02193nas a2200169   4500000000100000008004100001100001400042700001300056700001700069700001500086700002000101245013800121856007900259300001200338490000700350520166600357       2021                            d1 aPradhan S1 aPodder I1 aChowdhury SN1 aBanerjee G1 aBandyopadhyay D00aClinico-Epidemiological Spectrum of Childhood Leprosy in Post-Elimination Era: A Multi-Centre, Cross-Sectional Study from West Bengal  uhttp://www.ijl.org.in/2021-apr-jun/7-S%20Pradhan%20et%20al%20(193-202).pdf  a193-2020 v933 aChildhood leprosy is a major concern in the post-elimination era as it reflects active disease transmission.
This study aims to analyse the clinico-demographic profile of childhood leprosycases attending two tertiary
care centres of West Bengal over a period of 18 months from April 2018 to June 2019. 32 children (<16 years)
with histologically confirmed Hansen's disease were subjected to detailed history including contact screening
and clinical examination. These comprised of 10.6% (32/303) of all new leprosy cases which were treated at
these centres. Findings indicated that thirty-two children with leprosy (mean age 12.53± 3.01 years; M:F 25:7)
constituted 10.6% of all new leprosy cases. Borderline tuberculoid (53.1%) was most the frequently seen type,
while household contacts were identified in 25% cases, all multibacillary. Patch over hands was the commonest
presentation. The ulnar nerve was involved most frequently (47.2%), followed by the common peroneal nerve
(18.9%). Lepra reaction (type1>type 2) and disabilities (grade 2> grade 1) were noted in 18.8% children each.
Lepra reaction showed a significant association with multibacillary leprosy, while disabilities significantly
correlated with the number of skin lesions. Slit skin smear was positive in 21.8% of patients. Clinicord pathological correlation was observed in 2/3 cases, mostly BT type. The high incidence of childhood leprosy
in our set-up suggests active diseases transmission even in the post-elimination era. Thus, active intervention
is required to control its transmission and prevent complications in childhood leprosy cases in this part of the
country.