Clinical observations in leprosy cases treated at Diamer district of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE To document clinical status and disabilities among live treated leprosy patients. METHODS The observational, descriptive study was carried out at the Leprosy Field Clinic, Diamer, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, over a period of six months from April 1, 2009 to September 30, 2009. All leprosy patients of either gender and all ages presenting at the centre were included. Diagnosis was made through detailed history, physical examination and leprosy-specific investigations including skin, nasal and ulcer smears for Bacterial Index of M. leprae. The sociodemographic profile of the patients, type of leprosy, previous treatment received, persisting disabilities were all recorded on a proforma. SPSS 10 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Of the total 186 cases in the study, 141 (75.80%) were males and 45 (24.20%) were females. The age range was 14-91 years with a mean of 53 +/- 13.20 years. Borderline Tuberculoid leprosy was the most frequently found subtype of leprosy (n = 81; 43.54%), while Midborderline leprosy was the least common variety (n = 17; 9.13%). The cases had received multi drug therapy for a least 12-18 months previously. CONCLUSION Leprosy was prevalent in the study area. A significant number of treated leprosy patients continue to have disabling sequelae of the disease.