Ultrasonography of Leprosy Neuropathy: A Longitudinal Prospective Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Previous studies have shown that leprosy multi-drug therapy (MDT) does not stop the progression of nerve function impairment. There are no prospective studies investigating the evolution of nerve anatomic abnormalities after treatment. We examined leprosy patients aiming to investigate the evolution of nerve ultrasonography (US) abnormalities and the risk factors for poor outcomes after MDT.

Methodology/principal findings

We performed bilateral US of the ulnar (U), median (M) and common fibular (CF) nerves in 9 paucibacillary (PB) and 64 multibacillary (MB) patients before and after MDT. Forty-two patients had leprosy reactions (type 1, type 2, acute neuritis) during the study. We analyzed nerve maximum cross-sectional areas (CSA), echogenicity and Doppler signal.

SUBMITTER: Lugao HB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5112942 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature