Leprosy diagnostic criteria: Difference between revisions
Joao Silva (talk | contribs) |
Joao Silva (talk | contribs) |
||
| Line 9: | Line 9: | ||
For the [[diagnosis]] of leprosy, at least one of the following [[signs]] should be present:<ref name=WHO>{{cite web | title = Enhanced global strategy for further reducing the disease burden due to leprosy (2011-2015) | url = http://www.searo.who.int/entity/global_leprosy_programme/documents/enhanced_global_strategy_2011_2015_operational_guidelines.pdf }}</ref> | For the [[diagnosis]] of leprosy, at least one of the following [[signs]] should be present:<ref name=WHO>{{cite web | title = Enhanced global strategy for further reducing the disease burden due to leprosy (2011-2015) | url = http://www.searo.who.int/entity/global_leprosy_programme/documents/enhanced_global_strategy_2011_2015_operational_guidelines.pdf }}</ref> | ||
# Confirmed [[loss of sensation]] of a [[Hypopigmentation|hypopigmented]] or [[erythematous]] [[skin patch]]. | # Confirmed [[loss of sensation]] of a [[Hypopigmentation|hypopigmented]] or [[erythematous]] [[skin patch]]. At this point is also important to count the number of [[skin lesions]], in order to classify the type of leprosy, so that adequate [[therapy]] regimen may be started. | ||
# A thickened [[peripheral nerve]], with concomitant [[loss of sensation]] and/or [[weakness]] of the [[muscles]] it stimulates. | # A thickened [[peripheral nerve]], with concomitant [[loss of sensation]] and/or [[weakness]] of the [[muscles]] it stimulates. | ||
# Confirmation of [[acid-fast bacilli]] in the [[skin]] smear, although most people with leprosy will have a negative smear. | # Confirmation of [[acid-fast bacilli]] in the [[skin]] smear, although most people with leprosy will have a negative smear. | ||
Revision as of 19:49, 5 July 2014
|
Leprosy Microchapters |
|
Diagnosis |
|---|
|
Treatment |
|
Case Studies |
|
Leprosy diagnostic criteria On the Web |
|
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Leprosy diagnostic criteria |
|
Risk calculators and risk factors for Leprosy diagnostic criteria |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: João André Alves Silva, M.D. [2]
Overview
Diagnostic Criteria
Attending to the historic and social impact of leprosy in the population, a careful assessment of the clinical status of the patient should be made, before advancing the definitive diagnosis of leprosy. Even when suspected in the differential diagnosis, a reasonable degree of certainty is required, before communicating this to the patient.[1]
For the diagnosis of leprosy, at least one of the following signs should be present:[1]
- Confirmed loss of sensation of a hypopigmented or erythematous skin patch. At this point is also important to count the number of skin lesions, in order to classify the type of leprosy, so that adequate therapy regimen may be started.
- A thickened peripheral nerve, with concomitant loss of sensation and/or weakness of the muscles it stimulates.
- Confirmation of acid-fast bacilli in the skin smear, although most people with leprosy will have a negative smear.