centros de referencia y clasificados como paucibacilares. Conclusión: las condiciones de vulnerabilidad asociadas al predominio de casos tratados en los centros de referencia refuerzan la necesidad de organizar la atención básica para el seguimiento de los casos de lepra.

ABSTRACT Introduction: leprosy is an infectious and contagious disease that persists as a public health problem in Brazil. Objective: to describe the sociodemographic, treatment and clinical profile of patients who completed polychemotherapy treatment for leprosy. Method: cross-sectional study developed from November 2017 to February 2018 in the city of Natal. The target population consisted of 113 individuals registered in the Information System for Notifiable Diseases, and the sample consisted of 90, who were reported for leprosy and completed the multidrug therapy, selected by drawing lots. Data were collected using a form, tabulated and analyzed using SPSS 21. In the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, non-normal distribution of the findings was found, and thus non-parametric tests were used, namely, Pearson's chi-square (or exact Fisher test) and the Mann-Whitney test. Results: there was a predominance of female individuals, up to 59 years old, with low income, low level of education, treated in reference centers and cases classified as paucibacillary. Conclusion: the conditions of vulnerability associated with the predominance of cases treated in reference centers reinforce the need to organize primary care in order to monitor leprosy cases.

Prevenção de incapacidade física por hanseníase no Brasil: análise histórica / Prevention of physical disabilities due to leprosy in Brazil: a historic analysis

Resumo As orientações para prevenção de incapacidades físicas por hanseníase vêm ganhando destaque no controle da doença para além da poliquimioterapia. O objetivo deste artigo é descrever as mudanças, de forma cronológica, nas orientações técnicas para prevenção das incapacidades físicas por hanseníase no Brasil. Trata-se de relato histórico baseado em documentos oficiais dos órgãos de saúde brasileiros. Foram incluídos todos os decretos, portarias e manuais que fizeram menção à prevenção de incapacidades, publicados entre 1962 e 2016. Os documentos estabeleceram os critérios clínicos, técnicos, assistenciais, emocionais e sociais, de direcionamento das ações de prevenção nas instituições de saúde. As publicações foram coordenadas pelo Ministério da Saúde e adequadas ao longo dos anos sob o ponto de vista conceitual, político, estratégico e assistencial. As orientações abrangeram, principalmente, as atividades de avaliação neurológica e do grau de incapacidade física, técnicas de prevenção de incapacidades e autocuidado. As incapacidades físicas refletem a qualidade do acesso ao diagnóstico, do acompanhamento dos casos durante o tratamento e pós-alta por cura. Os serviços de saúde deverão ser organizados não apenas para o diagnóstico e oferta da poliquimioterapia, mas para todos os aspectos que envolvem a doença.

Abstract Guidelines for the prevention of physical disabilities due to leprosy have been gaining prominence in the control of the disease over and above multidrug therapy. The scope of this study is to describe the chronological changes in the technical guidelines for the prevention of physical disabilities due to leprosy in Brazil. It is a historical account based on official documents of the Brazilian health agencies. All the decrees, ordinances and manuals that mentioned assessment and prevention of disabilities published between 1962 and 2016 were included. The documents established the clinical, technical, welfare, emotional and social criteria that governed preventive actions in health institutions. The publications were coordinated by the Ministry of Health and adapted over the years from a conceptual, political, strategic and welfare standpoint. The guidelines mainly encompassed the activities of neurological assessment and the degree of physical incapacity, techniques of prevention of incapacities and self-care. Physical disabilities reflect the quality of access to diagnosis, monitoring of cases during treatment and post-discharge due to cure. The health services should be organized not only for the diagnosis and provision of multidrug therapy, but for all aspects involving the disease.

[Prevention of physical disabilities due to leprosy in Brazil: a historic analysis]. / Prevenção de incapacidade física por hanseníase no Brasil: análise histórica.

Guidelines for the prevention of physical disabilities due to leprosy have been gaining prominence in the control of the disease over and above multidrug therapy. The scope of this study is to describe the chronological changes in the technical guidelines for the prevention of physical disabilities due to leprosy in Brazil. It is a historical account based on official documents of the Brazilian health agencies. All the decrees, ordinances and manuals that mentioned assessment and prevention of disabilities published between 1962 and 2016 were included. The documents established the clinical, technical, welfare, emotional and social criteria that governed preventive actions in health institutions. The publications were coordinated by the Ministry of Health and adapted over the years from a conceptual, political, strategic and welfare standpoint. The guidelines mainly encompassed the activities of neurological assessment and the degree of physical incapacity, techniques of prevention of incapacities and self-care. Physical disabilities reflect the quality of access to diagnosis, monitoring of cases during treatment and post-discharge due to cure. The health services should be organized not only for the diagnosis and provision of multidrug therapy, but for all aspects involving the disease.

As orientações para prevenção de incapacidades físicas por hanseníase vêm ganhando destaque no controle da doença para além da poliquimioterapia. O objetivo deste artigo é descrever as mudanças, de forma cronológica, nas orientações técnicas para prevenção das incapacidades físicas por hanseníase no Brasil. Trata-se de relato histórico baseado em documentos oficiais dos órgãos de saúde brasileiros. Foram incluídos todos os decretos, portarias e manuais que fizeram menção à prevenção de incapacidades, publicados entre 1962 e 2016. Os documentos estabeleceram os critérios clínicos, técnicos, assistenciais, emocionais e sociais, de direcionamento das ações de prevenção nas instituições de saúde. As publicações foram coordenadas pelo Ministério da Saúde e adequadas ao longo dos anos sob o ponto de vista conceitual, político, estratégico e assistencial. As orientações abrangeram, principalmente, as atividades de avaliação neurológica e do grau de incapacidade física, técnicas de prevenção de incapacidades e autocuidado. As incapacidades físicas refletem a qualidade do acesso ao diagnóstico, do acompanhamento dos casos durante o tratamento e pós-alta por cura. Os serviços de saúde deverão ser organizados não apenas para o diagnóstico e oferta da poliquimioterapia, mas para todos os aspectos que envolvem a doença.

Contextual analysis of health care at discharge in leprosy: an integrative review. / Análise contextual da atenção à saúde na alta em hanseníase: uma revisão integrativa.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze contextual relations of health care in the discharge of leprosy. METHOD: An analytical, reflexive study based on the theoretical framework of context analysis, elaborated through an integrative review of literature in the databases SCOPUS, PUBMED, LILACS, SCIELO and BDENF, with uncontrolled descriptors Leprosy and Patient Discharge, obtaining 14 publications. RESULTS: The immediate context addresses health care at discharge in leprosy; the specific context treats leprosy as a public health problem; the symbolic conceptions and marks involving leprosy are encompassed by the general context; and in the metacontext are described the health programs and policies that subsidize the care of leprosy patients. CONCLUSION: The contextual elements emphasize the need to guarantee universal coverage of cases of leprosy, from diagnosis to the post-discharge, reinforcing leprosy as a public health problem. Despite the limitations of the bibliographic studies, these have relevance for the health area.

Análise contextual da atenção à saúde na alta em hanseníase: uma revisão integrativa / Análisis contextual de la atención a la salud en el alta en lepra: una revisión integradora / Contextual analysis of health care at discharge in leprosy: an integrative review

Resumo OBJETIVO Analisar as relações contextuais da atenção à saúde na alta em hanseníase. MÉTODO Estudo analítico pautado no referencial teórico de análise do contexto, elaborado mediante revisão integrativa de literatura nas bases de dados SCOPUS, PUBMED, LILACS, SCIELO e BDENF, com descritores Hanseníase e Alta do Paciente, obtendo-se 14 publicações. RESULTADOS O contexto imediato aborda a atenção em saúde na alta em hanseníase; o contexto específico trata da hanseníase como problema de saúde pública; as concepções simbólicas que envolvem a hanseníase são abarcadas pelo contexto geral; e no metacontexto estão descritos programas e políticas de saúde que subsidiam o atendimento à pessoa com hanseníase. CONCLUSÃO Os elementos contextuais ressaltam a necessidade de garantir a atenção em saúde para os casos de hanseníase, do diagnóstico até o pós-alta, reconhecendo a hanseníase como problema de saúde pública. Apesar das limitações dos estudos bibliográficos, estes possuem relevância para a área da saúde.

Resumen OBJETIVO Analizar las relaciones contextuales de la atención a la salud en el alta en lepra. MÉTODO Estudio analítico, pautado en el referencial teórico de análisis del contexto, elaborado mediante revisión integrativa de literatura en las bases de datos SCOPUS, PUBMED, LILACS, SCIELO y BDENF, con descriptores Lepra y Alta del Paciente, obteniendo 14 publicaciones. RESULTADOS El contexto inmediato aborda la atención en salud en el alto en lepra; el contexto específico trata de la lepra como problema de salud pública; las concepciones simbólicas que envuelven la lepra son abarcadas por el contexto general; y en el metacontexto se describen los programas y políticas de salud. CONCLUSIÓN Los elementos contextuales resaltan la necesidad de garantizar cobertura universal casos de lepra, del diagnóstico hasta el post-alta, reforzando la hanseniasis como problema de salud. A pesar de las limitaciones de los estudios bibliográficos, éstos tienen relevancia para el área de la salud.

Abstract OBJECTIVE To analyze contextual relations of health care in the discharge of leprosy. METHOD An analytical, reflexive study based on the theoretical framework of context analysis, elaborated through an integrative review of literature in the databases SCOPUS, PUBMED, LILACS, SCIELO and BDENF, with uncontrolled descriptors Leprosy and Patient Discharge, obtaining 14 publications. RESULTS The immediate context addresses health care at discharge in leprosy; the specific context treats leprosy as a public health problem; the symbolic conceptions and marks involving leprosy are encompassed by the general context; and in the metacontext are described the health programs and policies that subsidize the care of leprosy patients. CONCLUSION The contextual elements emphasize the need to guarantee universal coverage of cases of leprosy, from diagnosis to the post-discharge, reinforcing leprosy as a public health problem. Despite the limitations of the bibliographic studies, these have relevance for the health area.

Understanding "patient discharge in leprosy": a concept analysis. / Compreendendo a "alta em hanseníase": uma análise de conceito.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the concept of patient discharge in leprosy. METHODS: Theoretical study guided in the methodological framework of concept analysis. A bibliographical survey was held from December 2015 to January 2016 using the following bases: SCOPUS, CINAHL, PubMed, LILACS, SCIELO and BDENF, by use of the descriptors "Leprosy" and "Patient Discharge", resulting in 13 studies. RESULTS: The following were identified as possible uses for the concept: discharge by cure, drug use discharge, bacteriological discharge and post-discharge. The attributes defined were completion of multidrug therapy, completion of multidrug therapy for paucibacillary leprosy, completion of multidrug therapy for multibacillary leprosy and cure from leprosy. The presence of an M. leprae infection, symptoms present in skin and peripheral nerves, diagnosis and treatment and leprosy reactions were identified as antecedents. Consequents were exclusion from the active leprosy record and continuity of health care. One case model and one opposing case were presented. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis broadened the concept "discharge in leprosy", providing other meanings than the clinical definition of multidrug therapy.

Compreendendo a "alta em hanseníase": uma análise de conceito / Understanding "patient discharge in leprosy": a concept analysis

Resumo OBJETIVO Analisar o conceito de alta em hanseníase. MÉTODOS Estudo teórico pautado no referencial metodológico de análise de conceito. Realizou-se levantamento bibliográfico, de dezembro de 2015 a janeiro de 2016, nas bases SCOPUS, CINAHL, PUBMED, LILACS, SCIELO e BDENF, mediante uso dos descritores "Hanseníase" e "Alta do Paciente", obtendo-se 13 estudos. RESULTADOS Identificou-se alta por cura, alta medicamentosa, alta bacteriológica e pós-alta como possíveis usos do conceito. Os atributos definidos foram conclusão da poliquimioterapia, conclusão da poliquimioterapia para paucibacilares, conclusão da poliquimioterapia para multibacilares e cura da hanseníase. Como antecedentes, identificou-se infecção pelo M. leprae, acometimento de pele e de nervos periféricos, diagnóstico e tratamento e reações hansênicas. Saída do registro ativo de casos de hanseníase e continuidade de atenção em saúde foram os consequentes. Apresentou-se um caso modelo e um caso contrário. CONCLUSÕES A análise ampliou o conceito "alta em hanseníase", para além da clínica focada na poliquimioterapia.

Resumen OBJETIVO Analizar el concepto de alta lepra. MÉTODOS Análisis de concepto, propuesto por Walker y Avant. Literatura detenido en los meses de diciembre de 2015 y enero de 2016, las bases SCOPUS, CINAHL, PUBMED, LILACS, SCIELO y BDENF mediante el uso de descriptores "alta" del paciente asociados con el operador boleano AND, dando lugar a 13 estudios "lepra". RESULTADOS Se identificaron alta curación, drogas alta, alta bacteriológico y después del alta como posibles usos del concepto. Los atributos definidos eran finalización de la poliquimioterapia, la finalización de la poliquimioterapia para paucibacilar, la finalización de la poliquimioterapia para la curación de la lepra multibacilar y. Como antecedente, se identifico la infección por M. leprae, lapiel y La participación de los nervios periféricos, diagnóstico y tratamiento de las reacciones y la lepra. Activa La producción récord de casos de lepra, La continuidad del cuidado de la salud son consecuentes. CONCLUSIONES El término "alta lepra" se agranda, además de la terapia de múltiples fármacos.

Abstract OBJECTIVE To analyze the concept of patient discharge in leprosy. METHODS Theoretical study guided in the methodological framework of concept analysis. A bibliographical survey was held from December 2015 to January 2016 using the following bases: SCOPUS, CINAHL, PubMed, LILACS, SCIELO and BDENF, by use of the descriptors "Leprosy" and "Patient Discharge", resulting in 13 studies. RESULTS The following were identified as possible uses for the concept: discharge by cure, drug use discharge, bacteriological discharge and post-discharge. The attributes defined were completion of multidrug therapy, completion of multidrug therapy for paucibacillary leprosy, completion of multidrug therapy for multibacillary leprosy and cure from leprosy. The presence of an M. leprae infection, symptoms present in skin and peripheral nerves, diagnosis and treatment and leprosy reactions were identified as antecedents. Consequents were exclusion from the active leprosy record and continuity of health care. One case model and one opposing case were presented. CONCLUSIONS The analysis broadened the concept "discharge in leprosy", providing other meanings than the clinical definition of multidrug therapy.

Limitações e incapacidades físicas no pós-alta em hanseníase: uma revisão integrativa / Limitations and physical disabilities in posttreatment for leprosy: an integrative review

Objetivo: sintetizar informações produzidas sobre limitações e incapacidades físicas no pós-alta em hanseníase.Método: revisão integrativa realizada nos meses de maio e junho de 2015, nas bases de dados CINAHL, LILACS,PubMed e Scopus, utilizando os descritores indexados Hanseníase, Alta do Paciente e Pessoas com Deficiência,e seus correspondentes em inglês e espanhol, associado ao operador boleano and. Resultados: selecionaram-se15 estudos, dos quais 26,6% estão voltados para avaliação da limitação de atividades e participação social doindivíduo no pós-alta em hanseníase, e outros 26,6%, para a avaliação das incapacidades físicas. Na análise temática,foram identificadas três categorias: caracterização de usuários no pós-alta em hanseníase; repercussão social; epossibilidades terapêuticas e acompanhamento pós-alta. Conclusão: estudos mostraram predominância de casosmultibacilares com incapacidades físicas, limitações de atividades e de participação social entre os usuários no pós--alta em hanseníase, sugerindo a necessida de continuidade da assistência após a alta medicamentosa.

Objective: to summarize the information produced about limitations and disabilities in post-treatment for leprosy.Method: integrative review conducted in May and June 2015 in CINAHL, LILACS, PubMed and Scopus databases,using the indexed descriptors: Leprosy, Patient Discharge and People with Disabilities and their counterparts in Englishand Spanish, together with the Boolean and operator. Results: we selected 15 studies, of which 26.6% are focusedon evaluating the limitation of activities and social participation of the individual in post-treatment for leprosy andanother 26.6% for the assessment of physical disabilities. Three categories were identified through thematic analysis:Profile of users in post-treatment for leprosy; Social impact; and post-treatment therapeutic possibilities and followup.Conclusion: studies have shown predominance of multibacillary cases with physical disabilities, limitations inactivities and of social participation among users in post-treatment for leprosy, suggesting the need for the continuityof care after release from medication.

Objetivo: resumir la información producida sobre las limitaciones y discapacidades en post-alta en la lepra. Método:revisión integradora realizada en las bases de datos CINAHL, LILACS, PubMed y Scopus utilizando los descriptores Lepra, alta del paciente y personas con discapacidad, y sus correspondientes en inglés y español, asociado aloperador boleano and. Resultados: se seleccionaron 15 estudios, de los cuales 26,6% se centran en la evaluación dela limitación de las actividades y la participación social del individuo en la post-alta en lepra y otros 26,6% para laevaluación de las discapacidades físicas. Se identificaron tres categorías: perfiles de usuario en post-alta en la lepra;Impacto social; posibilidades terapéuticas y acompañamiento post-alta. Conclusión: los estudios han demostradopredominio de casos multibacilares con discapacidades físicas, limitaciones en las actividades y de la participaciónsocial de los usuarios en el post-alta en la lepra, lo que sugiere la necesidad de la continuidad de la atención despuésdel alta de medicamentos.

Limited activity and social participation after hospital discharge from leprosy treatment in a hyperendemic area in North Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Neural damages are among the main factors that contribute to physical disability in leprosy. Systematic monitoring using a broad physical, psychological and social approach is necessary. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to characterize the limitation of activity and social participation and its correlation with disabilities and/or impairment in individuals after being discharged from a multidrug leprosy therapy. METHOD: A cross-sectional study conducted in Araguaína, state of Tocantins, which is a leprosy hyperendemic municipality. We included cases of patients who were discharged from treatment considered as cured from January 2004 to December 2009. We performed dermatological examination and applied the Screening Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness (SALSA) and social participation scales. RESULTS: We included 282 individuals (mean age: 45.8 years old). The paucibacillary operational classification was more common (170; 60.3%). The eye-hand-foot score ranged from 0 to 12 (mean: 0.7). A total of 84 (29.8%) individuals presented limited activity. A slight restriction in social participation occurred in 18 (6.3%) cases. There was a statistically significant correlation between activity limitation, age (r = 0.40; p < 0.0001) and degree of functional limitation (r = 0.54; p < 0.0001), as well as of restricted social participation, activity limitation (r = 0.56, p < 0.0001) and functional limitations (r = 0.54, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Functional limitation due to leprosy had an impact on the conduct of activities and social participation after the discharge from a leprosy treatment. The association between Screening of Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness and participation scales will assist in designing evidence-based assistance measures.

Limited activity and social participation after hospital discharge from leprosy treatment in a hyperendemic area in north Brazil / Pós-alta de hanseníase: limitação de atividade e participação social em área hiperendêmica do Norte do Brasil

INTRODUCTION: Neural damages are among the main factors that contribute to physical disability in leprosy. Systematic monitoring using a broad physical, psychological and social approach is necessary. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to characterize the limitation of activity and social participation and its correlation with disabilities and/or impairment in individuals after being discharged from a multidrug leprosy therapy. METHOD: A cross-sectional study conducted in Araguaína, state of Tocantins, which is a leprosy hyperendemic municipality. We included cases of patients who were discharged from treatment considered as cured from January 2004 to December 2009. We performed dermatological examination and applied the Screening Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness (SALSA) and social participation scales. RESULTS: We included 282 individuals (mean age: 45.8 years old). The paucibacillary operational classification was more common (170; 60.3%). The eye-hand-foot score ranged from 0 to 12 (mean: 0.7). A total of 84 (29.8%) individuals presented limited activity. A slight restriction in social participation occurred in 18 (6.3%) cases. There was a statistically significant correlation between activity limitation, age (r = 0.40; p < 0.0001) and degree of functional limitation (r = 0.54; p < 0.0001), as well as of restricted social participation, activity limitation (r = 0.56, p < 0.0001) and functional limitations (r = 0.54, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Functional limitation due to leprosy had an impact on the conduct of activities and social participation after the discharge from a leprosy treatment. The association between Screening of Activity Limitation and Safety Awareness and participation scales will assist in designing evidence-based assistance measures. .

INTRODUÇÃO: Os danos neurais estão entre os principais fatores que contribuem para incapacidade física na hanseníase, então é necessário monitoramento sistematizado desses pacientes com abordagem ampla nos aspectos físicos, psicológicos e sociais. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar a limitação de atividade e participação social e sua correlação com incapacidades e/ou deficiências nas pessoas em pós-alta da poliquimioterapia para hanseníase. MÉTODO: Foi conduzido um estudo transversal no município de Araguaína, Tocantins, hiperendêmico para hanseníase. Avaliaram-se casos novos em alta por cura de janeiro de 2004 a dezembro de 2009, com realização de exame dermatoneurológico e análise da limitação funcional, de atividade e de restrição à participação social. RESULTADOS: Foram entrevistadas e avaliadas 282 pessoas (média de idade: 45,8 anos). As formas clínicas paucibacilares foram mais frequentes (170 pessoas; 60,3%). O escore olho, mão e pé variou de 0 a 12 (média: 0,7). Um total de 84 (29,8%) pessoas apresentou limitação de atividade. A leve restrição à participação social foi mais frequente em 18 (6,3%) casos. Houve correlação estatisticamente significante da limitação de atividade com idade mais avançada (r = 0,40; p < 0,0001) e com o grau da limitação funcional (r = 0,54; p < 0,0001), e da restrição à participação social com a limitação de atividade (r = 0,56; p < 0,0001) e com a limitação funcional (r = 0,54; p < 0,0001). CONCLUSÃO: A limitação funcional teve impacto sobre a realização de atividades e participação social das pessoas em alta ...

Progression of leprosy disability after discharge: is multidrug therapy enough?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk factors related to worsening of physical disabilities after treatment discharge among patients with leprosy administered 12 consecutive monthly doses of multidrug therapy (MDT/WHO). METHODS: Cohort study was carried out at the Leprosy Laboratory in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We evaluated patients with multibacillary leprosy treated (MDT/WHO) between 1997 and 2007. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the relationship between the onset of physical disabilities after release from treatment and epidemiological and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: The total observation time period for the 368 patients was 1 570 person-years (PY), averaging 4.3 years per patient. The overall incidence rate of worsening of disability was 6.5/100 PY. Among those who began treatment with no disability, the incidence rate of physical disability was 4.5/100 PY. Among those who started treatment with Grade 1 or 2 disabilities, the incidence rate of deterioration was 10.5/100 PY. The survival analysis evidenced that when disability grade was 1, the risk was 1.61 (95% CI: 1.02-2.56), when disability was 2, the risk was 2.37 (95% CI 1.35-4.16), and when the number of skin lesions was 15 or more, an HR = 1.97 (95% CI: 1.07-3.63). Patients with neuritis showed a 65% increased risk of worsening of disability (HR = 1.65 [95% CI: 1.08-2.52]). CONCLUSION: Impairment at diagnosis was the main risk factor for neurological worsening after treatment/MDT. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of reactional episodes remain the main means of preventing physical disabilities.

Leprosy beyond MDT: study of follow-up of 100 released from treatment cases.

Appearance of new skin and/or nerve lesions during or after fixed duration of multidrug therapy (MDT), in leprosy, is not uncommon. It could be a lesion due to leprosy reaction or relapse. Differentiation is easy in classical reactions both clinically and histopathologically. But, difficult in other situations especially when the relapse cases present with features of reaction at the onset. A study was done to find the reasons for released from treatment (RFT) cases to come to clinic and to follow in terms of clinical and neurological activity, leprosy reactions and deformity progression. Out of them, 14 cases and 86 cases had received paucibacillary (PB) and multibacillary (MB) multidrug therapy respectively. Skin lesions either old or new were noticed in 74% cases which might be due to inactivity or activity were noticed in 74% cases which might be due to inactivity or activity in forms of relapse and reaction. Relapse was seen in 26 cases. Out of these, 10 and 16 cases were previously diagnosed as PB and MB cases respectively. PB cases relapsed into MB cases while MB cases relapsed into MB cases. 46 cases presented with either type 1 or type 2 reaction. After declared as RFT, parasthesia in 34 cases, weakness in 18 cases, paresis and paralytic deformity in 6 cases were seen. So, all the RFT cases need regular follow-up, IEC and physiotherapy to prevent deformity and to diagnose relapse and reactions at the earliest.

[Post-treatment of Leprosy in Ceará: activity and functional limitation, safety awareness and social participation]. / Pós-alta em Hanseníase no Ceará: limitação da atividade funcional, consciência de risco e participação social.

To characterize the functional limitation, activity limitation, risk conscience, and the social participation in people reached by hansen's disease in the post-MDT period. Cross-sectional, descriptive study, accomplished in 2006. Sixty-nine residents in Sobral that had discharge from MDT between 2003-2005 participated. The subjects were interviewed: demographic evaluation, dermato-neurological exams, evaluation of functional limitation-activity-risk conscience and the restriction in social participation. Twenty (28.9%) presented SALSA scores 19 and 20 and EHF score zero. The largest EHF score was reached by two participants, with scores 25 and 28 in the SALSA scale. In the participation scale 37 (53.6%) didn't present restriction and had EHF scores zero. Two (2.9%) with EHF score zero had mild restriction, and 1 (1.5%) severe restriction. This study reaffirms the potentiality of these tools for integral care of people reached.

Pós-alta em Hanseníase no Ceará: limitação da atividade funcional, consciência de risco e participação social / Pos-alta hospitalária en Lepra en Ceará: limitación de actividad funcional, conciencia de riesgo y participación social / Post-treatment of Leprosy in Ceará: activity and functional limitation, safety awareness and social participation

Caracterizar a limitação funcional, de atividade, consciência de risco, e restrição à participação social em pessoas atingidas pela hanseníase no pós-alta. Estudo seccional-descritivo com 69 residentes em Sobral, Ceará, com alta entre 2003 a 2005. Foram realizados exame físico dermato-neurológico, avaliação demográfica, de limitação funcional-atividade-consciência de risco e de restrição à participação social. Vinte (28,9 por cento) apresentaram escores SALSA 19 e 20 e escore EHF zero. O maior escore EHF foi alcançado por dois participantes, com 25 e 28 na escala SALSA. Na escala de participação 37 (53,6 por cento) não apresentaram restrição e tinham escore EHF zero. Dois (2,9 por cento) com escore EHF zero tinham leve restrição e 1 (1,5 por cento), grande restrição. Reafirma-se a potencialidade destas ferramentas para a atenção integral aos portadores.

To characterize the functional limitation, activity limitation, risk conscience, and the social participation in people reached by hansen's disease in the post-MDT period. Cross-sectional, descriptive study, accomplished in 2006. Sixty-nine residents in Sobral that had discharge from MDT between 2003-2005 participated. The subjects were interviewed: demographic evaluation, dermato-neurological exams, evaluation of functional limitation-activity-risk conscience and the restriction in social participation. Twenty (28.9 percent) presented SALSA scores 19 and 20 and EHF score zero. The largest EHF score was reached by two participants, with scores 25 and 28 in the SALSA scale. In the participation scale 37 (53.6 percent) didn't present restriction and had EHF scores zero. Two (2.9 percent) with EHF score zero had mild restriction, and 1 (1.5 percent) severe restriction. This study reaffirms the potentiality of these tools for integral care of people reached.

Caracterizar la limitación funcional de actividad, conciencia de riesgo y restricción a la participación social en personas atingidas por la lepra en el post-alta. Estudio seccional y descriptivo con 69 sitiados en Sobral, Ceará, con alta entre 2003 y 2005. Fueron hechos examen físico dermatológico y además neurológico, evaluación demográfica, de limitación funcional, actividad y conciencia de riesgo y de restricción a la participación social. Veinte (28,9 por ciento) presentaron escores SALSA 19 y 20 escore EHF cero. La mayor EHF fue alcanzada por dos participantes, con 25 y 28 años en la escala SALSA. En la categoría participación, 37 (53,6 por ciento) no presentaron restricción y tenían escore EHF cero. Dos (2,9 por ciento) con EHF cero tenían poca restricción y 1 (1,5 por ciento), gran restricción. Delante de eso, se afirma una vez más la potencialidad de éstas herramientas para la atención integral a los portadores.

Monitoring impairment in leprosy: choosing the appropriate tool.

OBJECTIVE: To assess to what extent the Maximum WHO Impairment Grade, the EHF Score and Impairment Summary Form (ISF) reflect changes in impairment, both in number(s) and severity. DESIGN: The impairment data at registration and at release from treatment of 444 persons affected by leprosy registered for MDT from 1994-2003 in Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria were analysed using three monitoring tools. RESULTS: Of the 444 patients, 92 people had a change (10 deteriorated, 70 improved while 12 had improvement in some parts of their body and deterioration in other parts) in their impairment between Registration and Release from Treatment. Of the 10 people whose impairment status deteriorated, the WHO Grade missed 7 and the EHF score missed 4. The ISF missed none. Of the 70 whose impairment status improved, the WHO grade missed 27; the EHF score missed 20 and the ISF missed 9. The WHO Grade had a sensitivity of 50%, the EHF Score 61% and the ISF 90%. Negative predictive values were 88%, 91% and 98% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The Maximum WHO Impairment Grade use should be limited to an indicator of late case detection. The EHF score is better used at programme level than individual patient level. The ISF is a sensitive tool for monitoring impairments at patient level to aid clinical decision making.

[History of Hansen's disease control policy in the United States].

Federal government set up the institutions for the study and treatment of Hansen's disease patients in Hawaii in 1905. Then in 1917, a legislation was made to build a national leprosarium (leper home), authorize the Surgeon General (SG) to receive into that institution any person afflicted with leprosy who presents himself or herself for care, detention, and treatment, or any person afflicted with leprosy duly consigned to said home by the proper health authorities. The National Leprosarium (later renamed as National Hansen's Disease Center) opened in Carville in 1922. Although promin treatment had started in the early 1940s, the Public Health Service Act of 1944 retained the SG's authority for detention and apprehension. Discharge codes were gradually loosened since then, but the efforts to revise the Act were never successful for a long time. It was in 1985 when the Act was abolished. Provision of long-term care for new patients at the Center was terminated finally in 1997.

Ocorrência de reaçöes em pacientes pós-alta por cura de hanseníase: subsídios para implementaçäo de um programa de atençäo específica / Ocurrence of late lepra reaction in leprosy pacients: subsides for implementation of a specific care program

A hanseníase seria uma doença comum se näo fosse por seus episódios reacionais de risco de incapacidades mantendo o estigma relacionado à "lepra". Essas reaçöes e a perda potencial da funçäo neural podem ocorrer antes, durante e após o tratamento, feito com poliquimioterapia (PQT). A alta por cura se dá pelo número de doses e regularidades do tratamento, quando o paciente sai do registro ativo e dos coeficientes de prevalência. Objetivando avaliar a magnitude das reaçöes hansênicas pós-alta e as questöes operacionais referentes a qualidade da asssistência, foram revisados prontuários de 149 pacientes que receberam alta de hanseníase de 1994 a 1999, no Centro de Saúde Escola Jaraguá - UFU, realizando a ficha de investigaçäo de Intercorrências Pós-Alta por Cura do Ministério da Saúde. Destes, 34 (23 por cento) apresentaram reaçäo pós-alta, sendo 11,76(por cento) PB e 88,23(por cento) MB. Ocorreu uma média de 3 episódios por paciente dimorfo e 4 por paciente virchowiano