Histological and immunological correlates of suspected leprosy lesions.

Thirty-two subjects with suspected leprosy lesions were investigated to assess various modalities of sensibility and sweat function and these were correlated with immunological and histological parameters. It was found that pain and temperature, mediated by small unmyelinated fibres were impaired in the early lesions. Impairment of sweat function was seen only when one of the modalities of sensibility was also affected.

A method for texture discrimination in the sole of the foot. A preliminary communication.

A new method for testing sensibility in the sole of the foot is described. In this method the ability to distinguish different surfaces while walking is assessed. This dynamic, functional and more objective test is recommended as an additional tool to evaluate sensibility in the sole of the foot.

Eye in multi drug therapy.

Eyes of 237 multibacillary leprosy patients on Multi Drug Therapy were studied for a minimum period of 2 years and maximum period of 4 years. Ocular status remained unaltered in 75%, improved in 16% and there was worsening in 9% during the study period. The changes in those worsened were of microscopic nature and seen mostly among those with long duration of disease and among reactors.

Sub clinical infection and the relative risk of developing leprosy: a statistical approach.

Subclinical infection in contacts of leprosy patients was identified by FLA-ABS test and Serum Antibody Competition Test (SACT). The risk of developing leprosy and the confidence intervals were worked out. The importance of expressing the risk ratio and confidence interval of the tests is brought out.

Dermatoglyphics in leprosy: (III) Creases of palm.

Palmar configurations of triradii and creases of 100 leprosy patients [50 lepromatous (BL/LL) and 50 tuberculoid (BT/LL)] were compared with those of 100 normal persons selected from families of these patients. The patterns of position of triradii were similar in controls and leprosy patients as such. But, the patterns in the two types of leprosy patients were different.

Investigations into the haemolytic effects of dapsone therapy in leprosy patients.

Investigations into the haemolytic effects of dapsone therapy were carried out in forty four leprosy patients admitted to the Sacred Heart Leprosy Centre, Kumbakonam. They received weight based dapsone dosages varying from 1.3-3.

A follow up study of borderline tuberculoid leprosy under sulphone monotherapy.

A retrospective study is presented herewith of 94 cases classified as BT and treated with sulphone monotherapy. A system of scoring based on the number and extent of lesions, and nerve involvement was followed. It was observed that cases with a clinical score of 2 or having more than 15 lesions or patients with extensive lesions covering 3 or more of 7 sectors of the body had a bad prognosis in respect of time taken for subsidence, occurrence of deformities and most importantly occurrence of relapses.

Acute renal failure following rifampicin.

3 cases of renal toxicity to Rifampicin are reported. All cases recovered following therapy, two required haemodialysis. It is important that cases on Rifampicin be monitored for renal toxicity and appropriate measures taken in time to prevent a fatal outcome, if detected.