GRADE 2 DEFORMITY AND NEW LEPROSY CASES, AN ISSUE OF CONCERN-A RETROSPECTIVE, DESCRIPTIVE STUDY IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

BACKGROUND Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease with neural, skin and upper airway mucosal involvement caused by Mycobacterium leprae. The magnitude of deformity in new leprosy patients measures indirectly the disease transmission in the community and rapidity of case detection. Occurrences of grade 2 deformity in new leprosy cases have been included as one of the indicators for a good control of the disease. The aim of this study is to find out the incidence of grade 2 deformities among new leprosy cases in a tertiary care hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective, descriptive, record-based study of 223 new leprosy cases registered in our department from April 2012 to March 2017 (5 years) with 14 cases of grade 2 deformities was conducted. Data were compiled and analysed. RESULTS Out of 223 cases, 14 patients had grade 2 deformities. Out of 14 patients, male patients outnumbered female patients. Multibacillary cases with grade 2 deformities outnumbered paucibacillary cases with grade 2 deformities. Upper limb (Claw hand) deformities outnumbered Lower limb (Foot drop) and lagophthalmos cases. There is an increasing trend in the incidence of grade 2 deformities in 5 years. CONCLUSION Early diagnosis and treatment will prevent deformities. All healthcare professionals must be trained to identify leprosy. Field work of case detection must be strengthened. People awareness, Information, Education and Communication Activities about leprosy must be strengthened.