Evaluating the Rate and Timing of Reactions Among Patients With Hansen’s Disease

Abstract

Background Immunologic reactions are a major complication of Hansen’s disease, also known as leprosy. To minimize reactions, clofazimine is added to multidrug therapy for its anti-inflammatory effect. Minocycline is an alternative antileprosy medication that has evidence to suggest it also has anti-inflammatory properties. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate whether there is a difference in the frequency of reactional episodes and time of onset while receiving minocycline for Hansen's disease compared with multidrug therapy. Methods This study used an observational design comparing two independent groups. Results No differences were found between reaction occurrence and time to onset in patients who received either alternative therapy with minocycline or standard multidrug therapy treatment with clofazimine. Logistic regression indicated a significant association between borderline tuberculoid and reactions (χ2[1] = 3.898, p = .048). Patients with borderline tuberculoid were 68% less likely to develop reactions (Type 1 or 2) than other types of Hansen's disease while accounting for treatment, age, and race (OR = 0.320, 95% CI [0.103, 0.992]). Conclusion Although there was no significant difference in reaction rate between treatment groups, these findings indicate the clinical form borderline tuberculoid is a significant negative predictor for reactions. However, sample size limited the ability to determine significance based on reaction type.