Steroid therapy in management of reactions in leprosy

Leprosy Mailing List, November 30th, 2008

Ref.: Steroid therapy in management of reactions in leprosy.
From: Kar H. K., New Delhi, India

Dear Dr Noto,

I refer to Dr A. Diefenhardt’s LML message from Wurzburg dated Nov. 21st, 2008.

I fully agree with him regarding the duration of steroid therapy for management of reactions in leprosy. It is individualised depending on the type of reaction, severity, frequency of recurrence, therapy and so many other factors. However, there is urgent need of a multi-centric trial for development guidelines for management of type 1 and type 2 reactions.
The present recommendation by WHO is not sufficient to deal with this crucial aspect of the management of leprosy. Particularly attention is needed for the duration of steroid therapy in severe cases.

With regards,
Dr (Prof.) H K Kar
MD, MNAMS
Consultant & HOD
Department of Dermatology, STD & Leprosy
PGIMER, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital
Baba Kharag Singh Marg
New Delhi-110001
India