Value of pilocarpine test in early diagnosis of leprosy

Modified Pilocarpine Test was carried out in 48 patients under investigation for Leprosy. 37 cases showed deficient sweating of varying degree. Many of these patients did not reveal confirmatory histopathological changes and were bacteriologically negative. In the absence of other causes of neuropathy this finding of deficient sweating by modified pilocarpine test, was significant. Same test was carried out in 8 confirmed cases of Tuberculoid leprosy. All cases showed positive results.