A Cross Sectional Study of Deformities in Patients of Leprosy at a Tertiary Care Center of Western India

Disabilities and deformities are major concerns as these trigger social, economic and psychosocial problems of leprosy patients. This study has been carried out to study the frequency and severity of the leprosy related deformities and disabilities in diagnosed cases of leprosy and to ascertain the correlation between selected socio-demographic factors, lepra reactions and the pattern of deformities. This cross sectional study was conducted at Outpatient Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Leprosy at Smt N.H.L. Municipal Medical College, Ahmedabad, a Tertiary Care Center of Western India for a period of years between February 2010 to February 2015. The confirmed cases with deformities and disabilities included in the study were analyzed according to WHO grading of deformity and disability. In our study out of 239 patients of leprosy 127 (53.14%) patients developed deformities of any type which included 79 (62.20%) males and 48(37.79%) females. The maximum deformities 41(32.28%) were found in the age group 20-29 years. Hands were most commonly affected in 70 (55.11%) patients. According to WHO grading system of leprosy deformities, in our study 49(20.50%) patients were in grade 1 deformity, 78(32.64%) patients were in grade 2 deformity. Deformities were more common with multibacillary leprosy than paucibacillary leprosy (p<0.05). Significant association was found (p<0.05) between leprosy reactions and deformities of any type. While this high proportion of deformities in a Tertiary Care Centre do not represent community, this situation indicates the need to raise awareness about Prevention of Deformities, ensure early diagnosis (<12 months) and treatment to avert visible deformities and hence social stigma in leprosy patients.