A Retrospective Analysis of Clinical Profile of Admitted Leprosy Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Goa Over a Six Year Period

Abstract

Leprosy (Hansen's disease) is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It still continues to be a major health problem in many countries including India. Early diagnoses and prompt treatment is the corner stone in reducing the load of infection and morbidity caused by Hansen's disease. OBJECTIVEThe objective of this study was to assess the clinical and epidemiological profile and asses the conditions that required inpatient care in patients of Hansen's disease over a period of 6 years between 2010 and 2016 in the Department of Skin, Goa Medical College. METHODSThis was a descriptive, observational and retrospective study, in which data of admitted patients in a tertiary care hospital was collected over a period of six years (2010)(2011)(2012)(2013)(2014)(2015)(2016) and was analysed for clinical and epidemiological profiles. RESULTSIn our study, males outnumbered the females and age group of 20-50 years was maximally affected. Multibacillary cases were more frequent among the newly-detected cases with BL (Borderline Lepromatous) and LL (Lepromatous) being the commonest spectrum. Reactions (Type I and II), trophic ulcers and disabilities were the major cause of admissions and even included patients who had completed their chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONIn our study, we found that prevalence of multibacillary cases is still high. This is important as globally elimination of leprosy is highly aimed at. The importance of counselling and educating patients is important not only to adhere to treatment regimes, but also for early recognition of symptoms. KEYWORDSHansen's, Multidrug Therapy, Disabilities. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Ghodge R, Bhandare P, Shukla P, et al. A retrospective analysis of clinical profile of admitted leprosy patients in a tertiary care hospital of Goa over a six year period. J. Evolution Med. Dent. Sci. 2016;5(72):5249-5252, DOI: 10.14260/jemds/2016/1189 INTRODUCTION Hansen's disease is a disabling infectious disease and is a major health problem in India owing to the chronic course and disabilities. The principal of reducing the load of infection is the corner stone of leprosy control. The present study was undertaken to know the clinical profile of admitted leprosy patients, causes of hospitalisations and to observe any changing trends in the state of Goa. MATERIALS AND METHODSThis is a descriptive, observational and retrospective study in which data was collected over a period of six years from January 2010 to December 2015. The data of all admitted Financial or Other, Competing Interest: None. Submission 29-07-2016, Peer Review 22-08-2016, Acceptance 29-08-2016, Published 07-09-2016. Corresponding Author: Dr. Mayur Bhobe, Sriram, House No: 613/e/d/c, SPARC, Behind Chowgule College, Cupangale, Fatorda-403602, Goa. E-mail: mayur8509@gmail.com DOI: 10.14260/jemds/2016/1189 leprosy patients in the department of skin was collected from Medical Records Department of Goa Medical College. Subsequent admissions of the same patient were not considered to prevent duplicati...