Occurrence and management of leprosy reaction in China in 2005

Leprosy reactions are a major cause of disability before, during and after anti-bacterial treatment. Prompt diagnosis and correct management of reaction is a crucial matter for improving the quality of leprosy health services.

To describe the pattern of leprosy reaction and its management in China during 2005.

A retrospective survey using a questionnaire was carried out in all the provinces of China at the beginning of 2006. Patients included were those presenting with leprosy reaction between 1 January and 31 December 2005.

452 questionnaires from 25 provinces were analysed. There were 313 male and 139 female patients who had 159 Type I reactions, 273 Type II reactions and 20 Type I and II mixed reaction. 72.4% of reactions occurred in the first year of MDT and 27.6% of patients during the second year of MDT. The highest frequency of reaction was during the first 6 months of MDT; 57.3% of patients developed new nerve impairment during and after MDT.

New nerve function impairment and disability still occurs among patients during and after MDT. The early detection and management of leprosy reaction remains important.