Reversal reaction to Hansen's disease
Jih, M.H.; Kimyai-Asadi, A.; Levis, W.R.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology Jdd 1(1): 70-71
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 1545-9616 PMID: 12847760 Document Number: 9806
A 25-year-old man with a history of mid-borderline (BB) Hansen's disease developing a reversal reaction after starting dapsone and rifampin therapy is presented. His clinical features included erythematous, edematous plaques and peripheral neuropathy. Reversal reactions are caused immunologically by enhanced cell-mediated (Th-1) immunity to Mycobacterium leprae, resulting in inflammation of infected tissues, such as skin and nerves. Acute neuritis can lead to permanent nerve damage and necessitate prompt treatment with prednisone and/or clofazamine.
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