Neuropathic pain in people treated for multibacillary leprosy more than ten years previously

To identify patients with typical symptoms of neuropathic pain in a well-defined cohort of multibacillary patients being followed up as part of a relapse study in Ethiopia; to identify risk factors for the development of neuropathic pain.

96 patients who had completed MDT more than 10 years previously participated in the study, through a questionnaire.

28 (29%) had symptoms of neuropathic pain and it was reported as severe in 12. Because the past history of these subjects is well documented, a risk factor analysis was carried out. The presence of leprosy-related impairment was the only significant risk factor for neuropathic pain that was identified.

Neuropathic pain is an important problem in a proportion of people previously treated for leprosy. Further research into the management of the condition is required.