Case Report: Borderline Lepromatous Leprosy Therapy Complicated by Type 1 Leprosy Reaction and Adverse Reactions with Dapsone and Clofazimine

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2024 Jan 23;110(3):483-486. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0637. Print 2024 Mar 6.

Abstract

Leprosy is a global health issue, causing long-term functional morbidity and stigma. Rapid diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important; however, early diagnosis is often challenging, especially in nonendemic areas. Here, we report a case of borderline lepromatous leprosy accompanied by dapsone-induced (neutropenia, anemia, and methemoglobinemia) and clofazimine-induced (skin discoloration and ichthyosis) side effects and type 1 leprosy reactions during administration of the multidrug therapy. The patient completely recovered without developing any deformities or visual impairment. To ensure early diagnosis and a favorable outcome, clinicians should be aware of the diminished sensation of skin lesions as a key physical finding and manage the drug toxicities and leprosy reactions appropriately in patients on multidrug therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Clofazimine / adverse effects
  • Dapsone / adverse effects
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity*
  • Leprostatic Agents / adverse effects
  • Leprosy* / pathology
  • Leprosy, Borderline* / diagnosis
  • Leprosy, Borderline* / drug therapy
  • Leprosy, Lepromatous* / diagnosis
  • Leprosy, Lepromatous* / drug therapy
  • Leprosy, Lepromatous* / pathology
  • Leprosy, Multibacillary* / drug therapy
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial*

Substances

  • Clofazimine
  • Dapsone
  • Leprostatic Agents