| Disease |
LEPROSY |
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| Quotation |
“The history of medicine is not the testament of idealistic seekers after health and life. The history of medicine is largely the substitution of ignorance by fallacies” |
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| Definition |
Chronic granulomatous infections disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, and primarily affecting the skin and nerves and principally acquired during childhood or young adulthood. |
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| Prognosis |
Good with early recognition and prompt treatment. The problem in developed case after therapy for a few years is the sequale of neurologic deficits like contractures and trophic changes in the hands and feet. Uncommonly, in long standing leprosy, secondary amyloidosis with renal failure can be a complication |
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| General Measures |
Reconstructive surgery for contractures, tendon damage etc. Physical therapy to prevent contractures developingRight-sole foot wear, and walking – casts to prevent plantar ulcers. Vocational training, rehabilitation, psychological support among other measures. |
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| Advice to Patient |
On the slow course nature of the illness, but how it can still be cured. On the disease’ slow infectivity in general, and non-infectivity to sporadic contacts. Need for prolonged supervised therapy. Help find contacts. |
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| Follow Up |
Monthly follow-up for assessment. Periodic monitoring of hepatic and renal function. |
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| Inadequate Response |
Patient failing to take drugs properly. Dapsone resistance. ? Relapse |
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| Prevention |
Prevention of close contact with infectious cases, especially children. Regular examination of close contacts of patients, every 6 months. BCG vaccination has been tried, but the results have been conflicting |
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| Reference From |
www.webspawner.com/users/LEPTREAT |
