Leprosy natural history, complications and prognosis
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: João André Alves Silva, M.D. [2]
Natural History
Complications
Worldwide, 1-2 million persons are permanently disabled as a result of leprosy:[1] The number and degree of complications will depend on how early the condition is diagnosed and treatment is started. The later a correct diagnosis is reached, greater the number and the severity of the complications. These may include:
- Cosmetic disfigurement with skin ulceration and scars.
- Permanent nerve damage, with sensory loss and numbness, particularly in around skin lesions.
- Blindness - due to the nerve damage, conditions such as corneal abrasion and corneal ulceration may occur, potentially leading to blindness[2]
- Burns and trauma - attending to the loss of sensation, following the nerve damage caused by this condition, a potential complication is the non voluntary self-inflicted trauma as a result of the absence of pain.
- Infection - following painless injuries, due to the nerve damage, that become infected by bacteria and complicate.
- Thick and dry skin
Prognosis
Early recognition is important. Early treatment limits damage by the disease, renders the person noninfectious, and allows for a normal lifestyle.
References
- ↑ Walker, Stephen L.; Lockwood, Dina N.J. (2007). "Leprosy". Clinics in Dermatology. 25 (2): 165–172. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2006.05.012. ISSN 0738-081X.
- ↑ Daniel E, Ffytche TJ, Kempen JH, Rao PS, Diener-West M, Courtright P (2006). "Incidence of ocular complications in patients with multibacillary leprosy after completion of a 2 year course of multidrug therapy". Br J Ophthalmol. 90 (8): 949–54. doi:10.1136/bjo.2006.094870. PMC 1857220. PMID 16707521.