Clinical Characteristics Of Patients With Leprosy In Hospital Kuala Lumpur

Author: Tarita Taib ; Roshidah Baba
Publication Type:Review
Keywords: granulomatous disease; Hansen’s disease; Malaysia
From:Malaysian Journal of Dermatology 2013;31(-):30-36
CountryMalaysia
Language:English
Abstract: Background: Nearly half of the new leprosy cases reported in Malaysia were foreigners from neighbouring Asian countries. Objectives: To determine the clinical characteristics of leprosy and its difference, among the Malaysian and the foreign patients Methods: This is a 4-year retrospective analysis of 75 leprosy patients who attended Hospital Kuala Lumpur Hansen’s Clinic. Variables included the disease clinical characteristics, clinical severity and the complications. Results: Foreigners accounted for 51% of total patients with mean age of 35.8 years. Malaysians presented at mean age of 40.8 years. The gender ratio (male: female) was 2.7:1 in the former and 2.3:1 in the latter. The Malaysians tend to present later (average after three years) to the clinic. The clinical presentations in both groups of patients didn’t significantly differ. Conclusion: In Malaysia. Leprosy shouldn’t be labelled as the disease of the immigrants. Social awareness on the disease should be equally highlighted to both locals and foreigners, especially among females.