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Study of leprosy in children
1Department of Dermatology, Gandhi Medical College, Secundrerabad, AP, India. dr_a_g_rao@yahoo.co.in
Insights
Childhood leprosy, a significant public health concern, was studied in 32 children over 4 years. The findings highlight disease patterns and effective control in pediatric leprosy cases.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Leprosy remains a public health challenge, particularly in developing nations.
- Childhood leprosy incidence reflects community transmission and control program effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the characteristics and clinical presentation of childhood leprosy.
- To assess the incidence and common types of leprosy in children.
Main Methods:
- A 4-year retrospective study of 280 leprosy patients at Gandhi Hospital.
- Inclusion of 32 diagnosed childhood leprosy cases for detailed analysis.
- Clinical examination, slit-skin smears, and biopsies for clinico-pathological correlation.
Main Results:
- Childhood leprosy accounted for 11.43% of all cases, with a higher incidence in boys.
- Hypopigmented anesthetic patches were the most common presentation.
- Hansen's BT was the predominant type, affecting extremities; slit-skin smears were positive in 25%.
Conclusions:
- Childhood leprosy is a key indicator of disease transmission and control efficacy.
- Early diagnosis and treatment in children can lead to better outcomes with fewer deformities.
Abstract:
Leprosy, a disease as oId a mankind, has been a public health problem in many developing countries and among children, it reflects disease transmission in the community and efficiency of control programmes study on childhood leprosy was carried out Gandhi Hospital, spread over 4 years. There were 32 children among 280 diagnosed cases of leprosy. The study revealed an incidence of 11.43% among leprosy patients with more number of boy being affected than girls. Most of children presented with hypopigmented anaesthetic patches. Hansen's BT was the most common clinical type of leprosy with extremities being the common site of involvement. Slit-skin smear was positive in 25% of children. We could find significant positive clinico-pathological correlation among 12 children who were subjected to biopsy. Reactional states and deformites were less common in our study.
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