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Rifampicin (RFP) trial in lepromatous leprosy
Leprosy in India
|July 1, 1982
Summary
This study investigated rifampicin (RFP) dosages for lepromatous leprosy. High doses of RFP, particularly 600 mg six times weekly alongside dapsone, effectively reduced bacterial indices (BI) and morphological indices (MI) in lepromatous leprosy patients.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Lepromatous leprosy remains a significant global health challenge.
- Dapsone monotherapy has led to resistance, necessitating alternative treatment strategies.
- Rifampicin is a key component in multidrug therapy for leprosy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of different rifampicin (RFP) dosages and frequencies in lepromatous leprosy patients.
- To determine the optimal rifampicin regimen when combined with dapsone.
- To assess the time required to achieve zero bacterial and morphological indices.
Main Methods:
- A trial involving 66 lepromatous leprosy patients with high bacterial (BI) and morphological indices (MI).
- Patients were divided into 7 groups receiving varying dosages and frequencies of RFP, all concurrently with dapsone.
- Rifampicin was discontinued when MI reached zero, while dapsone continued.
Main Results:
- Two treatment groups demonstrated significant improvement: RFP 900 mg once weekly and RFP 600 mg six times weekly.
- The regimen of RFP 600 mg six times weekly was found to be preferable.
- The average duration to achieve a zero MI was approximately 45 days in the effective groups.
Conclusions:
- Rifampicin, particularly at 600 mg six times weekly combined with dapsone, is highly effective in treating lepromatous leprosy.
- This regimen significantly reduces bacterial and morphological indices, leading to rapid improvement.
- Further research into optimized multidrug regimens for leprosy is warranted.