Application of a physiotherapeutic protocol associated with photobiomodulation for the treatment of leprosy patients.

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease characterized by acute inflammatory episodes that affect the skin and peripheral nerves and can develop progressive and irreversible disabilities and deformities. In addition, drug therapy and physiotherapy offer resources and techniques capable of mitigating the consequences of neural lesions, but neural lesions can occur before, during, and even after drug treatment. Thus, new treatments are needed. Photobiomodulation (PBM) might be a promissor therapy since it aims to reduce the inflammatory process and restore motor and sensory functions in the affected area. This study aims to compare the evolution of neural status, pain, and functionality in patients with leprosy and neuritis after a physiotherapeutic protocol and PBM treatment. This was a randomized controlled clinical trial that analyzed a group of patients receiving a physiotherapeutic protocol (PPG) and another receiving physiotherapeutic protocol associated with PBM (PLG) (wavelength 904 nm, potency 70 mW, time per point 9 s). Our results showed when evaluating functional capacity limitations with the SALSA scale, the PLG patients improved from moderate to mild limitations. On the other hand, the PPG remained as moderate limitations. Also, the PLG showed a significant reduction in pain on the VAS scale. The neurological assessment showed that PLG improved palpation of the median, radial, and peroneal nerves. In the strength test, PLG patients improved in the 5th finger abduction and ankle dorsiflexion. Assessing sensitivity, it was identified an improvement in PLG for the ulnar nerve and tibial nerve. All those changes were statistically significant when compared to the PPG patients. Finally, the PLG patients improved disabilities, identified by the neurological assessment of the eyes, hands, and feet. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that combining a physiotherapeutic protocol with PBM treatment effectively improved functional status and reduced pain in leprosy patients.

Late follow-up of peripheral neural decompression in leprosy: functional and clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral neural surgical decompression (PNSD) is used as a complementary therapy to the clinical treatment of neuritis to preserve neural function. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term (≥ 1 year) clinical and functional results for PNSD in leprosy neuritis. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included leprosy patients who were in late postoperative period (LPO) of surgical decompression of ulnar, median, tibial, and fibular nerves. Socioeconomic, epidemiological, and clinical data were collected. The following instruments were used in this evaluation: visual analogue pain scale (VAS), Douleur Neuropathique en 4 Questions (DN4), SALSA scale, and simplified neurological assessment protocol. The preoperative (PrO) and 180-day postoperative (PO180) results were compared. RESULTS: We evaluated 246 nerves from 90 patients: 56.6% were on multidrug therapy (MDT) and 43.3% discharged from MDT. Motor scores and pain intensity showed statistically significant improvement (p<0.01). There was an increase in sensory scores only for bilateral ulnar nerves (p<0.05). Of the operated cases, 26.0% of patients were referred for surgery of ulnar neuritis and 23.6% of tibial neuritis. Neuropathic pain was reported in 41% of cases. Daily dose of prednisone reduced from 39.6 mg (±3.0) in PrO, 16.3 mg (±5.2) in PO180, to 1.7 mg (±0.8) in LPO. The SALSA scale results showed mild activity limitation in 51% and moderate in 34% of patients. Eighty percent of individuals reported that the results reached their expectations. CONCLUSIONS: PNSD in leprosy was effective in the long term to decrease the prevalence and intensity of pain, improve motor function, and reduce the dose of corticosteroids, which is reflected in the patients' satisfaction.

Late follow-up of peripheral neural decompression in leprosy: functional and clinical outcomes / Seguimento tardio da descompressão neural periférica na hanseníase: resultados funcionais e clínicos

ABSTRACT Background: Peripheral neural surgical decompression (PNSD) is used as a complementary therapy to the clinical treatment of neuritis to preserve neural function. Objective: To evaluate the long-term (≥ 1 year) clinical and functional results for PNSD in leprosy neuritis. Methods: This cross-sectional study included leprosy patients who were in late postoperative period (LPO) of surgical decompression of ulnar, median, tibial, and fibular nerves. Socioeconomic, epidemiological, and clinical data were collected. The following instruments were used in this evaluation: visual analogue pain scale (VAS), Douleur Neuropathique en 4 Questions (DN4), SALSA scale, and simplified neurological assessment protocol. The preoperative (PrO) and 180-day postoperative (PO180) results were compared. Results: We evaluated 246 nerves from 90 patients: 56.6% were on multidrug therapy (MDT) and 43.3% discharged from MDT. Motor scores and pain intensity showed statistically significant improvement (p<0.01). There was an increase in sensory scores only for bilateral ulnar nerves (p<0.05). Of the operated cases, 26.0% of patients were referred for surgery of ulnar neuritis and 23.6% of tibial neuritis. Neuropathic pain was reported in 41% of cases. Daily dose of prednisone reduced from 39.6 mg (±3.0) in PrO, 16.3 mg (±5.2) in PO180, to 1.7 mg (±0.8) in LPO. The SALSA scale results showed mild activity limitation in 51% and moderate in 34% of patients. Eighty percent of individuals reported that the results reached their expectations. Conclusions: PNSD in leprosy was effective in the long term to decrease the prevalence and intensity of pain, improve motor function, and reduce the dose of corticosteroids, which is reflected in the patients' satisfaction.

RESUMO Antecedentes: A descompressão cirúrgica neural periférica (DCNP) é usada como uma terapia complementar ao tratamento clínico da neurite hansênica para preservar a função neural. Objetivo: Avaliar a longo prazo (≥ 1 ano) os resultados clínicos e funcionais da DCNP na neurite hansênica. Métodos: Este estudo transversal incluiu pacientes que estavam no pós-operatório tardio (POT) de cirurgia de descompressão dos nervos ulnares, medianos, tibiais e fibulares. Foram coletados dados socioeconômicos, epidemiológicos e clínicos. Os instrumentos utilizados foram: escala visual analógica de dor (EVA), questionário de dor neuropática 4 (DN4), escala SALSA e protocolo de avaliação neurológica simplificada. Os resultados obtidos foram comparados com os do pré-operatório (PrO) e pós-operatório de 180 dias (PO180). Resultados: Foram avaliados 246 nervos de 90 pacientes: 56,6% estavam em poliquimioterapia (PQT) e 43,3% em alta da PQT. Escores motores e intensidade da dor apresentaram melhora significante (p<0,01). Houve aumento nos escores sensitivos nos nervos ulnares bilaterais (p<0,05). Neurite ulnar foi indicação cirúrgica em 26,0% dos casos operados, seguida pela neurite tibial (23,6%). Dor neuropática foi relatada em 41% dos casos. Dose diária de prednisona reduziu de 39,6 mg (±3,0) na PrO, 16,3 mg (±5,2) na PO180, para 1,7 mg (±0,8) na POT. Escala SALSA mostrou limitação leve da atividade em 51% e moderada em 34% dos pacientes. 80% dos indivíduos relataram que os resultados atingiram suas expectativas. Conclusão: DCNP na hanseníase foi eficaz a longo prazo na redução da prevalência e intensidade da dor, na melhora da função motora e redução da dose de corticosteroides, refletindo na satisfação do paciente.

Case Report: Nasal Myiasis in an Elderly Patient with Atrophic Rhinitis and Facial Sequelae of Leprosy.

We describe a case of nasal myiasis in an 89-year-old Brazilian patient affected by leprosy with severe nasal sequelae. An initial treatment comprising sinusectomy combined with nasal endoscopy removed more than 300 larvae, supplemented by systemic treatment using oral and topical ivermectin and levofloxacin. Infestation recurred after 2 months, was treated similarly, and resolved completely. The case could be attributed to severe nasal leprosy sequelae, with a lack of sneezing reflex, painless ulceration, atrophic rhinitis (ozena), and inability to clean the nose properly due to hand and nose impairment. This case illustrates the importance of long-term medical follow-up of patients with leprosy sequelae.

Wide Awake Tendon Transfers in Leprosy Patients in India.

Dr Akbar Khan began using the wide awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) technique for leprosy tendon transfers in the summer of 2015 at the Damien Foundation Hospital in Nellore, India. This article summarizes his first 18 months of experience and describes 5 of his operations. He found that WALANT provides effective anesthesia with good visibility for leprosy tendon transfers. WALANT permits economically disadvantaged leprosy patients to afford the surgery. All of the leprosy patients who have undergone WALANT tendon transfers in this series would like the same technique for their next tendon transfers.

Efectos colaterales de antibacilares en pacientes con enfermedad de Hansen / No disponible

Introducción: La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) recomendó el uso de la poliquimioterapia (PQT) desde 1981, y desde 1998 esta pauta de tratamiento fue introducida en Paraguay. Desde ese entonces y hasta la actualidad el esquema Multibacilar (MB) comprende tres drogas: rifampicina, clofazimina y dapsona, y, el esquema Paucibacilar (PB), dos drogas: rifampicina y dapsona. Todas ellas relacionadas en mayor o menor medida a efectos colaterales. A pesar de ello, hay pocos estudios a nivel mundial, y ningún estudio en el Paraguay. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional, de corte transversal con componente analítico, llevado a cabo en la Cátedra de Dermatología del Hospital de Clínicas - Universidad Nacional de Asunción, en San Lorenzo, Paraguay. En el periodo de enero de 2013 a octubre de 2017. Resultados: Fueron incluidos en el estudio 58 pacientes con enfermedad de Hansen, de los cuales 45 (78%) presentaron al menos un efecto colateral a la PQT, 3 pacientes presentaron más de un efecto colateral. De los 45, 25 (56%) fueron del sexo masculino y 20 (44%) del sexo femenino. En cuanto a la distribución por rango de edad: Dos (4%) en menores de 18 años, 8 (18%) de 19 a 30 años, 27 (18%) de 31 a 59 años y 8 (18%) 60 y más años. Seis (3%) pacientes de procedencia rural y 39 (87%) de procedencia urbana. Cuarenta y siete (98%) casos de efectos colaterales hematológicos (Anemia: 45; leucopenia: 1 y trombocitopenia: 1) y 1 (2%) caso de efecto colateral gastrointestinal (hepatitis). La conducta en casos de anemia: suplementación con hierro y ácido fólico: 40, suspensión de dapsona: 10 y ninguna conducta: 6 suspensión de la dapsona en 1 caso de leucopenia, suspensión de la dapsona en 1 caso de trombocitopenia y suspensión de la rifampicina en 1 caso de hepatitis. En 26 (58%) pacientes los efectos colaterales se presentaron al mes del inicio de la PQT, en 15 (33%) pacientes entre 2 y 5 meses del inicio y en 4 (9%) pacientes a los 6 y más meses del inicio. En 14 (31%) de los pacientes con efectos colaterales existía comorbilidad y en 31 (69%) casos, eran pacientes sanos. De los 45 pacientes, 41 (91%) estaban en tratamiento MB, 4 (9%) en tratamiento PB. Conclusión: La mayoría de los pacientes incluidos en el estudio presentaron efectos colaterales. Los hombres fueron los más afectados, el rango etario en el cual se presentaron con mayor frecuencia fue entre los 31 y 59 años. La mayoría procedían del medio urbano. Los efectos colaterales más frecuentes fueron los hematológicos y, de entre ellos, la anemia. Ante tal situación la medida más frecuentemente adoptada fue la suplementación con hierro y ácido fólico. En la mayoría de los casos los efectos colaterales aparecieron en el primer mes de recibir la medicación. Aquellos pacientes que recibieron PQT MB presentaron la mayor frecuencia de efectos colaterales

Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the implementation of multidrug (MDT) since 1981, and this régimen was introduced in Paraguay in 1998. The MDT administrate three drugs: rifampicin, clofazimine and dapsone to multibacillary patients (MB) and only two: rifampicina and dapsone to paucibacillary patients (PB). All the drugs have some adverse effects. But very few statistics have been carried out in the world on this matter and none at all in Paraguay. Methods: The work is a retrospective, observational, cross-sectional and analytical study carried out at Catedra de Dermatología del Hospital de Clínicas-Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo, Paraguay between January 2013 and October 2017. Results: Fifty eight leprosy patients were registered in the study and 45 (78%) presented at least one adverse effect to the MDT and 3 patients presented more tan one. 25/45 were men and 20 (44%) women. The age distributions were: Two (4%) less than 18 years old, 8 (18%) between 19-30 years old, 27(18%) 31-59 years old and 8 (18%) 60 and older. Six (3%) lived in rural setting and 39 (87%) urban. Forty seven (98%) presented adverse hematological effects (anemia: 45, leucopenia: 1 and thrombocytopenia:1) and 1 (2%) presented a gastrointestinal effect. Forty patients with anemia received iron and folic acid supplements and 6 cases with no modifications. There was 1 case leucopenia, 1 thrombocytopenia, and 1 hepatitis due to rifampicine. In 26 patients (58%) adverse effects were detected during first month of MDT, in 15 (33%) between 2-5 of treatment and in 4 (9%) patients after 6 or more months of treatment. Fourteen (31%) patients had comorbility and 31 (69%) were healthy patients. Forty one (91%) patients were receiving MB MDT and 4 (9%) PB MDT. Conclusions: The mayority of the patients in the study presented adverse effects. Men were the most affected and the mayority were in the 31-59 years age group and from urban settings. Most of the effects were hematological and among them, anemia the most frequent. These cases were supplemented with iron and folic acid. Most adverse effects appeared during the first month of treatment and MB MDT group was the most affected

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Painful Mononeuropathy Secondary to Leprosy: A 12-Month Follow-Up Study.

OBJECTIVE: Leprosy affects approximately 10-15 million patients worldwide and remains a relevant public health issue. Chronic pain secondary to leprosy is a primary cause of morbidity, and its treatment remains a challenge. We evaluated the feasibility and safety of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) for painful mononeuropathy secondary to leprosy that is refractory to pharmacological therapy and surgical intervention (decompression). METHODS: Between 2011 and 2013 twenty-three patients with painful mononeuropathy secondary to leprosy were recruited to this prospective case series. All patients were considered to be refractory to optimized conservative treatment and neurosurgical decompression. Pain was evaluated over the course of the study using the neuropathic pain scale and the visual analog scale for pain. In the first stage, patients were implanted with a temporary electrode that was connected to an external stimulator, and were treated with PNS for seven days. Patients with 50% or greater pain relief received a definitive implantation in the second stage. Follow-ups in the second stage were conducted at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: After seven days of trial in the first stage, 10 patients showed a pain reduction of 50% or greater. At 12-month follow-up in the second stage, 6 of the 10 patients who underwent permanent device implantation showed a pain reduction of 50% or greater (75% reduction on average), and two patients showed a 30% reduction in pain. Two patients presented with electrode migration that required repositioning during the 12-month follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that PNS might have significant long-term utility for the treatment of painful mononeuropathy secondary to leprosy. Future studies should be performed in order to corroborate our findings in a larger population and encourage the clinical implementation of this technique.

A Randomized Controlled Double Blind Trial of Ciclosporin versus Prednisolone in the Management of Leprosy Patients with New Type 1 Reaction, in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Leprosy Type 1 (T1R) reactions are immune-mediated events leading to nerve damage and preventable disability affecting hands, feet and eyes. Type 1 Reactions are treated with oral corticosteroids. There is little evidence on alternative treatments for patients who do not respond to steroids or experience steroid adverse effects. We report the results of a randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy and adverse effect profile of ciclosporin and prednisolone (CnP) in comparison to prednisolone only (P) in patients with new T1R in Ethiopia. Ciclosporin is a potent immunosuppressant. Outcomes were measured using a clinical severity score, recurrence rate, adverse events and quality of life. RESULTS: Seventy three patients with new T1R were randomized to receive CnP or P for 20 weeks. Recovery rates in skin signs was similar in both groups (91% vs 88%). Improvements in nerve function both, new and old, sensory (66% vs 49%) and motor (75% vs 74%) loss were higher (but not significantly so) in the patients on CnP. Recurrences rates of T1R (85%) were high in both groups, and recurrences occurred significantly earlier (8 weeks) in patients CnP, who needed 10% more additional prednisolone. Serious major and minor adverse events rates were similar in patients in the two treatment arms of the study. Both groups had a significant improvement in their quality of life after the study, measured by the SF-36. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first double-blind RCT assessing ciclosporin, in the management of T1R in Africa. Ciclosporin could be a safe alternative second-line drug for patients with T1R who are not improving with prednisolone or are experiencing adverse events related to prednisolone. This study illustrates the difficulty in switching off leprosy inflammation. Better treatment agents for leprosy patients with reactions and nerve damage are needed.

Cicatrização de feridas decorrentes da hanseníase utilizando laser de baixa intensidade / Wound healing leprosy induced by low intensity laser

A hanseníase é causada pelo bacilo Mycobacterium leprae(M. leprae), apresentando grande capacidade de infectar vários indivíduos com contágio pelas vias aéreas superiores. A hanseníase considerada um problema de saúde pública, principalmente nos países subdesenvolvidos e nos em desenvolvimento, devido à presença de incapacidades e estigma social...

Leprosy is caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium leprae(M. leprae), presenting the capacity to infect multiple individuals with infection of the upper airways. Hansen considered a public health problem, especially in under developed countries and developing countries, due to the presence of disabilities and social stigma...

Clinic-epidemiological evaluation of ulcers in patients with leprosy sequelae and the effect of low level laser therapy on wound healing: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Mycobacterium leprae is the only pathogenic bacteria able to infect peripheral nerves. Neural impairment results in a set of sensitive, motor and autonomic disturbances, with ulcers originating primarily on the hands and feet. The study objectives were to analyze the clinic-epidemiological characteristics of patients attended at one specialized dressing service from a leprosy-endemic region of the Brazilian Amazon and to evaluate the effect of low level laser therapy (LLLT) on wound healing of these patients. METHODS: Clinic-epidemiological evaluation of patients with leprosy sequelae was performed at the reference unit in sanitary dermatology of the state of Pará in Brazil. We conducted anamnesis, identification of the regions affected by the lesions and measurement of ulcer depth and surface area. After that, we performed a randomized clinical trial. Fifty-one patients with ulcers related to leprosy were evaluated, twenty-five of them were randomly assigned to a low level laser therapy group or a control group. Patients were treated 3 times per week for 12 weeks. Outcome measures were ulcer surface area, ulcer depth and the pressure ulcer scale for healing score (PUSH). RESULTS: Ninety-seven ulcers were identified, with a mean (SD) duration of 97.6 (111.7) months, surface area of 7.3 (11.5) cm2, and depth of 6.0 (6.2) mm. Statistical analysis of the data determined that there were no significant differences in the variables analyzed before and after treatment with low level laser therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Ulcers in patients with leprosy remain a major source of economic and social losses, even many years after they have been cured of M. leprae infection. Our results indicate that it is necessary to develop new and more effective therapeutic tools, as low level laser therapy did not demonstrate any additional benefits to ulcer healing with the parameters used in this study. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT00860717.

The effect of iron supplementation in the diet of Dasypus novemcinctus (Linnaeus, 1758) armadillos in captivity.

Armadillos of the species Dasypus novemcinctus have been used as an experimental model of leprosy. Besides non-human primates, they are the only species naturally infected with Mycobacterium leprae and when experimentally inoculated, reproduce the lepromatous form of the disease producing large quantities of bacilli. This species has been maintained in captivity by numerous researchers and specific housing and feeding requirements have been developed to guarantee their survival during long experimental periods. In the 'Lauro de Souza Lima' Institute, armadillos receive dog food, ground beef, boiled eggs and vitamin C. However, despite the balanced diet, anemia has been observed in some captive animals, especially in armadillos inoculated with M. leprae in advanced stages of infection. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of iron sulfate supplementation in the feed provided for armadillos, both inoculated and non-inoculated with M. leprae, by means of the evaluation of their hematological profile. Fourteen armadillos received 10 mg/animal of iron sulfate (Hematofer(R)) diluted in sterile water mixed with their daily feed for 50 days. Hemograms and serum iron dosages for each armadillo were performed before and after supplementation. The hematocrit values increased significantly after iron supplementation, both in armadillos inoculated and non-inoculated with M. leprae. It is possible that the amount of iron in the feed is insufficient for the formation of hemoglobin, leading to microcytic anemia. Dietary supplementation with iron sulfate reversed this state, showing the importance of understanding the metabolism of exotic species for their maintenance in captivity, and thus ensuring their well-being.

The effect of iron supplementation in the diet of Dasypus novemcinctus (Linnaeus, 1758) armadillos in captivity / O efeito da suplementação com ferro na dieta de tatus Dasypus novemcinctus (Linnaeus, 1758) em cativeiro

Armadillos of the species Dasypus novemcinctus have been used as an experimental model of leprosy. Besides non-human primates, they are the only species naturally infected with Mycobacterium leprae and when experimentally inoculated, reproduce the lepromatous form of the disease producing large quantities of bacilli. This species has been maintained in captivity by numerous researchers and specific housing and feeding requirements have been developed to guarantee their survival during long experimental periods. In the "Lauro de Souza Lima" Institute, armadillos receive dog food, ground beef, boiled eggs and vitamin C. However, despite the balanced diet, anemia has been observed in some captive animals, especially in armadillos inoculated with M. leprae in advanced stages of infection. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of iron sulfate supplementation in the feed provided for armadillos, both inoculated and non-inoculated with M. leprae, by means of the evaluation of their hematological profile. Fourteen armadillos received 10 mg/animal of iron sulfate (Hematofer®) diluted in sterile water mixed with their daily feed for 50 days. Hemograms and serum iron dosages for each armadillo were performed before and after supplementation. The hematocrit values increased significantly after iron supplementation, both in armadillos inoculated and non-inoculated with M. leprae. It is possible that the amount of iron in the feed is insufficient for the formation of hemoglobin, leading to microcytic anemia. Dietary supplementation with iron sulfate reversed this state, showing the importance of understanding the metabolism of exotic species for their maintenance in captivity, and thus ensuring their well-being.

O tatu da espécie Dasypus novemcinctus tem sido utilizado como modelo experimental para a hanseníase. Eles são a única espécie, além de primatas não humanos, que se apresentam naturalmente infectados pelo Mycobacterium leprae. Estes tatus, quando experimentalmente inoculados, reproduzem a forma virchoviana da hanseníase produzindo grandes quantidades de bacilos. Esta espécie tem sido mantida em cativeiro por vários pesquisadores, no entanto, alguns cuidados são necessários para garantir a sobrevivência destes por longos períodos experimentais, tais como alojamento e alimentação. No Instituto Lauro de Souza Lima, os animais em cativeiro recebem ração canina, carne bovina, ovos cozidos e vitamina C, mesmo assim, tem-se observado o desenvolvimento de quadros de anemia nestes animais, principalmente nos inoculados com o M. leprae, em estados avançados da infecção. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da suplementação com sulfato ferroso na alimentação fornecida aos tatus, inoculados e não inoculados com M. leprae, por meio de avaliação de seu perfil hematológico. Foram utilizados 14 animais que receberam 10 mg/animal de sulfato ferroso (Hematofer®) diluídos em água estéril e misturados diariamente à ração por 50 dias. Foram feitos hemograma e dosagem de ferro sérico de cada animal antes e após a suplementação. Os valores de hematócrito aumentaram significativamente após a suplementação, tanto nos animais inoculados como nos não inoculados com M. leprae. É possível que a quantidade de ferro na alimentação seja insuficiente para a formação da hemoglobina, levando a um quadro de anemia microcítica. A suplementação da dieta com sulfato ferroso reverteu este quadro, mostrando a importância de se conhecer o metabolismo de espécies exóticas para manutenção destas em cativeiro, assegurando seu bem estar.

Lest we forget Hansen's disease (leprosy): an unusual presentation with an acute onset of inflammatory polyarthritis and the rheumatology experience.

Several forms of arthritis and rheumatism can sometimes complicate leprosy. However, its presentation as an acute onset arthritis is unusual. We report two adult male naïve patients who presented to our rheumatology outpatient clinic with acute onset inflammatory polyarthritis, skin rash and mild sensory neurodeficit. Borderline lepromatous leprosy (in type I lepra reaction) was diagnosed. We also refer to 19 case records of Hansen arthritis in the clinic database (1998-2007) from approximately 35,000 patients and a community study to highlight the missed diagnosis of Hansen's disease and its unusual association with rheumatoid arthritis. In countries like India where leprosy is endemic, this disease also merits attention in rheumatology clinics.

Evaluation of bone and mineral metabolism in patients recently diagnosed with leprosy.

This study was conducted to evaluate patients recently diagnosed with the tuberculoid and lepromatous forms of leprosy for bone mass, bone remodeling, and hormones related to mineral control. Eleven normal control individuals (CG) and 12 patients with leprosy (LG) matched for physical characteristics were submitted to evaluation of bone mass density (BMD) and to the determination of serum levels of PTH, 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], testosterone, LH, FSH, osteocalcin (OC), and urinary levels of deoxypyridinoline (DPD). The T score of lumbar spine and total radius (mean +/- SD) were significantly lower in leprosy patients (L1-L4: CG = -0.7 +/- 1.5 vs LG = -1.8 +/- 1.0 SD, P < 0.04, and total radius: CG = -1.43 +/- 0.6 vs LG = -2.1 +/- 0.8 SD, P <0.02), whereas no significant differences were observed in total hip or femoral neck T score. However, at all sites, the rate of low bone mass (T score < -1.0) was higher in LG (femoral neck: CG = 18% vs LG = 50%, total hip: CG = 27% vs LG = 42%). There was a significant difference in albumin and PTH levels between groups but not in serum 25(OH)D and OC levels or urinary DPD levels. The present results indicate that bone mass loss is an early event in leprosy patients and frequently is already present at diagnosis. Its etiopathogenesis is multifactorial, and further studies are needed to determine the most efficient way to prevent fractures in this condition. The data obtained in the present study need confirmation by the evaluation of a larger sample.

[Background of development and effectiveness of myanmar sandals (the activity of Leprosy Control and Basic Health Services Project in Myanmar)].

"Leprosy control and Basic health service Project" was terminated at March 2005 within the scope of the period. I was assigned to develop the Plantar protect footwear for neuropathic feet, which called "Myanmar Sandals" in common. These sandals are not made by new technologies but made by basic knowledge. I would like to report about this activity as which is a part of distinguished strategy of ODA (Official Development Assistance) for developing country, but not as the technical report of these sandals. There is only one National Leprosy Hospital in Myanmar. At the time this project started, there were only two footwear technicians for the people who had disabilities by after effect of Hansen's disease in this country. And, it would appear that the number of the people is over 50,000. Furthermore, the budget of national hospital is not enough to refill necessary consumable supplies and materials. Although, I should instruct new technique which like making in Japan in ordinary circumstances, I could not think that such technical transfer by using costly imported materials woud bring beneficial effect and be continued. We were bound to be anxious about such situations when we made the plan. As a result of examining a plan based on these situations, we reached the conclusion that development of the simplified ready-made footwear was pressing need.

Co-infection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium leprae in human archaeological samples: a possible explanation for the historical decline of leprosy.

Both leprosy and tuberculosis were prevalent in Europe during the first millennium but thereafter leprosy declined. It is not known why this occurred, but one suggestion is that cross-immunity protected tuberculosis patients from leprosy. To investigate any relationship between the two diseases, selected archaeological samples, dating from the Roman period to the thirteenth century, were examined for both Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA, using PCR. The work was carried out and verified in geographically separate and independent laboratories. Several specimens with palaeopathological signs of leprosy were found to contain DNA from both pathogens, indicating that these diseases coexisted in the past. We suggest that the immunological changes found in multi-bacillary leprosy, in association with the socio-economic impact on those suffering from the disease, led to increased mortality from tuberculosis and therefore to the historical decline in leprosy.

Knowledge and practice of eye-care among leprosy patients.

In one hundred and thirty leprosy patients attending the Schieffelin Leprosy Research and Training Center, Karigiri, Tamil Nadu, India, the knowledge, attitude and practice of eye-care were ascertained using a questionnaire developed by Mathews & Mangalam. 74.6% the patients surveyed were aware of the disease, 60% knew about the early signs of leprosy, 74.6% considered leprosy curable and 36.9% knew the duration of treatment with MDT. Less than half of the patients (40.8%) knew that blindness occurred in leprosy and was preventable. More males had this knowledge (46.5%) than females (22.6%) (P = 0.001). Knowledge on how to take care of the eyes (26.9%), that eyes become anaesthetic due to leprosy (27.7%), and that precautions should be taken if sensation is lost (27. 7%) was very poor. Knowledge on prevention of damage in eyes (57.7%) and the fact that rubbing eyes could cause damage (55.4%) was found in more than half the patients. More males (64.6%) had knowledge on the prevention of damage in eyes than females (35.5%) (P = 0.008). Only 25.4% of the patients tried some measures to prevent eye injury, 21.5% used home remedies and all had the help of family members in their eye-care. More males (26.3%) used home remedies than females (6.5%). The older age group had better knowledge on taking care of the eyes than those aged 40 and below (P = 0.026). Although more patients with existing complications knew to take care of their eyes than those who did not have complications, the knowledge and practice of eye-care in both these groups were poor. Knowledge of leprosy in illiterate patients was not different from those who had some formal schooling, but the practice of eye-care differed significantly (P = 0.02). Health education must be undertaken to increase the knowledge of eye-care among leprosy patients, especially among illiterate persons, women and younger patients.