Leprosy Reactions: Clinical and Therapeutic Profile of Patients Registered at a Dermatology Reference Center in Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: During the course of leprosy, 10 to 50% of individuals can be surprised by reaction states, which are immune system reactions of the patient to Mycobacterium leprae. Leprosy reactions constitute the main cause of nerve damage and disability caused by leprosy. Objective:To analyze the clinical and therapeutic profile of patients with leprosy reactions registered in a Dermatology Service in the city of Belém-PA. Methods:This is a cross-seccional, descriptive study. It was investigated through analysis of medical records, 52 patients who fit the established inclusion criteria. Data were collected in july and august 2016. Results: It was found a predominance of men, from the metropolitan region. The clinical form most common of Leprosy was Borderline, and the leprosy reaction type 1. The most of reactions occurred right after the introduction of multidrug therapy,and more than a half of patients with type 1 reaction showed edema of limbs. Regarding the type 2, fever and general symptoms were the most common, present in all cases. The frequency of neural damage was evident, showing reduction of motor force level andloss of protective sensation. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic management of reactive events is critical to the prevention of disabilities.