Disabilities in leprosy: an open, retrospective analyses of institutional records.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Uncontrolled retrospective cohort study from a single center
PubMed 31952993 · doi:10.1016/j.abd.2019.07.001
What was done
An open retrospective cohort study analyzed institutional records of 200 leprosy patients (both new cases and those released from treatment) recruited between 2009 and 2010 at a tertiary center in western India, with follow-up extending up to 7 years (until December 31, 2017). Deformities were classified using the WHO disability grading scale (1998) at diagnosis and during follow-up.
What was found
A total of 254 deformities were recorded across 200 patients. At diagnosis, 168 deformities (66.14%) were present, while 20 (7.87%) developed during the follow-up period. Overall, 21.25% of patients had Grade 1 disability and 6.31% had Grade 2 or more severe disability. Hand deformities were most frequent (44.48%), followed by feet (39.76%) and face (15.74%).
Why it matters
The study demonstrates that physical disabilities can emerge or worsen even after completing antimicrobial treatment, emphasizing the need for structured long-term post-cure monitoring.
Limits
The study is an uncontrolled retrospective record review from a single center. Patient follow-up relied on self-reporting rather than active scheduled screening, introducing potential underreporting and loss-to-follow-up bias. The abstract also leaves the timing of the remaining deformities (around 26%) unspecified.
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