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Cardiac dysautonomia in lepromatous leprosy
Indian Journal of Leprosy
|July 1, 1984
Summary
Leprosy patients often experience cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction due to nerve damage caused by the lepra bacilli. This study investigated these autonomic function impairments in lepromatous leprosy patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Leprosy, particularly lepromatous leprosy, can affect the nervous system.
- Autonomic nervous system dysfunction is a potential complication of leprosy.
- Lepra reactions may exacerbate neurological involvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess cardiovascular autonomic functions in patients with lepromatous leprosy.
- To investigate the impact of lepra reactions on autonomic dysfunction.
- To explore the relationship between lepra bacilli and autonomic nerve fiber infiltration.
Main Methods:
- Studied 32 patients with lepromatous leprosy (12 with lepra reaction).
- Included 50 age and sex-matched healthy controls.
- Evaluated cardiovascular autonomic functions.
Main Results:
- Observed variable degrees of autonomic dysfunction in leprosy patients.
- Leprosy patients exhibited significant derangements in cardiovascular autonomic functions compared to controls.
- Lepra reactions were associated with more pronounced autonomic impairments.
Conclusions:
- Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction is prevalent in lepromatous leprosy.
- Lepra bacilli's neurotrophic action, infiltrating sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers, likely causes autonomic dysfunction.
- Early detection and management of autonomic dysfunction are crucial for leprosy patients.