This systematic review addresses an underpublicized and yet highly significant leprosy topic. Erythema Nodosum Leprosum (ENL) is a serious complication in multi-bacillary (MB) leprosy that may lead to severe disability. Inflammatory skin nodules may result in nerve and organ damage and require high doses of immunosuppressive drugs. ENL can occur long after patients are released from antibiotic treatment. Frequency and severity of ENL is unknown; this review confirms the lack of accurate data at global, regional, and national levels. Available data indicates that ENL incidence ranges between 0.7–4.6% of all MB cases and late reoccurrence up to 8 years after release from treatment. ENL episodes often reoccur, with an average of 2.6 times. The main risk factor for ENL is a high bacteriological index. Additionally, data indicate a wide variation of ENL occurrence between and within countries. The conclusions demonstrate the need for increased awareness about ENL, in research, patient surveillance, and in programme management.
BT - PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases C1 -http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24098819
CN - VOOREND 2013 DO - 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002440 IS - 10 J2 - PLoS Negl Trop Dis LA - eng N2 -This systematic review addresses an underpublicized and yet highly significant leprosy topic. Erythema Nodosum Leprosum (ENL) is a serious complication in multi-bacillary (MB) leprosy that may lead to severe disability. Inflammatory skin nodules may result in nerve and organ damage and require high doses of immunosuppressive drugs. ENL can occur long after patients are released from antibiotic treatment. Frequency and severity of ENL is unknown; this review confirms the lack of accurate data at global, regional, and national levels. Available data indicates that ENL incidence ranges between 0.7–4.6% of all MB cases and late reoccurrence up to 8 years after release from treatment. ENL episodes often reoccur, with an average of 2.6 times. The main risk factor for ENL is a high bacteriological index. Additionally, data indicate a wide variation of ENL occurrence between and within countries. The conclusions demonstrate the need for increased awareness about ENL, in research, patient surveillance, and in programme management.
PY - 2013 EP - e2440. T2 - PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases TI - A systematic review on the epidemiological data of erythema nodosum leprosum, a type 2 leprosy reaction UR - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3789767/pdf/pntd.0002440.pdf VL - 7 ER -