[Necrotic course of erythema nodosum leprosum]

During 2 years, 25 lepromatous patients were hospitalised in the Hansen complications room of Institut Marchoux. Between these patients, 9 developed a Necrotic Erythema Nodosum Leprosum. A review of the observed clinic effects is established and 3 types of signs are isolated and discussed: necrotic extension after big nodes on chest and arms, a punch crater complicating small nodes, and a sclerous xylodermia on arms and legs. The course of this complication is estimated about six months average, with pauses and relapses with general and subjectives symptoms. The final course shows side effects: anemia, denutrition, functional disabilities of joint movements and cutaneous straps. In the group of 9 patients, 3 died. We did not find relations between the necrotic phenomenon and therapy or occurred diseases. The best drug to stop the necrotic processus is thalidomide 400 mg daily and decrease 100 mg when the signs fall near normality. One or two mg/kg each day coricosteroides were tested: the effect is unconstant, the duration of action is shorter. Side effects occur rapidly and patient will become corticosteroïd dependent. The importance of bath with disinfectants is high. We did not observed surinfection.