Dermlep Study Part 3: Post-RFT Events in Leprosy Patients Presenting to Dermatologists.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Leprosy programs lack defined surveillance protocols for patients after fixed-duration multidrug therapy (RFT).
• Limited data exists on post-RFT patient health care needs and outcomes.
• The DermLep survey identified a significant number of patients seeking dermatological care post-RFT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the health events and dermatological complaints of leprosy patients in the post-RFT period.
• To highlight the need for structured follow-up and management of these patients.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from the DermLep survey, involving 708 leprosy patients in the post-RFT period.
• Data collected from 201 dermatologists across India.
• Categorization of patients based on treatment history, age, time since RFT, and presenting complaints.

Main Results:

• 26.2% of 3701 leprosy patients surveyed were in the post-RFT period.
• Most common complaints included persistent skin lesions (21.2%), neuritis (14.5%), trophic ulcers (13.8%), and lepra reactions (11.6%).
• A significant proportion of patients presented with symptoms years after completing treatment, with 45.5% presenting within the first year.

Conclusions:

• Post-RFT leprosy patients represent a significant group requiring ongoing dermatological care.
• Persistent disease-related issues necessitate program services for monitoring and managing complications.
• Effective management of post-RFT complications is vital for preventing impairments, disability, and social issues.