Disease Burden and Current Therapeutical Status of Leprosy with Special Emphasis on Phytochemicals.

BACKGROUND: Leprosy (Hansen's disease) is a neglected tropical disease affecting millions of people globally. The combined formulations of dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine (multidrug therapy, MDT) is only supportive in the early stage of detection, while "reemergence" is a significant problem. Thus, there is still a need to develop newer antileprosy molecules either of natural or semi-synthetic origin. OBJECTIVES: The review intends to present the latest developments in the disease prevalence, available therapeutic interventions and the possibility of identifying new molecules from phytoextracts. METHODS: Literature on the use of plant extracts and their active components to treat leprosy was searched. Selected phytoconstituents were subjected to molecular docking study on both wild and mutant types of the Mycobacterium leprae. Since the M. leprae dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) is not available in the protein data bank (PDB), it was modelled by the homology model method and validated with the Ramachandran plot along with other bioinformatics approaches. Two mutations were introduced at codons 53 (Thr to Ile) and 55 (Pro to Leu) for docking against twenty-five selected phytoconstituents reported from eight plants that recorded effective anti-leprosy activity. The chemical structure of phytochemicals and the standard dapsone structure were retrieved from the PubChem database and prepared accordingly for docking study with the virtual-screening platform of PyRx-AutoDock 4.1. RESULTS: Based on the docking score (kcal/mol), most of the phytochemicals exhibited a higher docking score than dapsone. Asiaticoside, an active saponin (-11.3, -11.2 and -11.2 kcal/mol), was proved to be the lead phytochemical against both wild and mutant types DHPS. Some other useful phytoconstituents include echinocystic acid (-9.6, -9.5 and -9.5 kcal/mol), neobavaisoflavone (-9.2, -9.0 and -9.0 kcal/mol), boswellic acid (-8.90, -8.90 and -8.90 kcal/mol), asiatic acid (-8.9, -8.8 and -8.9 kcal/mol), corylifol A (-8.8, 8.0, and -8.0), etc. Overall, the computational predictions support the previously reported active phytoextracts of Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, Albizia amara (Roxb.) Boivin, Boswellia serrata Roxb. and Psoralea corylifolia L. to be effective against leprosy. CONCLUSION: A very small percentage of well-known plants have been evaluated scientifically for antileprosy activity. Further in vivo experiments are essential to confirm anti-leprosy properties of such useful phytochemicals.

Measuring endemicity and burden of leprosy across countries and regions: A systematic review and Delphi survey.

BACKGROUND: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, the annual new case detection in 2019 was 202,189 globally. Measuring endemicity levels and burden in leprosy lacks a uniform approach. As a result, the assessment of leprosy endemicity or burden are not comparable over time and across countries and regions. This can make program planning and evaluation difficult. This study aims to identify relevant metrics and methods for measuring and classifying leprosy endemicity and burden at (sub)national level. METHODS: We used a mixed-method approach combining findings from a systematic literature review and a Delphi survey. The literature search was conducted in seven databases, searching for endemicity, burden and leprosy. We reviewed the available evidence on the usage of indicators, classification levels, and scoring methods to measure and classify endemicity and burden. A two round Delphi survey was conducted to ask experts to rank and weigh indicators, classification levels, and scoring methods. RESULTS: The literature review showed variation of indicators, levels, and cut-off values to measure leprosy endemicity and/or burden. The most used indicators for endemicity include new case detection rate (NCDR), new cases among children and new cases with grade 2 disability. For burden these include NCDR, MB cases, and prevalence. The classification levels 'high' and 'low' were most important. It was considered most relevant to use separate scoring methods for endemicity and burden. The scores would be derived by use of multiple indicators. CONCLUSION: There is great variation in the existing method for measuring endemicity and burden across countries and regions. Our findings contribute to establishing a standardized uniform approach to measure and classify leprosy endemicity and burden at (sub)national level, which would allow effective communication and planning of intervention strategies.

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.

Neglected tropical diseases in Brazil: lack of correlation between disease burden, research funding and output.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the correlation between the burden of seven priority neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) included in the Brazilian National Agenda of Priorities in Health Research - tuberculosis, Chagas disease, leprosy, malaria, leishmaniasis, dengue and schistosomiasis - and their respective research funding and output. METHODS: This retrospective review obtained data on disease burden from the Global Burden of Disease Study and funding data from open access sources. Publications were retrieved from Scopus and SciELO, and characterised according to the type of research conducted. Correlation between funding, research output and burden was assessed by comparing the 'expected' and 'observed' values for funding and publications relative to the proportional burden for each disease. RESULTS: There was an emphasis in basic biomedical research (average 30% of publications) and a shortage of health policy and systems (average 7%) and social sciences research (average 3%). Research output and funding were poorly correlated with disease burden. Tuberculosis, Chagas disease and schistosomiasis accounted for more than 75% of total NTD-related DALYs, but accounted for only 34% of publications. Leprosy, leishmaniasis and malaria, together, received 49% of NTD-related funding despite being responsible for only 9% of DALYs. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis evidenced a lack of correlation between disease burden, research output and government funding for priority NTDs in Brazil. Our findings highlight the importance of monitoring health needs, research investments and outputs to inform policy and optimise the uptake of evidence for action, particularly in developing countries, where resources are scarce and the research capacity is limited. The results contribute to health policy by highlighting the need for improving coordination of scientific activities and public health needs for effective impact.

OBJECTIFS: Evaluer la corrélation entre la charge de sept maladies tropicales négligées (MTN) prioritaires incluses dans le programme national brésilien des priorités en matière de recherche en santé - tuberculose, maladie de Chagas, lèpre, paludisme, leishmaniose, dengue et schistosomiase - et leurs financements de recherche respectifs et les résultats. MÉTHODES: Cette revue rétrospective a obtenu des données sur la charge de morbidité de l'étude sur la Charge Globale des Maladies et des données de financement provenant de sources en accès publique. Les publications ont été extraites de Scopus et SciELO et caractérisées selon le type de recherche menée. La corrélation entre le financement, les résultats de la recherche et la charge a été évaluée en comparant les valeurs "attendues" et "observées" pour le financement et les publications par rapport à la charge proportionnel de chaque maladie. RÉSULTATS: L'accent a été mis sur la recherche biomédicale fondamentale (en moyenne 30% des publications) et une pénurie de politiques et de systèmes de santé (en moyenne 7%) et de recherche en sciences sociales (en moyenne 3%). Les résultats et le financement de la recherche étaient mal associés à la charge de morbidité. La tuberculose, la maladie de Chagas et la schistosomiase représentaient plus de 75% du total des EVCI, mais ne représentaient que 34% des publications. La lèpre, la leishmaniose et le paludisme, ensemble, ont reçu 49% des financements liés aux MTN alors qu'ils n'étaient responsables que de 9% des EVCI. CONCLUSIONS: L'analyse a mis en évidence une absence de corrélation entre la charge de morbidité, le résultat de la recherche et le financement de la plupart des MTN. Nos résultats soulignent l'importance du suivi des besoins en matière de santé, des investissements dans la recherche et des résultats pour éclairer les politiques et optimiser l'utilisation des données pour l'action, en particulier dans les pays en développement, où les ressources sont rares et la capacité de recherche est limitée. Les résultats contribuent à la politique de santé en soulignant la nécessité d'améliorer la coordination et la planification stratégique des activités scientifiques pour un impact efficace.

A cross-sectional study to analyze the clinical subtype, contact sensitization and impact of disease severity on quality of life and cost of illness in patients of hand eczema.

BACKGROUND: The high incidence, chronicity, frequent recurrences and severity of hand eczema leads to a massive impact on the quality of life. Despite great medical and socioeconomic importance, there is a paucity of data that addresses the cost of illness and economic factors associated with hand eczema. Most of the studies have originated from Europe and none have been reported from India. AIM: To analyze the clinical subtype, the pattern of contact sensitization and the impact of severity of disease on the quality of life and cost of illness in patients of hand eczema. METHODS: Hundred patients of hand eczema were recruited and evaluated for morphological patterns of the condition, hand eczema severity index and quality of life (Dermatology Life Quality Index questionnaire). All patients were subjected to patch tests with Indian standard series, cosmetic series and personal or work-related products. The economic burden of hand eczema was measured by both its direct and indirect costs. RESULTS: Morphologically, chronic dry fissured eczema 36 (36%) was the most common pattern followed by mixed type 19 (19%), hyperkeratotic palmar eczema 15 (15%), vesicular eczema with recurrent eruption 9 (9%), nummular eczema 7 (7%) and wear and tear dermatitis 7 (7%). Seventy nine patients gave positive patch test results. Etiological profile of the most common allergens, as established with a patch test, include potassium dichromate 18 (18%) followed by cetrimonium bromide 17 (17%), nickel 16 (16%), gallate 14 (14%), garlic 9 (9%) and patient's own product 8 (8%). Allergic contact dermatitis was the most common clinical pattern of hand eczema seen in 45 (45%) patients, followed by an irritant 14 (14%) and a combination of both 13 (13%). The average total cost of illness was INR 13,783.41 (0-93,000) per individual per year with an average direct cost of INR 2,746.25 ± 1,900 and indirect cost of INR 4911.73 ± 13237.72, along with a positive correlation with the Dermatology Life Quality Index (P = 0.00). The hand eczema severity index was marginally correlated with direct costs (P = 0.07) and highly correlated with indirect costs (P = 0.024). CONCLUSION: Hand eczema has a huge impact on the quality of life and economic consequences. LIMITATIONS: In our study, parameters like Dermatology Life Quality Index and hand eczema severity index could have been affected by the chronicity of disease as being a tertiary referral centre, most of the recruited patients had severe and persistent hand eczema at the time of visit. Also, cost of illness was based on retrospective calculations on recall basis.

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.

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 Comparative Analysis of Economic Cost of Podoconiosis and Leprosy on Affected Households in the Northwest Region of Cameroon.

Leprosy and podoconiosis (podo) are neglected tropical diseases that cause severe disfigurement and disability, and may lead to catastrophic health expenditure and hinder economic development of affected persons and households. This study compared economic costs of both diseases on affected households with unaffected neighboring households in the Northwest Region (N.W.R.) of Cameroon. A matched comparative cross-sectional design was used enrolling 170 households (43 podo case households, 41 podo control households, 43 leprosy case households, and 43 leprosy control households) from three health districts in the N.W.R. Direct treatment costs for podo averaged 142 United State dollar (USD), compared with zero for leprosy (P < 0.001). This was also reflected in the proportion of annual household income consumed (0.4 versus 0.0, respectively, P < 0.001). Both diseases caused considerable reductions in working days (leprosy 115 versus podo 135 days. P for comparison < 0.001). The average household income was considerably lower in podo-affected households than unaffected households (410 versus 913 USD, P = 0.01), whereas income of leprosy-affected households was comparable to unaffected households (329 versus 399 USD, P = 0.23). Both leprosy and podo cause financial burdens on affected households, but those on podo-affected families are much greater. These burdens occur through direct treatment costs and reduced ability to work. Improved access to public health interventions for podo including prevention, morbidity management and disability prevention are likely to result in economic returns to affected families. In Cameroon, one approach to this would be through subsidized health insurance for these economically vulnerable households.

Sensibilização dos agentes comunitários de saúde para a atuação nas ações prevenção e controle da hanseníase: relato de experiência / Sensitization of community health agents in leprosy control actions: an experience report

Introdução: A integração das Ações de Controle da Hanseníase (ACH) na Atenção Primária à saúde é considerada atualmente a melhor estratégia para diminuição da carga da doença. são realizadas ações que visam à promoção, prevenção, recuperação e reabilitação comprometida com a integralidade da assistência à saúde, focado na família, considerando o contexto socioeconômico, cultural e epidemiológico da comunidade em que está inserido. Objetivo:descrever a experiência de sensibilização dos Agentes Comunitários de saúde (ACs) de um município do Centro-oeste Mineiro para desenvolverem ações de prevenção e controle de hanseníase a fim de reduzir o estigma e realizar o diagnóstico oportuno de casos. Relato da experiência: Trata-se de um projeto de extensão universitária financiado pela Pró-reitoria de extensão e Assuntos Comunitários da universidade Federal de são João del rei. Foi desenvolvido no município de Carmo do Cajuru no período de março 2015 a março 2016, com 26 ACs. Para desenvolvimento das atividades foi usado o método interacionista, que é a perspectiva na qual o sujeito age diretamente sobre o objeto do conhecimento, problematizando sua ação. Como estratégica metodológica foram realizadas dinâmicas, exposição dialogada, apresentação de um vídeo seguido de roda de conversa e avaliação com exposição de frases em que o participante as julgariam como verdadeiras ou falsas. Resultados: A equipe do projeto estimulou a elaboração de um plano de mobilização da comunidade sobre a hanseníase que foi executado durante o ano de 2016. A partir da sensibilização da comunidade na igreja, houve a demanda espontânea ao serviço de saúde de uma pessoa com sinais dermatológicos, sendo que o diagnóstico de hanseníase foi confirmado em março de 2016. Conclusão: A realização de educação permanente dos ACS permitiu a qualificação para a realização das ACH na comunidade.

Introduction: The integration of leprosy control actions (LCA) in primary health care is currently considered the best strategy to reduce the burden of disease. Actions aimed by promotion, prevention, recovery and rehabilitation committed to integrality of health care, focused on the family, considering the socioeconomic, cultural and epidemiological context of the community in which it is inserted. Objective: to describe the experience of sensitization of the Community Health Agents (CHA) of a Brazilian municipality to develop leprosy control actions in order to reduce the stigma and to make a timely diagnosis of cases. Experience report: This is a university extension project funded by the Pro-rectory of Extension and Community Affairs of the Federal University of São João del Rei. It was developed in the municipality of Carmo do Cajuru from march 2015 to march 2016, with 26 CHA. For the development of activities, the interactionist method was used, which is the perspective in which the subject acts directly on the object of knowledge, problematizing its action. As a methodological strategy, dynamics were carried out, a dialogical presentation, a video followed by a round of conversation and evaluation with an exposition of sentences in which the participant would judge them as true or false. Results: The project team encouraged the development of a community mobilization plan on leprosy that was implemented during the year 2016. From the sensitization of the community in the church that there was spontaneous demand to the health service of a person with signs and the diagnosis of leprosy was confirmed in March 2016. Conclusion: The achievement of permanent education of the CHA allowed the qualification for the accomplishment of the LCA in the community.

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.

Evaluation of the economic burden of leprosy among migrant and resident patients in Guangdong Province, China.

BACKGROUND: A lot of time and money was needed during the diagnosis and treatment process of leprosy, the delayed leprosy would also impair the labor capability of patients as well, and these put a heavy burden for the leprosy patients. The migrant leprosy patient is a special group and need more concern. Our goal was to assess the economic burden of leprosy on migrant and resident patient populations in Guangdong province, China. METHODS: We conducted a population-based cross-sectional survey from February to July of 2016. A self-designed questionnaire was administered to leprosy patients who: (1) had registered in Leprosy Management Information System in China (LEPMIS) by the end of February 2016, (2) had received multiple drug treatment (MDT) drugs at a local leprosy control institution for three consecutive months or had had at least one physical check in the past half year, and (3) were willing to take part in the investigation and give informed written consent. Demographic characteristics, Financial and disease information, and costs before and after leprosy diagnosis were collected and compared using t-test and χ2 test. RESULTS: A total of 254 participants completed the questionnaires, including 168 males and 86 females. Migrants and residents accounted for 33.9% and 66.1% of patients, respectively. Among migrant patients, the median cost before diagnosis was $131.6 (39.2-450.9), the median yearly cost of leprosy treatment after diagnosis was $300.6 (158.4-868.5), and the median yearly cost of leprosy complications was $69.5 (11-178.4). In comparison, among residents the median yearly costs were $152.4 (30.7-770.9) pre-diagnosis, $309.7 (103.2-1016.7) after diagnosis, and $91.9 (32.6-303.1) for leprosy complications. Base on this, we determined that the median yearly total expense after diagnosis amounted to 15% of migrant and 38% of resident patients' annual income. CONCLUSION: Leprosy places a heavy economic burden on both migrant and resident leprosy patients and governmental policies and programs could substantially alleviate this. Measures to implement more active surveillance and early diagnosis would benefit both populations, while labor protection and medical insurance are urgently needed for migrant patients and easier access to medical services and social aids could substantially decrease the burden of leprosy for resident patients.

Health Care Costs Associated with Addition, Titration, and Switching Antihypertensive Medications After First-Line Treatment: Results from a Commercially Insured Sample.

BACKGROUND: Treatment modifications are necessary for addressing issues related to efficacy and tolerance of first-line monotherapy, but they increase the economic burden on patients and their health plans. Understanding the differences in costs between alternative treatment modification strategies, if any, can serve as a guideline for clinical decision making and for designing cost-containment strategies. OBJECTIVE: To compare the health care utilization costs between (a) addition (i.e., use of free-pill combinations [FPCs] or fixed-dose combinations [FDCs]) and uptitration as alternatives for addressing efficacy issues and (b) switching and downtitration as alternatives for addressing tolerance issues with first-line antihypertensive monotherapy. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study that used the 2008-2012 BlueCross BlueShield of Texas claims database. Patients who had a treatment modification within 12 months of initiating antihypertensive monotherapy were identified. All-cause and disease-related health care utilization costs and drug costs were estimated from the BlueCross BlueShield health plan's perspective over a 12-month period, starting from the date of treatment modification. Propensity score-adjusted generalized linear models were used to compare costs between alternative treatment modification strategies. RESULTS: We identified 5,998 patients who met study criteria and had a modification of treatment: FPC (n = 1,395), FDC (n = 1,207), uptitration (n = 1,659), switching (n = 1,282), and downtitration (n = 455). All-cause and disease-related health services utilization costs were estimated for 12 months following treatment modification. Mean annual drug utilization costs were highest for the FDC strategy. All-cause inpatient and outpatient services utilization costs were significantly different between strategies used for addressing issues of tolerance and efficacy, respectively. Disease-related inpatient services utilization costs were lower for the FDC strategy compared with the uptitration strategy. However, disease-related inpatient services utilization costs were not significantly different for the downtitration strategy compared with the switch strategy. CONCLUSIONS: Health care costs following treatment modifications vary by type of strategy. The high costs of FDCs may be offset by the reduction of inpatient services utilization costs. Careful consideration should be given to the differences in costs between alternative strategies. DISCLOSURES: No outside funding supported this study. The dataset used in this study was created for dissertational research on the patterns and outcomes of treatment modification in hypertensive patients. Data and database support were provided by University of Texas School of Public Health/BlueCross BlueShield of Texas research program in payment systems and policy. Sonawane Deshmukh was an employee of Anthem BlueCross BlueShield from August 2015 to August 2016. Hansen has received consulting funds from Daichii Sankyo and has provided expert testimony for Allergan and Boehringer Ingelheim. All other authors have no known conflicts of interest. Study concept and design were contributed by Sonawane Deshmukh, Garza, Wright, and Hansen. Sonawane Deshmukh and Ganduglia Cazaban collected the data, and data interpretation was performed by Sonawane Deshmukh, Qian, Wright, and Zeng. The manuscript was written primarily by Sonawane Deshmukh, along with Qian and Garza, and revised by Sonawane Deshmukh, Qian, Ganduglia Cazaban, and Hansen.

Between-Country Inequalities in the Neglected Tropical Disease Burden in 1990 and 2010, with Projections for 2020.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) has set ambitious time-bound targets for the control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Investing in NTDs is not only seen as good value for money, but is also advocated as a pro-poor policy since it would improve population health in the poorest populations. We studied the extent to which the disease burden from nine NTDs (lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminths, trachoma, Chagas disease, human African trypanosomiasis, leprosy, visceral leishmaniasis) was concentrated in the poorest countries in 1990 and 2010, and how this would change by 2020 in case the WHO targets are met. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Our analysis was based on 1990 and 2010 data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2010 study and on projections of the 2020 burden. Low and lower-middle income countries together accounted for 69% and 81% of the global burden in 1990 and 2010 respectively. Only the soil-transmitted helminths and Chagas disease caused a considerable burden in upper-middle income countries. The global burden from these NTDs declined by 27% between 1990 and 2010, but reduction largely came to the benefit of upper-middle income countries. Achieving the WHO targets would lead to a further 55% reduction in the global burden between 2010 and 2020 in each country income group, and 81% of the global reduction would occur in low and lower-middle income countries. CONCLUSIONS: The GBD 2010 data show the burden of the nine selected NTDs in DALYs is strongly concentrated in low and lower-middle income countries, which implies that the beneficial impact of NTD control eventually also largely comes to the benefit of these same countries. While the nine NTDs became increasingly concentrated in developing countries in the 1990-2010 period, this trend would be rectified if the WHO targets were met, supporting the pro-poor designation.

Costos directos e indirectos del diagnóstico y tratamiento de pacientes con lepra / Direct and indirect costs of diagnosis and treatment in patients with leprosy

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de los 32 pacientes con diagnóstico de lepra en la provincia de Santiago de Cuba durante 2013, para mostrar la incidencia de esta enfermedad, así como describir los costos directos e indirectos pertinentes para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de los afectados. En la casuística predominaron el grupo de 46 y más años de edad (78,5 por ciento) y la forma clínica multibacilar (96,8 por ciento); también se encontró que el costo de esta última fue superior, dado por $ 16385, 53 (pesos cubanos)(AU)

A descriptive study of 32 patients with diagnosis of leprosy in Santiago de Cuba was carried out during 2013, to show the incidence of this disease, as well as to describe the pertinent direct and indirect costs for the diagnosis and treatment of those affected. In the case material the group of 46 years and more (78.5 percent) and the multibacilar clinical type (96.8 percent) prevailed; it was also found that the cost of this last one was higher, estimated in $16385, 53 (Cuban pesos)(AU)

Comparing cutaneous research funded by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) with the US skin disease burden.

BACKGROUND: Disease burden should be an important component for guiding research funding. OBJECTIVE: We sought to examine the relationship between dermatologic research funded from 2012 to 2013 by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and US skin disease burden as measured by disability-adjusted life years in the Global Burden of Disease 2010 study. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was independently performed by 2 researchers who matched projects from the 2012 to 2013 NIH Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools with 15 skin conditions and their respective disability-adjusted life years from Global Burden of Disease 2010. RESULTS: The NIH funded 1108 projects spanning the 15 skin conditions. Melanoma received almost half of the total skin condition budget (49.5%). Melanoma, nonmelanoma skin cancer, and leprosy were funded above what would be suggested by their disease burden, whereas dermatitis, acne vulgaris, pruritus, urticaria, decubitus ulcer, fungal skin diseases, alopecia areata, cellulitis, and scabies appeared underfunded. Bacterial skin diseases, viral skin diseases, and psoriasis were well matched with disease burden. LIMITATIONS: Disease burden is one of many factors that may be used to guide priority-setting decisions. CONCLUSION: Skin disease burden measured by disability-adjusted life year metrics partially correlates with NIH funding prioritization. Comparing US disease burden with NIH funding suggests possible underfunded and overfunded skin diseases.

A qualidade de vida de pacientes com hanseníase crônica / The quality of life of patients with chronic leprosy / La calidad de vida de los pacientes con lepra crónica

Objetivo: analisar a qualidade de vida de pacientes com hanseníase crônica. Método: analítico do tipo transversal observacional, com abordagem quantiqualitativa, com pessoas com a hanseníase, utilizando-se como instrumento de coleta de dados o questionário WHOQOL-BREF, adaptado ao modelo brasileiro. Foram atribuídos valores de 0 a 5 a cada pontuação, e, estes valores foram agrupados e analisados por dados estatísticos. O projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa, Protocolo CE/UCS-020/2012. Resultados: a hanseníase influencia na qualidade de vida dos participantes. Isto inclui uma diminuição do escore dos domínios físico e psicológico, devido a incapacidade e modificações físicas provocadas pela doença. Os domínios de relações sociais e com o meio ambiente são menos afetados, porém é relatada uma diminuição das atividades de lazer e de relações sociais fora do convívio institucional. Conclusão: a hanseníase interfere negativamente nos domínios físico e psicológico e é necessária uma intensificação das políticas de eliminação do bacilo e socialização destes pacientes.(AU)

Objective: analyzing the quality of life of patients with chronic leprosy. Method: analytical observational cross-sectional study with quantiqualitative approach with people with leprosy, using as data collection instrument WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, adapted to the Brazilian model. Values were assigned 0-5 every score, and these values were grouped and analyzed by statistical data. The project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee, Protocol EC/UCS-020/2012. Results: leprosy affects the quality of life of the participants. This includes a reduction in the score of physical and psychological fields due to disability and physical changes caused by the disease. The areas of social relations and the environment are less affected, but it is reported a decrease in leisure activities and social relations outside of institutional living. Conclusion: leprosy impairs the physical and psychological domains and requires an intensification of the bacillus disposal policies and socialization of these patients.(AU)

Objetivo: analizar la calidad de vida de los pacientes con lepra crónica. Método: análisis observacional transversal con enfoque quantiqualitativo con personas con lepra, utilizando como instrumento de recolección de datos del cuestionario WHOQOL-BREF, adaptado al modelo brasileño. Se asignaron valores 0-5 cada partitura, y estos valores fueron agrupados y analizados por los datos estadísticos. El proyecto fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación, Protocolo CE/UCS-020/2012. Resultados: la lepra afecta la calidad de vida de los participantes. Esto incluye una reducción en la puntuación de los campos físicos y psicológicos debido a la discapacidad y los cambios físicos causados por la enfermedad. Las áreas de las relaciones sociales y el medio ambiente son menos afectadas, pero se informó de una disminución de las actividades de ocio y las relaciones sociales fuera de la vida institucional. Conclusión: la lepra afecta los dominios físicos y psicológicos y requiere una intensificación de las políticas de eliminación de bacilos y socialización de estos pacientes.(AU)

Qualidade de vida, sintomas depressivos e incapacidade física de pacientes com hanseníase / Quality of life, depression and physical disability of patients with leprosy

A hanseníase é uma doença infectocontagiosa com evolução lenta e de natureza crônica, causando impacto no cotidiano dos sujeitos, como sofrimento, abandono, deformidades físicas e problemas psicossociais. Objetivos: Descrever o perfil clínico e socioeconômico, avaliar a qualidade de vida (QV), ocorrência de transtornos depressivos e o grau de incapacidade física de pessoas com hanseníase e suas correlações. Métodos: Estudo transversal, quantitativo, descritivo e analítico, desenvolvido no município de Uberaba (MG), em um centro de saúde especializado. Após o consentimento dos participantes foram realizadas entrevistas com aplicação dos questionários: Clínico e Socioeconômico; Inventário de depressão de Beck- BDI para avaliação dos graus de depressão; Questionário WHOQOL-bref para avaliação da QV. Posteriormente, o Formulário de Classificação de Incapacidades Físicas (IFH) foi preenchido por meio da revisão de prontuários. O estudo foi aprovado pelo comitê de ética local nº 2173/2014. Análises estatísticas descritivas foram realizadas...

Leprosy is a chronic and slowly progressing infectious disease that affects the daily lives of carriers, causing suffering, abandonment, physical deformities and psychosocial problems. Objectives: To describe the clinical and socioeconomic profile, evaluate the quality of life (QOL), occurrence of depressive disorders, and the degree of disability and investigate correlations between these variables in people with leprosy.Methods: This is a cross-sectional, quantitative, descriptive and analytical study, developed in a specialized health center of the city of Uberaba (MG). After receiving consent from the participants, interviews were conducted using questionnaires on clinical and socioeconomic aspects. Moreover, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to assess the degree of depression and the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was used to assess QoL. Subsequently, the Physical Disability Rating (PDR) form was completed by reviewing patient records. The study was approved by the local Ethics Committee (no. 2173/2014). Descriptive and analytical statistical analysis were performed...

Comparing cutaneous research funded by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases with 2010 Global Burden of Disease results.

IMPORTANCE: Disease burden data helps guide research prioritization. OBJECTIVE: To determine the extent to which grants issued by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) reflect disease burden, measured by disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2010 project. DESIGN: Two investigators independently assessed 15 skin conditions studied by GBD 2010 in the NIAMS database for grants issued in 2013. The 15 skin diseases were matched to their respective DALYs from GBD 2010. SETTING: The United States NIAMS database and GBD 2010 skin condition disability data. MAIN OUTCOME(S) AND MEASURE(S): Relationship of NIAMS grant database topic funding with percent total GBD 2010 DALY and DALY rank for 15 skin conditions. RESULTS: During fiscal year 2013, 1,443 NIAMS grants were issued at a total value of $424 million. Of these grants, 17.7% covered skin topics. Of the total skin disease funding, 82% (91 grants) were categorized as "general cutaneous research." Psoriasis, leprosy, and "other skin and subcutaneous diseases" (ie; immunobullous disorders, vitiligo, and hidradenitis suppurativa) were over-represented when funding was compared with disability. Conversely, cellulitis, decubitus ulcer, urticaria, acne vulgaris, viral skin diseases, fungal skin diseases, scabies, and melanoma were under-represented. Conditions for which disability and funding appeared well-matched were dermatitis, squamous and basal cell carcinoma, pruritus, bacterial skin diseases, and alopecia areata. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Degree of representation in NIAMS is partly correlated with DALY metrics. Grant funding was well-matched with disability metrics for five of the 15 studied skin diseases, while two skin diseases were over-represented and seven were under-represented. Global burden estimates provide increasingly transparent and important information for investigating and prioritizing national research funding allocations.

Global burden of skin disease as reflected in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

IMPORTANCE: Research prioritization should be guided by impact of disease. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether systematic reviews and protocol topics in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) reflect disease burden, measured by disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2010 project. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Two investigators independently assessed 15 skin conditions in the CDSR for systematic review and protocol representation from November 1, 2013, to December 6, 2013. The 15 skin diseases were matched to their respective DALYs from GBD 2010. An official publication report of all reviews and protocols published by the Cochrane Skin Group (CSG) was also obtained to ensure that no titles were missed. There were no study participants other than the researchers, who worked with databases evaluating CDSR and GBD 2010 skin condition disability data. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Relationship of CDSR topic coverage (systematic reviews and protocols) with percentage of total 2010 DALYs, 2010 DALY rank, and DALY percentage change from 1990 to 2010 for 15 skin conditions. RESULTS: All 15 skin conditions were represented by at least 1 systematic review in CDSR; 69% of systematic reviews and 67% of protocols by the CSG covered the 15 skin conditions. Comparing the number of reviews/protocols and disability, dermatitis, melanoma, nonmelanoma skin cancer, viral skin diseases, and fungal skin diseases were well matched. Decubitus ulcer, psoriasis, and leprosy demonstrated review/protocol overrepresentation when matched with corresponding DALYs. In comparison, acne vulgaris, bacterial skin diseases, urticaria, pruritus, scabies, cellulitis, and alopecia areata were underrepresented in CDSR when matched with corresponding DALYs. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Degree of representation in CDSR is partly correlated with DALY metrics. The number of published reviews/protocols was well matched with disability metrics for 5 of the 15 studied skin diseases, while 3 skin diseases were overrepresented, and 7 were underrepresented. Our results provide high-quality and transparent data to inform future prioritization decisions.