Evaluation of multi-drug therapy for leprosy in the United States using daily rifampin.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate the occurrence of relapse of multibacillary leprosy after multi-drug treatment including daily rifampin.

METHODS:

A retrospective review was performed utilizing data from the National Hansen's Disease Program (NHDP) on patients with leprosy treated and followed from 1988-1997 who received multi-drug therapy including daily rifampin. The occurrence of relapse in this cohort was measured, and demographic data and various clinical variables were also gathered.

RESULTS:

Ultimately, 158 cases fulfilled the eligibility criteria. 77% of cases were multibacillary patients and were treated with 2 or 3 drug protocols at rates of 36% and 35% before and after 1992, respectively. Only one case of relapse was found, and this patient underwent 2-drug therapy versus 3-drug therapy.

CONCLUSION:

These data are remarkable for the absence of relapse with daily rifampin, as contrasted with the published experience using the WHO protocol with monthly rifampin.

• Authors: Mara M Dacso, Robert R Jacobson, David M Scollard, Barbara M Stryjewska, John F Prestigiacomo
• Journal: Southern medical journal (South Med J) Vol. 104 Issue 10 Pg. 689-94 (Oct 2011) ISSN: 1541-8243 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21941157 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Leprostatic Agents
• Dapsone
• Clofazimine
• Rifampin

Topics

• Administration, Cutaneous
• Administration, Oral
• Adult
• Aged
• Biopsy
• Clofazimine (administration & dosage)
• Dapsone (administration & dosage)
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Health Surveys
• Humans
• Leprostatic Agents (administration & dosage)
• Leprosy (drug therapy, epidemiology, pathology, prevention & control)
• Male
• Medical Records
• Middle Aged
• Retrospective Studies
• Rifampin (administration & dosage)
• Secondary Prevention
• Treatment Outcome
• United States (epidemiology)