Objective: To determine the occurrence and characteristics of lepra reactions in leprosy patients.
Methods: The retrospective study was conducted at the Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre, Karachi, and comprised data of patients admitted between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2015, for the management of lepra reactions. Data was noted on a detailed proforma and was analysed using Microsoft Excel and applying chi-square test.
Results: Of the 130 cases, 95(73%) were males and 35(27%) were females. Mean age at onset of the first episode was 39±14 years. Borderline lepromatous was the most common classification 76(58%), with 40(53%) of them having type 1 reaction as the first episode and 36(47%) having a type 2 reaction Risk factors associated with recurrence were skin lesions, fever, lymphadenopathy and type of reaction (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Healthcare providers need to be aware of the clinical manifestations of lepra reactions in order to diagnose them early.
Keywords: Leprosy, Lepra reactions, Type 1 reversal reactions, Erythema nodosum leprosum, ENL, Peripheral neuropathy, Neuritis..