02338nas a2200193   4500000000100000008004100001260001000042653002000052653001200072100001500084700002100099700001900120245018300139856005200322300000900374490000700383520174000390022001402130       2025                            d  bLepra10aleprosy relapse10aleprosy1 aNazal MEBH1 aSayo-Aguiling KJ1 aAbad-Venida ML00aDemographic profile, clinical features and treatment of patients diagnosed with leprosy relapse from a tertiary government hospital in Metro Manila: A 10-year retrospective study  uhttps://leprosyreview.org/article/96/4/20-25071  a1-120 v963 a<p><strong>Introduction</strong></p>

<p>Leprosy, a chronic disease caused by&nbsp;Mycobacterium leprae, remains a public health concern in endemic areas, including Metro Manila, Philippines. Despite the effectiveness of multidrug therapy (MDT) in reducing global incidence, relapse continues to pose a challenge.</p>

<p><strong>Objectives</strong></p>

<p>This study profiles leprosy relapse cases diagnosed from January 2014 to December 2023 at the Hansen’s Disease clinic at a tertiary public hospital in Metro Manila, focusing on clinical and demographic data, treatment history, and bacterial index (BI) variations.</p>

<p><strong>Results</strong></p>

<p>Results detailed 36 patients with relapse, with a mean age of 43 years and a male predominance (83%). Most cases were classified as multibacillary (92%), aligning with global trends of relapse in patients with high pre-MDT BI. The average interval from initial treatment to relapse was 17 years, with most cases occurring between 10 and 20 years post-treatment. Relapse was notably prevalent among patients with irregular MDT adherence and high initial BI scores. Factors such as high initial BI, prolonged treatment periods, and dapsone monotherapy before 1988 were identified as potential relapse contributors.</p>

<p><strong>Conclusion</strong></p>

<p>This study highlights the necessity of robust follow-up and patient education on relapse recognition, particularly in endemic regions. Adherence to the MDT regimen is crucial in minimising relapse risk. Further investigation into relapse mechanisms is essential to optimise strategies for early detection, improved patient care, and ultimately advancing toward leprosy control and elimination.</p>
  a2162-8807