Neuropathic Pain in Leprosy Patients in Mumbai
Author Information
Author(s): Lasry-Levy Estrella, Hietaharju Aki, Pai Vivek, Ganapati Ramaswamy, Rice Andrew S. C., Haanpää Maija, Lockwood Diana N. J.
Primary Institution: London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence and clinical characteristics of neuropathic pain in patients with treated leprosy?
Conclusion
The study found that 21.8% of treated leprosy patients experienced neuropathic pain, which was associated with nerve enlargement and psychological morbidity.
Supporting Evidence
- 22 out of 101 patients had neuropathic pain, which is 21.8%.
- Neuropathic pain was associated with nerve enlargement and tenderness.
- 41% of patients with neuropathic pain also had psychological morbidity.
Takeaway
In a study of leprosy patients, many felt pain in their nerves even after treatment, and this pain can make them feel sad or anxious.
Methodology
Patients who completed multi-drug therapy for leprosy were assessed for neuropathic pain using clinical examinations and questionnaires.
Potential Biases
The sample may be biased towards patients with multibacillary leprosy, who are at higher risk for nerve damage.
Limitations
The study did not systematically exclude other potential pathologies and relied on questionnaire scores for psychological morbidity.
Participant Demographics
73 male (72.3%); 28 female (27.7%); age range 17 to 89 years (mean 39.3).
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.09–12.77
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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