Recurrence of leprosy in reference centers in Teresina, State of Piauí, Brazil, 2001-2008Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical and epidemiological characteristics of leprosy recurrence diagnosed at referemce centers in the city of Teresina, Piaui, Brazil.
METHODS: Case series study conducted at the Getulio Vargas Hospital Dermatology Clinic and at the Maria Imaculada Center, from January 2001 to December 2008, using Notifiable Diseases Information System data checked against patients' records.
RESULTS: 76 cases of leprosy recurrence cases were confirmed with average patient age of 44.2 years. The average time between discharge and recurrence was 7.9 years. The signs and symptoms of recurrence in both clinics were skin patches, infiltration, nodules and plaques. Multidrug therapy was used.
CONCLUSIONS: Recurring cases diagnosed at the clinics in Teresina have clinical characteristics and an epidemiological profile similar to those of Brazil as a whole.
Leprosy; Recurrence; Signs and Symptoms; Descriptive Epidemiology
