Report of combined therapy in leprosy with rifampicin and isoprodian conducted at the Bisidimo Center, Ethiopia

Abstract

On the basis of experimental results by the Borstel Research Institute, 62 patients (BL and LL cases) from the Bisidimo Center, Ethiopia, received a combination of rifampicin and Isoprodian for a definite length of time under control and clinical conditions. In the same way 18 patients under dapsone monotherapy could be observed. During treatment good improvement could be seen under both medications, however, the improvement was better under the combined therapy. Side effects were exceptional; reactions occurred in both groups. After therapy had to be discontinued, regular controls of the patients were arranged. In the dapsone group a deterioration was soon found, and treatment had to be continued. After combined therapy, however, the trend of improvement continued, the clinical and bacteriological improvement has shown to be progressive; up to now (in many cases more than 2 yr after treatment was stopped) no persistent signs of relapse could be found. The patients will continue under further observation.