Disability-deformity
LATE OR DELAYED DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF LEPROSY: DISABILlTY AND DEFORMITY
● If leprosy is detected and diagnosed early multidrug therapy (MDI see Maltidrug Therapy (MDT)-MDT (PB)-CHILD doses (age 10-14 years)) will cure the disease and prevent disability and deformity.
● If diagnosed late, and either not treated, or inadequately treated, various nerves will be damaged, leading to loss of sensation and muscle power.
● The following pictures illustrate the end-results of late diagnosis and treatment. They are included in this New Atlas in order to emphasise the crucial role of early detection and MDT in preventing disability and deformity.
● Deformities are the end result of untreated, or poorly treated leprosy. Unfortunately, because of the long-standing damage to nerve fibres, they do not respond to multidrug therapy (MDT). However, proper recognition of these conditions is essential and should lead to intensified case-detedion activities in both family contacts and people in the locality.
