Updates on Management of Leprosy in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic: Recommendations by IADVL SIG Leprosy.

Abstract

The Special Interest Group (SIG) on leprosy thought it to be prudent to revisit its previous practice recommendations through this update. During this period, the pandemic course shifted to a 'second wave' riding on the 'delta variant'. While the number of cases increased manifold, so did the research on all aspects of the disease. Introduction of vaccination and data from various drug trials have an impact on current best practices on management of diseases including leprosy. The beneficial results of using steroids in management of COVID-19, gives elbow room regarding its usage in conditions like lepra reactions. On the other hand, the increase in cases of Mucormycosis again underlines applying due caution while recommending immunosuppressants to a patient already suffering from COVID-19. This recommendation update from SIG leprosy reflects current understanding about managing leprosy while the dynamic pandemic continues with its ebbs and flows.

• Authors: Abhishek Bhardwaj, Sunil Kumar Gupta, Tarun Narang, Sujai Suneetha, Swetalina Pradhan, Pooja Agarwal, Swastika Suvirya, Ankan Gupta, Namrata Chhabra, Angoori Gnaneshwar Rao, P K Ashwini, Sridhar Jandhyala, Santoshdev Rathod, P Narasimha Rao, Sunil Dogra
• Journal: Indian dermatology online journal (Indian Dermatol Online J) Vol. 12 Issue Suppl 1 Pg. S24-S30 (Nov 2021) ISSN: 2229-5178 [Print] India
• PMID: 34976878 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright: © 2021 Indian Dermatology Online Journal.