02639nas a2200205   4500000000100000008004100001260001900042653003000061653002900091653001200120100001200132700001300144700001400157245012300171856026000294300000900554490000700563520184900570022001402419       2025                            d  c12/2025bLepra10aNerve function impairment10aNerve conduction studies10aleprosy1 aSingh T1 aChopra A1 aAgrawal R00aAnalysing the progression of neuropathy in leprosy using nerve conduction studies: a prospective cohort of 72 patients  uhttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/398185194_Analysing_the_progression_of_neuropathy_in_leprosy_using_nerve_conduction_studies_a_prospective_cohort_of_72_patients/fulltext/6976ae31ac604d40d0e57096/Analysing-the-progression-of-neuropathy-in-leprosy-u  a1-130 v963 a<p><strong>Introduction</strong></p>

<p>Leprosy is caused by infection with Mycobacterium leprae. Neuropathy is often clinically silent, making early diagnosis exceptionally challenging. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) provide a more objective assessment of nerve function impairment (NFI).</p>

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

<p>To emphasize the utility of NCS in determining NFI in leprosy patients and to highlight its role in preventing disability.</p>

<p><strong>Materials and methods</strong></p>

<p>Seventy-two untreated leprosy patients underwent NCS. Nerve parameters were measured at diagnosis and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of treatment. Mean values were analysed.</p>

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

<p>69% of the patients and 29% of all the nerves examined showed NFI at the time of diagnosis. Sensory involvement (44%) predominated over motor involvement (15%), and the dierence was statistically signicant (P&lt;0.001) at all intervals. The sural nerve (49%) and ulnar nerve (24%) were most frequently affected. In follow-up studies, improvement was observed more in motor nerves than in sensory nerves, but this was not statistically signicant (p=0.431 and p=0.945, respectively) at the end of one year. The sural nerve showed worsening (p=0.479). When comparing mean values of nerve parameters at 12 months, both improvement and worsening were observed.</p>

<p><strong>Limitations</strong></p>

<p>Predominantly male population and a narrow age range.</p>

<p><strong>Conclusions</strong></p>

<p>Our study is unique in utilizing NCS to assess the progression of neuropathy in leprosy patients undergoing MDT. NCS should be used for early diagnosis of neuropathy in leprosy patients and for the diagnosis of silent neuropathy, thus preventing disability and deformities</p>
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