Proposal for "Guidelines for the management of acute neuritis in leprosy” – Part I. Definition, clinical signs and electrophysiology

Leprosy Mailing List – February 14^th, 2012 

Ref.:    Proposal for "Guidelines for the management of acute neuritis in leprosy” – Part I. Definition, clinical signs and electrophysiology

From:  B Naafs, Munnekeburen;  P A M Schreuder, Maastricht, The Netherlands

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Dear Salvatore,

Very much, “thank you” to Dr Antoine Mahé (LML January 18^th, 2012) and to colleagues contributing to the topic about “acute leprosy neuritis”.  It is difficult to answer all Dr Mahé’s questions because one is always subjective!  Herewith are our answers:-

1) What is your definition of 'acute leprosy neuritis’?

<< Definition of acute neuritis:-  Acute neuritis in leprosy is the occurrence within a few days of increase in pain, or tenderness, decrease in voluntary muscle test (VMT) and sensory testing (ST) scores, severely diminished motor nerve conduction or nerve block in peripheral nerves serving the eye lids, face, hands and feet.  Since patients are not seen every day, “acute” goes up to 3 months.  >>

2) Which are the clinical symptoms and signs to be taken into account for justifying the implementation of a specific therapy of acute neuritis (i.e., systemic steroids):

<<. >>

2a Presence of pain: spontaneous? Provoked by palpation?  Or by movement?

<< All of them are important and justify therapy but, especially tenderness at palpation. >>

2b Recent occurrence of neurological dysfunction (sensory, motor, autonomic)?

<< All of them are important but, most decrease in VMT and ST scores, because these are easy to measure. >>

2c Definition of "recent"?  With or without pain?

<< We would consider “recent” when within 3 months. >>

 3) Relevance of electromyography and nerve conduction studies?

<< Nerve conduction studies are relevant but, they are not widely available. >>

4) Strategies for early detection of incipient neuritis during follow-up of known patients?

<< Periodical assessment of the patient by a combination of: - always look, palpate, compare and test.  Look at the face and eyes: do the eyes blink?  Any degree of lagophthalmos?  Any deviation of the mouth?  Look at hands and feet:- any dryness, atrophy or wounds?  Palpate* the peripheral nerves of predilection of leprosy.  Comparealways the two sides.  Test by performing the voluntary muscle test and sensory test on eyes, hands and feet.

We hope these answers help. 

Best regards,

Ben Naafs and Pieter Schreuder

* Description of the palpation of the peripheral nerves of predilection of leprosy is available on line at: - The Diagnosis of Leprosy – text and slides <<http://atlasofleprosy.hsanmartino.it/ >>