Comparison of the efficacy and safety of Sungai Buloh Augmented Multiple Drug Therapy (SBA-MDT) and the World Health Organisation Multiple Drug Therapy (WHO-MDT) in the Treatment of Leprosy in Malaysia
- Author:
Felix Boon Bin Yap
;
Chang Choong Chor
;
Asmah Johar
;
Roshidah Baba
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Hansen’s disease, Outcome study, relapse rate, multibacilliary leprosy, paucibacilliary leprosy
- From:Malaysian Journal of Dermatology
2012;28(-):9-17
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background Multiple drug therapy for leprosy has been in use in Malaysia since 1985. The SBAMDT
is a modified WHO-MDT with an initial intensive phase and a longer duration of treatment.
Objective The aim of the study is to compare the efficacy and safety of SBA-MDT against WHOMDT
in the Treatment of Leprosy in Malaysia.
Methodology A retrospective study was conducted between 1985 and 2009 in thirteen Malaysian
dermatology centres. Data collected were analysed for comparison of relapse rates, compliance rates
and adverse drug effects between the 2 regimes.
Results A total of 1113 patients were included, of which 966 patients completed the SBA-MDT and
147 patients completed the WHO-MDT. Both the MDT regimes had a treatment failure rate of less
than 2%. The relapse rate was 1.7% with SBA-MDT and 1.4% with WHO-MDT (p = 0.79). For
multibacillary leprosy, the relapse rates were 0.9% with the former and 0 with the latter (p = 0.32).
For paucibacillary leprosy, it was 3.1% and 5.0% respectively (p = 0.52). Patients on SBA-MDT had
higher type 1 (16.1% vs. 8.8%, p = 0.03) and type 2 lepra reactions (19.2% vs. 6.1%, p < 0.001).
Similarly, those on SBA-MDT also had higher rate of severe adverse drug reactions (11.1% vs.
5.6%, p = 0.01).
Conclusion Both the SBA-MDT and the WHO-MDT regimes were effective in inducing clinical
remission. Incidence of lepra reactions and severe adverse drug reactions were higher in patients
with SBA-MDT.
