[New drugs in the treatment of leprosy]

Two groups of patients were chosen for this treatment; the first group of 14 patients was treated with a daily dose of 600 mg. of Rifampicine and the second group with Rifampicine associated with Isoprodian (1-2 tablets). In the first group clinical and bacteriological improvement was apparent. This was parallel in bacteriological and morphological index. Two patients became negative in nasal mucous. Tolerance was good and number of leprosy reactions 65%. In the second group clinical improvement was good in general but one case that presented a continuous polyneuritis and hepatic intolerance. Bacteriological results were lightly lower than the first group and the number of leprosy reactions 85%. This treatment is considered inferior to the sulfons, which is very expensive. A longer period of time will be needed to appriase results.