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. 2011:2011:647418.
doi: 10.1155/2011/647418. Epub 2011 Apr 26.

Multicenter study of buruli ulcer disabilities in the head and neck region

Pius Agbenorku  1
Affiliations

Multicenter study of buruli ulcer disabilities in the head and neck region

Pius Agbenorku. Plast Surg Int. 2011.

Abstract

Objective. To identify disabilities caused by Buruli Ulcer Disease (BUD) when it affects the Head and Neck Region (HNR) of patients in endemic areas and suggest possible ways to overcome the complications involved. Methods. Data for the study was collected from six different hospitals in the central part of Ghana from 2004-2009. Diagnosis of BUD was based on clinical findings and confirmed by positive result of Ziehl-Neelson Test for Acid Fast Bacilli, Polymerase Chain Reaction, or Histopathology. Treatment of BUD involved a combination of surgical interventions and antimycobacterial chemotherapy for 8 weeks. Results. The age of the 38 patients ranged from 0-56 years (mean age of 14.3 years), with males outnumbering females. Most (55.3%, N = 21) of the patients reported to the facilities with developed BUD deformities. Patients who lost their eyeball (N = 5) recorded the highest in terms of functional disability. A mean total hospital stay of 52 days and follow-up period of 2.3 years were recorded for the study. Conclusion. Visual impairment was the commonest form of disability recorded in the HNR. Management difficulties and BUD disabilities could be avoided by early detection of the disease and training of health professionals at district levels.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Age distribution of patients with BU in the HNR.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Patient with BUD on the eye region.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Patient with destroyed Eyeball due to BUD.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Patient with BUD affecting the Eyelid.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Patient with BUD located on the cheek.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Facial Scar developed after Initial Surgery of a BU Patient.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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