Steroid therapy for paralytic deformities in leprosy

One-hundred-forty-nine patients with 272 nerve paralyses, with visible deformity and gross disability, were prospectively followed up with steroid therapy. Out of 151 ulnar paralyses, 101 recovered (67%). Out of 52 median nerve paralyses, 45 recovered (86%); out of 69 foot drops, 54 recovered (78%) for an overall improvement of 73%. Serious side effects were few. Hence, steroid therapy should be widely encouraged for the treatment of early nerve damage to prevent permanent deformity/disability, and vigilance in spotting complications of steroid therapy is emphasized.