Leprosy Rev
-
Dapsone Hypersensitivity Syndrome (DHS) occurs in approximately 2% of leprosy patients in Nepal. DHS and other adverse effects of dapsone lead to withdrawal of the drug. ⋯ Rifampicin and clofazimine appear to be satisfactory treatment for both paucibacillary and multibacillary patients who have to have dapsone stopped because of severe adverse effects.
-
A 21 year old boy with borderline lepromatous leprosy and normal glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase activity developed haemolytic anaemia, hepatitis and agranulocytosis following 19 weeks of multi-bacillary multi-drug therapy. With early administration of antibiotics and G-CSF our patient recovered without residual complications. All patients taking dapsone should be warned to discontinue the drug immediately in the event of fever, chills and sore throat occurring within the treatment period until further investigations are performed.