Haematological adverse reactions to MDT in children with leprosy: A retrospective study

Leprosy is a chronic infection which causes significant morbidity. It is also associated with social and psychological burden and is engulfed with myths. With the advent of Multi Drug Therapy outlook of the disease has significantly changed. Combination of these drugs is known to cause common and rare side effects.

A retrospective study was carried out to find out prevalence of Multi Drug Therapy (MDT) related adverse effects among children for last 5 years duration (2010- 2014). Data were collected from clinical records and Ieprosy register using a comprehensive data sheet. Dapsone induced haemolysis, liver function alteration, dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome, methemoglobinemia and agranulocytosis were considered as MDT related adverse effects.

172 patients were registered during the period of study. Only 55 were eligible for study due to incomplete data. 29 were males and 26 were females. Males (89.6%) showed higher rate of adverse effects compared to females (84. 6%). Reported adverse effects were: Haemolysis (81.18%), liver function alteration (14.54%), both haemolysis and liver function derangement (9%), dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome (3.6%). Adverse effects related to MB and PB had no significant difference (83% and 81.6%). Majority of adverse effects were reported within 1st two months (75%).

MDT related adverse effects are higher among children. Haemolysis remains the leading cause.