02041nas a2200277   4500000000100000008004100001260001700042653002000059653002500079653001800104653001100122653001100133653002300144653001200167653000900179653002300188100000900211700001000220245005300230856006500283300001000348490000700358050001300365520137100378022001401749       2012                            d  c2012 Jan-Mar10aBody Mass Index10aCase-Control Studies10acolor doppler10aFemale10aHumans10aLeprostatic Agents10aleprosy10aMale10aNutritional Status1 aRao 1 aJohn 00aNutritional status of leprosy patients in India.  uhttp://www.ijl.org.in/2012/jan-mar/3_RAO_JOHN_(original).pdf  a17-220 v84  aRAO 20123 a<p>Across-sectional epidemiological study was carried out at a Leprosy Referral Hospital in Delhi to assess the nutritional status of multibacillary leprosy patients in comparison to the general population using BMI. 150 people affected with multibacillary leprosy were included in the study, of whom 108 (72%) had WHO Grade 2 disability. 100 non leprosy patients were also included as a control group. Socio-demographic and clinical details as well as their height and weight were measured and the BMI computed. The findings clearly showed that under-nutrition (BMI < 18.5) was more common in people affected by leprosy than in those without leprosy, regardless of age or sex. Presence of disability made the incidence of under-nutrition more likely. The duration of disease, number of lesions or bacterial index had no impact on the level of nutrition. There may be multiple factors working together to lead to this under-nutrition and these are discussed briefly. If, we aim to provide high quality services with a holistic approach, a mandatory BMI should be calculated for every patient and if under nourished, a qualitative diet summary should be done and suitable nutritional advice given. Further, studies are needed for a better understanding of the occurrence and progression of under-nutrition in leprosy to find efficient ways to combat this problem.</p>  a0254-9395