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Review
. 2024 Oct 1;37(5):487-492.
doi: 10.1097/WCO.0000000000001304. Epub 2024 Jul 25.

Leprous neuropathy

Wilson Marques  1
Affiliations
Review

Leprous neuropathy

Wilson Marques. Curr Opin Neurol. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: Leprosy is still an important cause of neuropathy. Late diagnosis is associated with development of severe nerve impairment.

Recent findings: early diagnosis and early treatment is essential in order to avoid disability and disease transmission. Recognizing that leprosy is a neurological disease is a fundamental step to the Leprosy zero action proposed by the World Health Organization.

Summary: leprosy neuropathy manifests as a mononeuropathy or a multiple mononeuropathy with a temperature-dependent distribution. Electromyography, high-resolution sonography serology and PCR help make the diagnosis. Multidrug therapy should be instituted.

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References

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    1. Lau KHV. Neurological complications of leprosy. Semin Neurol 2019; 39:462–471.
    1. World Health Organization. Global leprosy update, 2022: new paradigm – control to elimination. Wkly Epidemiol Rec 2023; 98:409–430.
    1. World Health Organization. Towards zero leprosy. Global leprosy (Hansen's disease) strategy 2021–2030. New Delhi: WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia; 2021.
    1. Dos Santos DF, Borges IS, Garcia LP, et al. Description of electroneuromiographic and laboratorial findings in leprosy neuropathy, according to its clinical forms: the confirmation of a spectral disease. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 10:1304131.

MeSH terms