Leprosy Mailing List – December 6, 2021
Ref.: (LML) Detection of nerve damage in leprosy and timely treatment
From: Henk Eggens, Santa Comba Dão, Portugal
Dear Pieter,
I follow the discussion initiated by Ben Naafs (LML, November 29, 2021) with interest.
The Semmes-Weinstein set is obviously far more sensitive to detect potential nerve damage in leprosy patients than methods used in the majority of endemic areas, cq ballpoints or needles, both much less sensitive as test instruments.
I have seen the Semmes-Weinstein set successfully used in Brazil in the field. I have seen its absence in many other places.
My question is about the feasibility to disseminate and use Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments in endemic countries. The budgets in the Ministries of Health will most likely not allow for the acquisition of these instruments for points-of-care.
For example a quick internet search revealed the price for such sets:
€ 8 on eBay
€50 on Amazon
Perhaps Sorri in Brazil sells the set more cheaply.
It seems to me that the Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments are excellent tools for those leprosy care institutions that can afford it, but that they are not an appropriate technology for most endemic areas because of its prohibitive cost.
What are suitable effective and affordable alternatives to detect early nerve damage in the field?
Best,
Henk Eggens
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Henk Eggens
LML - S Deepak, B Naafs, S Noto and P Schreuder
LML blog link: http://leprosymailinglist.blogspot.it/
Contact: Dr Pieter Schreuder << editorlml@gmail.com
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