Steroid therapy for paralytic deformities in leprosy

Int J Lepr Other Mycobact Dis. 1997 Sep;65(3):337-44.

Abstract

One-hundred-forty-nine patients with 272 nerve paralyses, with visible deformity and gross disability, were prospectively followed up with steroid therapy. Out of 151 ulnar paralyses, 101 recovered (67%). Out of 52 median nerve paralyses, 45 recovered (86%); out of 69 foot drops, 54 recovered (78%) for an overall improvement of 73%. Serious side effects were few. Hence, steroid therapy should be widely encouraged for the treatment of early nerve damage to prevent permanent deformity/disability, and vigilance in spotting complications of steroid therapy is emphasized.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / administration & dosage
  • Glucocorticoids / adverse effects
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Leprosy / complications*
  • Male
  • Median Nerve / physiopathology
  • Paralysis / drug therapy*
  • Paralysis / etiology
  • Paralysis / physiopathology
  • Peroneal Nerve / physiopathology
  • Prednisolone / administration & dosage
  • Prednisolone / adverse effects
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Ulnar Nerve / physiopathology

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Prednisolone