ML Flow serological test: complementary tool in leprosy

Abstract Background The evaluation of household contacts of leprosy cases allows the early diagnosis of new cases. Objective To associate the results of the ML Flow test with the clinical characteristics of leprosy cases and to verify their positivity in household contacts, in addition to describing the epidemiological profile of both. Methods Prospective study with patients diagnosed over the course of one year (n = 26), without prior treatment, and their household contacts (n = 44) in six municipalities in northwestern São Paulo, Brazil. Results There was a predominance of men among the leprosy cases, of 61.5% (16/26); 77% (20/26) were over 35 years old; 86.4% (22/26) were multibacillary; 61.5% (16/26) had a positive bacilloscopy; and 65.4% (17/26) had no physical disability. The ML Flow test was positive in 53.8% (14/26) of the leprosy cases and was associated with those who had a positive bacilloscopy and were diagnosed as multibacillary (p-value <0.05). Among the household contacts, 52.3% (23/44) were women and aged over 35 years; 81.8% (36/44) had been vaccinated with BCG ‒ Bacillus Calmette-Guérin. The ML Flow test was positive in 27.3% (12/44) of household contacts, all of whom lived with multibacillary cases; seven lived with positive bacilloscopy cases and six with consanguineous cases. Study limitations Difficulty in convincing the contacts to undergo the evaluation and collection of the clinical sample. Conclusion The ML Flow test, when positive in household contacts, can help the identification of cases that require more attention by the health team, as it indicates a predisposition to disease development, especially when they are household contacts of multibacillary cases, with positive bacilloscopy and consanguineous. The ML Flow test also helps in the correct clinical classification of the leprosy cases.

ML Flow serological test: complementary tool in leprosy.

BACKGROUND: The evaluation of household contacts of leprosy cases allows the early diagnosis of new cases. OBJECTIVE: To associate the results of the ML Flow test with the clinical characteristics of leprosy cases and to verify their positivity in household contacts, in addition to describing the epidemiological profile of both. METHODS: Prospective study with patients diagnosed over the course of one year (n = 26), without prior treatment, and their household contacts (n = 44) in six municipalities in northwestern São Paulo, Brazil. RESULTS: There was a predominance of men among the leprosy cases, of 61.5% (16/26); 77% (20/26) were over 35 years old; 86.4% (22/26) were multibacillary; 61.5% (16/26) had a positive bacilloscopy; and 65.4% (17/26) had no physical disability. The ML Flow test was positive in 53.8% (14/26) of the leprosy cases and was associated with those who had a positive bacilloscopy and were diagnosed as multibacillary (p-value <0.05). Among the household contacts, 52.3% (23/44) were women and aged over 35 years; 81.8% (36/44) had been vaccinated with BCG ‒ Bacillus Calmette-Guérin. The ML Flow test was positive in 27.3% (12/44) of household contacts, all of whom lived with multibacillary cases; seven lived with positive bacilloscopy cases and six with consanguineous cases. STUDY LIMITATIONS: Difficulty in convincing the contacts to undergo the evaluation and collection of the clinical sample. CONCLUSION: The ML Flow test, when positive in household contacts, can help the identification of cases that require more attention by the health team, as it indicates a predisposition to disease development, especially when they are household contacts of multibacillary cases, with positive bacilloscopy and consanguineous. The ML Flow test also helps in the correct clinical classification of the leprosy cases.

Mycobacterium leprae: aspectos da resistência aos fármacos na poliquimioterapia / Drug resistance in multidrug therapy for Mycobacterium leprae

Introdução: O diagnóstico da hanseníase possui números significativos que causam preocupação à saúde pública. Os casos de resistência medicamentosa nessa doença se iniciaram em meados dos anos 60 e diante do problema, a Organização Mundial da Saúde instituiu em 1981 a poliquimioterapia, associação dos antibióticos rifampicina, dapsona e clofazimina, tratamento atual de escolha. A resistência aos fármacos na hanseníase é reportada pela literatura, desvelando um obstáculo à sua eliminação. Apresentamos nessa revisão os principais aspectos da resistência medicamentosa no tratamento para hanseníase e seus impactos. Metodologia: Revisão sistemática sobre os aspectos da resistência medicamentosa utilizando a pesquisa exploratória como metodologia de abordagem. Foram pesquisados os termos resistência medicamentosa, hanseníase, recidiva, alterações genéticas e os operadores booleanos "and" e "or" na busca. Resultados e discussão: A dificuldade de tomar a medicação corretamente foi um dos principais fatores que acarretaram resistência do bacilo Mycobacterium leprae aos fármacos. Homens de países norte e sul-americanos e asiáticos foram os mais atingidos por episódios de resistência. A resistência medicamentosa é uma das principais causas de recidivas em hanseníase. O principal fármaco causador de resistência medicamentosa descrito nos trabalhos foi a dapsona (46,6%) e a maioria das alterações genéticas encontradas estão no gene rpoB; 23,2% dos registros relatados foram de resistência secundária aos fármacos e, também, sete casos de resistência múltipla a esses medicamentos. Conclusão: Os principais aspectos da resistência medicamentosa na hanseníase são os equívocos ao ingerir os medicamentos e as alterações genéticas na bactéria. Os impactos causados estão na dificuldade de refazer o tratamento, a possibilidade de nova transmissão e o aparecimento de sintomas mais graves.

Introduction: The diagnosis of leprosy has significant numbers causing public health concern. Reports of drug resistance in this disease begun in the mid-1960s and due to this problem, the World Health Organization instituted a multidrug therapy with rifampicin, dapsone, and clofazimine antibiotic association in 1981, which is currently the first-choice treatment for leprosy. Cases of drug resistance have been reported in literature, revealing an obstacle to the eradication of the disease. This paper has the purpose of presenting the key aspects and impacts of drug resistance in the treatment for leprosy. Methods: Systematic review of the drug resistance aspects using exploratory research as an approach methodology. The authors searched the terms drug resistance, leprosy, recurrence, genetic alterations, and the Boolean operators "and" and "or" between them. Results and discussion: The difficulty in taking the medication correctly was one of the key factors that led to drug resistance for Mycobacterium leprae. Men from North and South American, as well as from Asian countries, were the most affected by episodes of resistance. Drug resistance is one of the main causes of leprosy recurrences. Dapsone was the most frequently identified drug resistance in the studies (46.6%), while most of the genetic alterations were found in the rpoB gene; 23.2% of the cases were from secondary resistance episodes, and seven cases of multiple resistance were reported. Conclusion: The misconceptions when taking the treatment and the Mycobacterium leprae genetic alterations have been described as the key aspects of drugs resistance in leprosy and the impacts caused are the difficulty in redoing the treatment, the possibility of new transmission, and the appearance of more severe symptoms.

Diagnosis of the leprosy laboratory care network in Regional Health Department XV, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. / Diagnóstico da rede de atendimento laboratorial de hanseníase no Departamento Regional de Saúde XV, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo.

OBJECTIVE: To present the situational diagnosis of the leprosy laboratory reference network in the region of São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil. METHODS: This was an evaluation study with a descriptive design. The data were collected by means of an online form filled in by those in charge of the leprosy program in 2018. RESULTS: All 102 municipalities that make up the region provided the requested data, 82.4% (84/102) requested slit-skin smear microscopy and of these 68 received training. Of the total, 11.7% sent slit-skin smears to other laboratories outside the reference network. Only 57.8% (59/102) requested a biopsy, of these 47 had a doctor responsible for taking the biopsy sample and 31 did not send biopsy samples for analysis in the reference network. Lack of an adequate room, few trained professionals, absence of material for transportation and absence of printed test requisitions were described as aspects that hinder leprosy case diagnosis in the region. CONCLUSION: The laboratory network is fragile and needs to be restructured.

Diagnosis of the Hansen's disease laboratory care network at the Regional Health Department XV, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil / Diagnóstico de la red de atención de laboratorio de la enfermedad de Hansen en el Departamento Regional de Salud XV, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brasil / Diagnóstico da rede de atendimento laboratorial de hanseníase no Departamento Regional de Saúde XV, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo

Objective. To present the situational diagnosis of the laboratory reference network for leprosy in the region of São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil. Methods. An online form was sent to each person responsible for the leprosy program. Results. All 102 municipalities that make up the region sent the requested data, 82.4% (84/102) requested slit skin smear microscopy and of these 68 received training. Of the total, 11.7% send slit skin smear to other laboratories without respecting the reference network. Only 57.8% (59/102) requested a biopsy, of these 47 had a doctor responsible for the collection and 31 didn´t respect the reference network for forwarding the biopsies. Aspects that make it difficult to diagnose leprosy cases in the region have been described as the lack of an adequate room, trained professionals, the absence of material for transportation and the request for printed exams. Conclusion. The laboratory network is fragile and needs to be respected in its initial composition or reorganized.

Objetivo. Apresentar o diagnóstico situacional da rede laboratorial para hanseníase na região de São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brasil. Métodos. Pesquisa de avaliação com desenho descritivo. Os dados foram coletados por meio de formulário online preenchido pelos responsáveis do programa de hanseníase, em 2018. Resultados. Todos os 102 municípios que compõem a região enviaram os dados solicitados, 84 (82,4%) solicitavam a baciloscopia e destes, 68 receberam capacitação. Do total, 11,7% enviavam baciloscopia para outros laboratórios sem respeitar a rede de referência. Apenas 59 (57,8%) solicitavam a biópsia e destes, 47 tinham médico responsável pela coleta e 31 não respeitavam a rede de referência para encaminhamento das biópsias. Foram descritos, como aspectos que dificultavam o diagnóstico dos casos de hanseníase na região, a falta de sala adequada, poucos profissionais capacitados, ausência de material para transporte e de requisição de exames impressa. Conclusão. A rede laboratorial se encontra fragilizada, necessitando reestruturação.

Exaustão emocional e física de cuidadores familiares / Emotional and physical exhaustion of family caregivers / Agotamiento emocional y físico de los cuidadores familiares

Objetivo: verificar o perfil de distúrbios osteomusculares, a sobrecarga emocional e a saúde de cuidadores de pessoas com sequelas de lesão no Sistema Nervoso Central. Método: estudo descritivo com 23 cuidadores. Foram aplicados testes de lesão osteomusculares (Nórdico), de sobrecarga (Carregiver Burden Scale) e a Escala de Avaliação do Risco na Movimentação e Transferência. Resultados: os cuidadores tinham idade média de 52,9, mulheres, cônjuges, ensino fundamental e com função de cuidar do paciente e residência sem renumeração, média de 15,8h/dia de trabalho. 47,8% receberam poucas orientações sobre como cuidar. Os de maior idade sofrem mais com dor (coluna e membros superiores) e se afastam mais das atividades comparados aos mais jovens (valor-p=0,01). A tensão geral, o isolamento e a sobrecarga emocional foram impactantes (valor-p=0,03). Conclusão: as cuidadoras são familiares, de baixa renda, apresentam dores osteomusculares, considerável sobrecarga emocional e dor física e necessitam de cuidados da equipe de saúde

Objective: The study's main purpose has been to verify the profile of musculoskeletal disorders, emotional burden and health profile of caregivers of people bearing central nervous system injury sequelae. Methods: It is a descriptive study with 23 participating caregivers. There were applied musculoskeletal injury tests (Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire), overload tests (Caregiver Burden Scale) and the Physical Mobility and Transfer Risk Assessment Scale. Results: The caregivers' profile were as follows: average age of 52.9 years old, women, spouses, elementary school, responsible for providing care to the patient, residence without a salary, and an average working hours of 15.8 hours per day. A total of 47.8% received little guidance on how to provide care services. Older people suffer more with pain (spine and upper limbs) and stay more away from activities from activities compared to younger ones (p-value = 0.01). Overall tension, isolation, and emotional burden were impactful (p-value = 0.03). Conclusion: The caregivers are family members, low income, have musculoskeletal pain, considerable emotional burden and physical pain, as well as they need support from the health team

Objetivo: Verificar el perfil de los trastornos musculoesqueléticos, la carga emocional y la salud de los cuidadores de personas con secuelas de lesiones del sistema nervioso central. Método: estudio descriptivo. Se aplicaron lo Nórdico, lo Carregiver Burden Scale y la escala de evaluación de riesgo de movimiento y transferencia. Resultados: los cuidadores (n=23) tenían promedio de 52.9 años, mujeres, cónyuges, escuela primaria y con la función de cuidar al paciente y la residencia sin renumeración, promedio de 15.8h/día de trabajo. Las personas mayores sufren más con dolor (columna vertebral y extremidades superiores) y se alejan más de las actividades en comparación con las más jóvenes (valor-p=0.01). La tensión general, el aislamiento y la sobrecarga emocional fueron impactantes (valor-p =0.03). Conclusión: los cuidadores son miembros de la familia, de bajos ingresos, tienen dolor musculoesquelético, una carga emocional considerable y dolor físico y necesitan atención del equipo de salud

Diagnóstico da rede de atendimento laboratorial de hanseníase no Departamento Regional de Saúde XV, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo / Diagnóstico de la red de atención de laboratorio de lepra en el Departamento Regional de Salud XV, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brasil / Diagnosis of the leprosy laboratory care network in Regional Health Department XV, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil

Objetivo: Apresentar o diagnóstico situacional da rede laboratorial para hanseníase na região de São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brasil. Métodos: Pesquisa de avaliação com desenho descritivo. Os dados foram coletados por meio de formulário online preenchido pelos responsáveis pelo programa de hanseníase, em 2018. Resultados: Todos os 102 municípios que compõem a região enviaram os dados solicitados, 84 (82,4%) solicitavam a baciloscopia; e destes, 68 receberam capacitação. Do total, 11,7% enviavam baciloscopia para outros laboratórios sem respeitar a rede de referência. Apenas 59 (57,8%) solicitavam a biópsia, e destes, 47 tinham médico responsável pela coleta e 31 não respeitavam a rede de referência para encaminhamento das biópsias. Foram descritos, como aspectos que dificultavam o diagnóstico dos casos de hanseníase na região, a falta de sala adequada, poucos profissionais capacitados, ausência de material para transporte e de requisição de exames impressa. Conclusão: A rede laboratorial se encontra fragilizada, necessitando reestruturação.

Objetivo: Presentar el diagnóstico de la situación de la red de laboratorios para lepra en la región de São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brasil. Métodos: Estudio de evaluación con diseño descriptivo. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de un formulario en línea por cada persona responsable del programa de lepra en 2018. Resultados: Los 102 municipios que conforman la región enviaron los datos solicitados, el 82,4% (84/102) solicitaba la baciloscopia y de estos 68 recibieron capacitación. Del total, el 11.7% enviaba la baciloscopia a otros laboratorios sin respetar la red de referencia. Solo el 57,8% (59/102) solicitó una biopsia, y de estos, 47 tenía un médico responsable de la recolección y 31 no respetaron la red de referencia para enviar las biopsias. Los aspectos que dificultan el diagnóstico de casos de lepra en la región SJRP se describieron como la falta de una sala adecuada, profesionales capacitados, ausencia de material para el transporte y de solicitudes de exámenes impresos. Conclusión: La red de laboratorios está fragilizada y debe ser respetada en su composición inicial o reexaminada y reorganizada.

Objective: To present the situational diagnosis of the leprosy laboratory reference network in the region of São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil. Methods: This was an evaluation study with a descriptive design. The data were collected by means of an online form filled in by those in charge of the leprosy program in 2018. Results: All 102 municipalities that make up the region provided the requested data, 82.4% (84/102) requested slit-skin smear microscopy and of these 68 received training. Of the total, 11.7% sent slit-skin smears to other laboratories outside the reference network. Only 57.8% (59/102) requested a biopsy, of these 47 had a doctor responsible for taking the biopsy sample and 31 did not send biopsy samples for analysis in the reference network. Lack of an adequate room, few trained professionals, absence of material for transportation and absence of printed test requisitions were described as aspects that hinder leprosy case diagnosis in the region. Conclusion: The laboratory network is fragile and needs to be restructured.

The reliability of information records in the Health Information System: surveillance of intra-domiciliary leprosy contacts / confiabilidade dos registros de informações no Sistema de Informação em Saúde: vigilância de contatos intradomiciliares de hanseníase / La confiabilidad de los registros de las informaciones en sistema de Información en Salud: vigilancia de los contactos intradomiciliares de hanseniase

The objective of this study was to compare intra-domiciliary contacts (IDCs) in the Health Information System (SIS) with records of people diagnosed with leprosy. This was a cross-sectional, retrospective, and quantitative study based on the physical information collected in medical records and the SIS records in 2015 and 2016, in a municipality in the countryside of the State of São Paulo. We used an instrument with variables related to IDCs such as gender, age, relationship, disease, BCG-ID vaccine, SIS records, and descriptive analysis. Out of the 81 IDCs from 40 diagnosed patients, 72 were evaluated, and 71 were included in the SIS. One IDC became ill after the end of treatment of the index case. The prevalent gender among IDCs was female, young adults, and children. A difference of 12.4% as observed between the physical and SIS records; a difference of 11.1% was observed when correlating 81 records with the frequency of the 72 evaluated IDCs. It is concluded that the IDC and SIS records are in disagreement.

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os contatos intradomiciliares (CIs) do Sistema de Informação em Saúde (SIS) com os registros de pessoas diagnosticadas com hanseníase. Estudo transversal, retrospectivo e quantitativo, baseado nas informações coletadas em registros físicos e do SIS em 2015 e 2016, em um município do interior do Estado de São Paulo. Foi utilizado um instrumento com variáveis relacionadas aos CIs: sexo, idade, relacionamento, doença, vacina BCG-ID, registros SIS e análise descritiva. Dos 81 CIs de 40 pacientes diagnosticados, 72 foram avaliados e 71 foram incluídos no SIS. 01 CIs adoeceu após o término do tratamento do caso índice. O sexo prevalente dos CIs é feminino, adulto jovem e filho. Entre os registros físicos e do SIS, houve uma diferença de 12,4%; e correlacionando os mesmos registros (81) com a frequência dos CIs avaliados (72), há uma diferença de 11,1%. Conclui-se que existe discordância entre os registos de CIs nos registos com o SIS.

El estudio tiene el objetivo de comparar las anotaciones de comunicantes intradomiciliares (CI) del Sistema de Información en Salud (SIS), con las de los prontuarios de las personas diagnosticadas con leprae. En el presente trabajo se analizaron los resultados obtenidos en el análisis de los resultados obtenidos en el análisis de los resultados obtenidos, evaluados en los registros del SIS. De los 81 CI de 40 pacientes diagnosticados, 72 fueron evaluados y 71 fueron incluidos en el SIS. Y en el caso de las mujeres, El grado de parentesco frecuente fue infantil, mujeres y adultos jóvenes. Entre las anotaciones del SIS y los prontuarios, hay diferencia del 12,4%; y correlacionando los mismos registros (81) con la frecuencia de los CI evaluados (72), hay una diferencia del 11,1%. Se concluye que hay discordancia entre los registros de CI en los prontuarios con el SIS.

O domicílio como importante fator de transmissão da hanseníase / The home as an important leprosy transmission factor

Objetivo: descrever o perfil dos domicílios e dos contatos intradomiciliares que apresentaram um ou mais casos da doença após a primeira notificação. Método: trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, descritivo, transversal, retrospectivo. Estudaram-se 52 pacientes que apresentaram a doença após a notificação do caso índice no SINAN. Coletaram-se os dados em prontuário e realizaram-se entrevistas por meio de formulário. Analisaram-se os dados no programa estatístico EPI INFO 7.1.1.0, realizando-se a análise estatística descritiva. Resultados: notificaram-se, nos anos de 2013 e 2014, 101 casos de hanseníase. Revela-se que a média de contatos foi de 3,6 por domicílio, sendo que 46 conviviam há mais de dez anos com o caso índice; em relação aos contatos desses domicílios, a escolaridade é baixa; 65,4% deles não receberam a vacina BCG; 61,5% não foram avaliados clinicamente e 21,2% dos contatos ainda sofreram algum tipo de discriminação/preconceito. Conclusão: acredita-se que o controle dos contatos é um dos pilares estratégicos para a quebra da cadeia de transmissão da doença no domicílio, associado ao diagnóstico precoce, tratamento e prevenção de incapacidades físicas.(AU)

Objective: to describe the profile of households and household contacts who presented one or more cases of the disease after the first notification. Method: this is a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study. Fifty-two patients who presented the disease after notification of the index case in SINAN were studied. Data was collected from medical records and interviews were conducted using a form. Data were analyzed using the statistical program EPI INFO 7.1.1.0, and descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results: in 2013 and 2014, 101 cases of leprosy were reported. The average number of contacts was 3.6 per household, and 46 had been living with the index case for over ten years; Regarding the contacts of these households, the education level is low; 65.4% of them did not receive the BCG vaccine; 61.5% were not clinically evaluated and 21.2% of contacts still suffered some kind of discrimination/prejudice. Conclusion: it is believed that contact control is one of the strategic pillars for breaking the disease transmission chain at home, associated with early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of physical disabilities.(AU)

Objetivo: describir el perfil de los hogares y contactos familiares que presentaron uno o más casos de la enfermedad después de la primera notificación. Método: este es un estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo, transversal, retrospectivo. Se estudiaron 52 pacientes que presentaron la enfermedad después de la notificación del caso índice en SINAN. Los datos se recopilaron de los registros médicos y las entrevistas se realizaron mediante un formulario. Los datos se analizaron utilizando el programa estadístico EPI INFO 7.1.1.0 y se realizó un análisis estadístico descriptivo. Resultados: en 2013 y 2014, se informaron 101 casos de lepra. El número promedio de contactos fue de 3.6 por hogar, y 46 habían estado viviendo con el caso índice por más de diez años; con respecto a los contactos de estos hogares, el nivel educativo es bajo; el 65,4% de ellos no recibieron la vacuna BCG; el 61.5% no fueron evaluados clínicamente y el 21.2% de los contactos aún sufrieron algún tipo de discriminación/prejuicio. Conclusión: se cree que el control de contacto es uno de los pilares estratégicos para romper la cadena de transmisión de enfermedades en el hogar, asociado con el diagnóstico temprano, el tratamiento y la prevención de discapacidades físicas.(AU)

Diagnosis and medical treatment of neuropathic pain in leprosy.

OBJECTIVE: to identify the difficulties in diagnosing and treating neuropathic pain caused by leprosy and to understand the main characteristics of this situation. METHODS: 85 patients were treated in outpatient units with reference to leprosy and the accompanying pain. We used a questionnaire known as the Douleur Neuropathic 4 test and we conducted detailed neurological exams. As a result, 42 patients were excluded from the study for not having proved their pain. RESULTS: Out of the 37 patients that experienced pain, 22 (59.5%) had neuropathic pain (or a mixture of this pain and their existing pain) and of these 90.8% considered this pain to be moderate or severe. 81.8% of the sample suffered with this pain for more than 6 months. Only 12 (54.5%) of the patients had been diagnosed with neuropathic pain and in almost half of these cases, this pain had not been diagnosed. With reference to medical treatment (n=12) for neuropathic pain, 5 (41.6%) responded that they became better. For the other 7 (58.4%) there were no changes in relation to the pain or in some cases the pain worsened in comparison to their previous state. Statistical analysis comparing improvements in relation to the pain amongst the patients that were treated (n=12) and those that were not, showed significant differences (value p=0.020). CONCLUSION: we noted difficulties in diagnosing neuropathic pain for leprosy in that almost half of the patients that were studied had not had their pain diagnosed. We attributed this to some factors such as the non-adoption of the appropriate protocols which led to inadequate diagnosis and treatment that overlooked the true picture.

The association between neuropathic pain and disability grades in leprosy.

OBJECTIVE: To detect neuropathic pain in people who have had leprosy and correlate this association with the WHO Degree of Physical Disability classification (DPD-WHO). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were collected from medical records, interviews and physical examinations of patients treated in 2013 in a regional referral service that attends 102 municipals. Clinical and general data, the DPD-WHO classification and the Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questionnaire (DN4) were utilised to determine the profile and to diagnose neuropathic pain. RESULTS: Of 84 treated patients, 37 (44.1%) had leprosy-related pain at the time of the interview. The mean age was 53 years, 51.4% were women; 75.7% had multibacillary disease and 72.9% had some kind of reactional episode. Of the 37 patients with pain, 22 (59.5%) had neuropathic pain and 15 (40.5%) had nociceptive pain. The most frequently reported symptoms related to neuropathic pain, apart from numbness (64.9%), were tingling and touch hypoesthesia (56.8%). Of 22 patients with neuropathic pain, 20 had some physical disability; 14 (63.6%) had Grade I disability, six (27.2%) Grade II, and two (9.3%) Grade zero disability. An association was found between neuropathic pain and degree of disability (P-value < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Of the patients who reported pain related to leprosy, 59.5% had neuropathic pain. The DN4 seems to be suitable for determining the presence of neuropathic pain in leprosy. There is an association between the degree of disability and neuropathic pain, i.e. patients with neuropathic pain tend to have a physical disability too.

Virtual network: to analyze the knowledge about leprosy of MORHAN volunteers

O objetivo do estudo foi revelar o conhecimento sobre hanseníase dos voluntários participantes da Rede virtual de Mobilização (REMOB) do Movimento de Reintegração das pessoas Atingidas pela Hanseníase (MORHAN) em relação a aspectos gerais, diagnóstico, transmissão e tratamento. Os voluntários da REMOB foram convidados a responder um formulário on line contendo 35 afirmativas sobre hanseníase e perguntas específicas sobre o voluntariado. Participaram do estudo 105 voluntários, representando 20 estados brasileiros, a média de idade foi de 38,9 (dp14,14), 72,4% eram atuantes na área da saúde, 73,3% tinham nível superior e/ou pós-graduação, para 63,8% as atividades voluntárias não iniciaram por conhecer alguém com a doença. O percentual médio de acertos sobre diagnóstico foi de 84,2%, aspectos gerais 83,2%, transmissão 71,6% e tratamento 61,9%. O conhecimento sobre hanseníase foi maior nas questões referentes ao diagnóstico e menor sobre tratamento que embora sejam bastante específicas, devem ser alvo de investimento para capacitação permanente.

The objective of this study was to investigate knowledge about leprosy of volunteers participating in the Virtual Mobilization Network (REMOB) for the Reintegration Movement of People Affected by Leprosy (MORHAN) in relation to general aspects, diagnosis, transmission and treatment of the disease. REMOB volunteers were asked to answer an online questionnaire containing 35 questions about leprosy and specific questions about volunteering. The study included 105 volunteers in 20 Brazilian states with a mean age of 38.9 (sd=14.14) years. A total of 72.4% were healthcare professionals, 73.3% had college diplomas or were postgraduates, and for 63.8% volunteering did not begin because they knew someone with the disease. Respondents correctly answered, on average, 84.2% of the questions about diagnosis, 83.2% about general aspects, 71.6% about transmission and 61.9% on treatment. The knowledge of leprosy was better in respect to the diagnosis and worse in relation to treatment and should be the target for investment in ongoing training.

Diagnosis and medical treatment of neuropathic pain in leprosy / Diagnóstico e tratamento medicamentoso da dor neuropática em hanseníase / Diagnóstico y tratamiento medicamentoso del dolor neuropático en la lepra

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify the difficulties in diagnosing and treating neuropathic pain caused by leprosy and to understand the main characteristics of this situation. Methods: 85 patients were treated in outpatient units with reference to leprosy and the accompanying pain. We used a questionnaire known as the Douleur Neuropathic 4 test and we conducted detailed neurological exams. As a result, 42 patients were excluded from the study for not having proved their pain. Results: Out of the 37 patients that experienced pain, 22 (59.5%) had neuropathic pain (or a mixture of this pain and their existing pain) and of these 90.8% considered this pain to be moderate or severe. 81.8% of the sample suffered with this pain for more than 6 months. Only 12 (54.5%) of the patients had been diagnosed with neuropathic pain and in almost half of these cases, this pain had not been diagnosed. With reference to medical treatment (n=12) for neuropathic pain, 5 (41.6%) responded that they became better. For the other 7 (58.4%) there were no changes in relation to the pain or in some cases the pain worsened in comparison to their previous state. Statistical analysis comparing improvements in relation to the pain amongst the patients that were treated (n=12) and those that were not, showed significant differences (value p=0.020). Conclusion: we noted difficulties in diagnosing neuropathic pain for leprosy in that almost half of the patients that were studied had not had their pain diagnosed. We attributed this to some factors such as the non-adoption of the appropriate protocols which led to inadequate diagnosis and treatment that overlooked the true picture.

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar as dificuldades em diagnosticar e tratar a dor neuropática causada pela hanseníase, bem como determinar as características principais dessa situação. Métodos: examinaram-se 85 pacientes tratados no ambulatório de referência para hanseníase e referiam dor. Aplicou-se questionário, o teste Douleur Neuropathic 4, e criterioso exame neurológico pelo qual excluíram-se 42 pacientes por não se comprovar dor. Resultados: dos 37 pacientes com dor, 22 (59,5%) tinham Douleur Neuropathic ou mista e, desses, 90,8% caracterizavam essa dor como de intensidade moderada ou severa, sendo que 81,8% sofriam por mais de 6 meses. Apenas 12 (54,5%) pacientes haviam sido diagnosticados com Douleur Neuropathic e quase metade dos casos (45,5%) estava sem reconhecimento. Quanto ao tratamento medicamentoso (n=12) para a Douleur Neuropathic, 5 (41,6%) responderam que tiveram melhora, nos outros 7 (58,4%) não houve alteração da dor ou pioraram quando se comparou ao quadro inicial. A análise estatística, comparando a melhora da dor entre os pacientes tratados (n=12) e aqueles não tratados (n=10), foi significante (valor-p=0,020). Conclusão: identificou-se dificuldade em diagnosticar a dor neuropática em hanseníase, haja vista que quase metade dos pacientes estudados estava sem reconhecimento desse quadro. Atribuíram-se, como fatores associados, a não adoção de protocolo apropriado para efetivo diagnóstico e tratamentos inadequados que podem mascarar o quadro.

RESUMEN Objetivo: identificar las dificultades de diagnosticar y tratar el dolor neuropático causado por la lepra, así como determinar las características principales de esa situación. Métodos: se examinaron 85 pacientes tratados en ambulatorio de referencia para lepra y que refirieron dolor. Se aplicó el cuestionario test Douleur Neuropathic 4, y se hizo un minucioso examen neurológico a través del cual se excluyeron 42 pacientes por no haberse comprobado dolor. Resultados: de los 37 pacientes con dolor, 22 (59,5%) tenían dolor neuropático o mixto y, de esos, 90,8% caracterizaban ese dolor como de intensidad moderada o severa, siendo que 81,8% sufrían de él hace más de 6 meses. Apenas 12 (54,5%) pacientes habían sido diagnosticados con dolor neuropático y casi mitad de los casos (45,5%) estaba sin reconocimiento. En cuanto al tratamiento medicamentoso (n=12) para el dolor neuropático, 5 (41,6%) respondieron que tuvieron mejoría; en los otros 7 (58,4%) no hubo alteración del dolor o empeoraron cuando se comparó con el cuadro inicial. El análisis estadístico, comparando la mejoría del dolor entre los pacientes tratados (n=12) y aquellos no tratados (n=10), fue significativa (valor-p=0,020). Conclusión: se identificó dificultad en diagnosticar el dolor neuropático en la lepra, considerando que casi la mitad de los pacientes estudiados estaban sin reconocimiento de ese cuadro. Se atribuyeron como factores asociados la no adopción de protocolo apropiado para un efectivo diagnóstico y tratamientos inadecuados que pudieron haber enmascarar el cuadro.

Práticas de Educação em Saúde na prevenção das doenças transmitidas por alimentos / Health education programs in the prevention of foodborne diseases

Doença Transmitida por Alimento (DTA), usualmente de natureza infecciosa ou tóxica, é causada por agentes que invadem o organismo pela ingestão de alimentos contaminados gerando sintomas que variam de gastrenterite leve a situações mais severas. Sendo as residências o principal local na cadeia de transmissão, há se de investir na informação constante dos consumidores sobre os riscos que alguns alimentos e práticas oferecem. Objetivou-se buscar artigos que apresentaram ações educativas direcionadas para a prevenção de DTA. Trata-se de revisão bibliográfica que utilizou artigos e documentos no período de 2000 a 2012, provindos da MEDLINE, LILACS, SciELO, REPIDISCA, PAHO, WHOLIS e Google Scholar. Os unitermos, associados ou não, foram: Doenças Transmitidas por Alimentos; Educação em Saúde; Prevenção de Doenças; Vigilância Sanitária; Campanhas Educativas; Promoção de Saúde; Contaminação de Alimentos. No período, 15 instituições governamentais e seis não governamentais desenvolveram 21 ações de educação em saúde focadas na prevenção de DTA: quatro tinham abrangência nacional, quatro estaduais e 13 municipais. Dentre as 21 ações, seis focaram em alunos de escolas da rede pública e particular, oito direcionaram suas ações para a população em geral e sete para grupos específicos, i.e, merendeiras, ribeirinhos, entre outros. Utilizaram-se como ferramentas de disseminação das informações recursos midiáticos como televisão e rádio, comunicação direta como palestras e materiais educativos disponíveis na internet ou materiais impressos. Conclui-se que, pela busca bibliográfica, as ações educativas de prevenção de DTA ocorreram em todo o país, a maioria na esfera municipal, e a população em geral foi o público-alvo mais frequente...

Hanseníase e laboratório: uma interação desafiadora / Leprosy and the laboratory: a challenging interaction

O M. leprae é o agente da hanseníase. Por ser um bacilo não cultivável em meios definidos, seu diagnóstico é essencialmente clínico. Pesquisas têm sido realizadas para desenvolver novas ferramentas de diagnóstico e consequente detecção precoce da doença. O objetivo deste trabalho é investigar e apresentar o que há de atual nas pesquisas em relação ao diagnóstico laboratorial da hanseníase. Foi realizada revisão bibliográfica, que utilizou 57 artigos provindos da MEDLINE, PUBMED, LILACS, SciELO, PAHO e WHOLIS, com os unitermos: diagnóstico, hanseníase, Mycobacterium leprae, PGL-I, biópsia, diagnóstico molecular, PCR, sorologia e transmissão. Foi constatado que exames auxiliam no diagnóstico diferencial, mas não há um exame considerado padrão-ouro. Os testes clássicos como baciloscopia, biópsia e Mitsuda continuam sendo utilizados. O sorodiagnóstico, baseado na detecção de anticorpos IgM ao glicolipídio fenólico I (PGLI), foi explorado e vários testes desenvolvidos para diagnóstico. As técnicas moleculares que utilizam genes específicos do M. leprae como alvo são utilizadas para auxiliar em casos difíceis e são consideradas técnicas promissoras pela alta sensibilidade e especificidade, mas a maioria, ainda restritas à pesquisa, devido ao alto custo que inviabiliza sua utilização na rotina laboratorial. Novos métodos estão sendo testados, mas ainda são inviáveis pela tecnologia sofisticada e custo elevado ou por oferecerem valor prognóstico e não diagnóstico...

Efeitos adversos da poliquimioterapia para hanseníase: utilização de doses alternativas e avaliação pós alta / Adverse effects of multidrug therapy for leprosy: use of alternative doses and post discharge evaluation

O tratamento da hanseníase pode causar efeitos adversos relacionados à Rifampicina (RMP) ou Dapsona (DDS) levando à mudança no esquema terapêutico. Objetivou-se determinar as causas da mudança do tratamento e avaliar as condições clínicas dermatológicas dos pacientes que fizeram uso da terapêutica alternativa. De 182 pacientes tratados entre 1997-2008, 34 (18,7%) fizeram doses alternativas e 21 foram entrevistados. O perfil foi constituído por casados, de 40 à 59 anos, baixa condição socioeconômica e escolaridade. Os pacientes paucibacilares (PB) e multibacilares (MB) sem o uso de DDS e de RMP tiveram as últimas baciloscopias (BAAR) negativas (>50%), e os resultados positivos dos outros mostrou involução lenta. A forma clínica mais incidente foi a virchowiana nos intolerantes à DDS, e a dimorfa nos sem a RMP. Os efeitos adversos acometeram mais os MB. Nos intolerantes à DDS, a mudança do esquema terapêutico foi relacionada às causas hematológicas (48,5%) e os à RMP, as hepáticas (50%). Na avaliação as placas e nódulos desapareceram. As manchas, dor geral ou localizada em membros, diminuição da sensibilidade e da força muscular com aparecimento de garra móvel foram significativas. A evolução das incapacidades revelou a necessidade de monitorar atentamente a função neural nos casos de alta.

Leprosy treatment can cause adverse effects related to rifampin (RMP) or dapsone (DDS) leading to changes of the therapeutic regimen. The objective was to determine the causes of changes in the treatment and to evaluate the clinical dermatological conditions of patients who underwent alternative therapy. Out of 182 patients treated between 1997- 2008, 34 (18.7%) underwent alternative doses, and 21 were interviewed. The profile of the patients was: married, 40 to 59 years, low socioeconomic and educational status. The latest bacilloscopic index (BI) of paucibacillary (PB) and multibacillary (MB) patients that did not use DDS and RMP was negative (> 50%), and the positive results observed in the other patients evidenced slow recovery. The most frequent clinical form was lepromatous in patients intolerant to DDS and borderline leprosy in those without RMP. Adverse effects were most commonin MB patients. Intolerance to DDS was related to hematological causes (48.5%), and intolerance to RMP was due to hepatic conditions (50%). Upon evaluation nodules and plaques disappeared. Plaques, generalor localized pain in limbs, reduced sensitivity and muscular strength with the appearance of claw were significant findings. The development of disabilities revealed the need of careful monitoring of the neural function in cases discharged from treatment.

Biological agents: investigation into leprosy and other infectious diseases before indication.

Biological agents are widely used for various immune-mediated diseases, with remarkable effectiveness in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and Crohn's disease. However, attention needs to be drawn to the adverse effects of these therapies and the risk of reactivating underlying granulomatous infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, leprosy, syphilis, leishmaniasis, among others. The objective of this paper is to describe a case of leprosy in a patient with RA using anti-TNF alfa, demonstrating the need for systematic investigation of skin lesions suggestive of leprosy in patients who require rheumatoid arthritis therapeutic treatment, especially in endemic regions like Brazil.

Biological agents: investigation into leprosy and other infectious diseases before indication / Agentes biologicos: pesquisa de hanseniase e outras doencas infecciosas antes da indicacao

Biological agents are widely used for various immune-mediated diseases, with remarkable effectiveness in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and Crohn's disease. However, attention needs to be drawn to the adverse effects of these therapies and the risk of reactivating underlying granulomatous infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, leprosy, syphilis, leishmaniasis, among others. The objective of this paper is to describe a case of leprosy in a patient with RA using anti-TNF alfa, demonstrating the need for systematic investigation of skin lesions suggestive of leprosy in patients who require rheumatoid arthritis therapeutic treatment, especially in endemic regions like Brazil.

Os agentes biológicos são amplamente utilizados em diversas doenças imuno-mediadas, com marcante eficácia no tratamento da Artrite Reumatóide (AR), Psoríase, Artrite Psoriática, Espondilite Anquilosante e Doença de Crohn. No entanto, deve-se atentar quanto aos efeitos adversos de tais terapêuticas, como o risco de reativar doenças infecciosas granulomatosas latentes, como a tuberculose, hanseníase, sífilis, leishmaniose, entre outras. O objetivo deste artigo é descrever um caso de hanseníase em paciente portador de AR em uso de terapia anti-TNF alfa, mostrando, assim, a necessidade de investigação sistematizada de lesões cutâneas sugestivas de hanseníase em pacientes com indicação de terapia anti-TNF alfa, especialmente, em regiões endêmicas como o Brasil.

Identification of urban leprosy clusters.

Overpopulation of urban areas results from constant migrations that cause disordered urban growth, constituting clusters defined as sets of people or activities concentrated in relatively small physical spaces that often involve precarious conditions. Aim. Using residential grouping, the aim was to identify possible clusters of individuals in São José do Rio Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil, who have or have had leprosy. Methods. A population-based, descriptive, ecological study using the MapInfo and CrimeStat techniques, geoprocessing, and space-time analysis evaluated the location of 425 people treated for leprosy between 1998 and 2010. Clusters were defined as concentrations of at least 8 people with leprosy; a distance of up to 300 meters between residences was adopted. Additionally, the year of starting treatment and the clinical forms of the disease were analyzed. Results. Ninety-eight (23.1%) of 425 geocoded cases were located within one of ten clusters identified in this study, and 129 cases (30.3%) were in the region of a second-order cluster, an area considered of high risk for the disease. Conclusion. This study identified ten clusters of leprosy cases in the city and identified an area of high risk for the appearance of new cases of the disease.