A 19-Year Retrospective Study of Adverse Drug Reactions to Multidrug Therapy in Leprosy Requiring a Change in Regime
1Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Government Medical College, Trivandrum, Kerala, India.
Background And Aims:
Multidrug therapy (MDT) in leprosy has brought the prevalence of leprosy to elimination levels. However, these drugs are not without toxicity. The primary aim of this study was to find the prevalence of adverse drug reactions (ADR) to MDT and the secondary aim to study the clinical features of these drug reactions.
Materials And Methods:
This is a19-year retrospective descriptive study of all new leprosy cases with ADR to MDT, requiring a change in regime.
Results:
There were 901 new leprosy cases in the study period. There were 28 cases of documented ADR to MDT necessitating a change in regime, thus accounting for a prevalence of 3.11%. There were 24 males (85.71%) and 4 females (14.29%) with a male/female ratio 6:1. Mean age was 39.58 years. Borderline tuberculoid was the commonest type of leprosy in which ADR were seen (46.43%). Dapsone was the commonest drug to cause ADR seen in 17 cases (60.71%). Hepatic involvement in the form of drug-induced hepatitis was the commonest presentation of ADR in this study accounting for 13 cases (46.43%), followed by skin rash, 9 cases (32.14%). There were no ADR reported to clofazimine. No ADR was reported to the alternative regimes given.
Conclusions:
The prevalence of ADRs was low in this study, with dapsone being the commonest drug. There were no adverse reactions to clofazimine. No adverse reactions were reported with the alternative regimes of ofloxacin and minocycline.
Insights
Adverse drug reactions (ADR) to multidrug therapy (MDT) for leprosy are uncommon, affecting 3.11% of patients. Dapsone was the most frequent cause of ADR, often presenting as drug-induced hepatitis or skin rash.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Pharmacology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Multidrug therapy (MDT) has been crucial in reducing leprosy prevalence to elimination levels.
- However, the drugs used in MDT can cause adverse drug reactions (ADRs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of ADRs associated with MDT in leprosy patients.
- To describe the clinical characteristics of these drug reactions.
Main Methods:
- A 19-year retrospective descriptive study was conducted.
- Included new leprosy cases experiencing ADRs to MDT requiring a change in treatment regimen.
Main Results:
- A prevalence of 3.11% for ADRs to MDT was observed (28 out of 901 cases).
- Dapsone was the most common culprit drug (60.71%), with drug-induced hepatitis (46.43%) and skin rash (32.14%) being the most frequent ADRs.
- No ADRs were reported for clofazimine or alternative treatment regimens.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of ADRs to MDT in this study was low.
- Dapsone is the most common cause of ADRs, frequently manifesting as hepatic or dermatological issues.
- Clofazimine and alternative regimens like ofloxacin and minocycline appear safe regarding ADRs.
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