A Clinico Histopathological Study of Childhood Leprosy

Background: Leprosy is one of the oldest diseases known to mankind and is still associated with stigma. A high child proportion signifies active and recent transmission of the disease. Aim: To know the proportion of children in newly detected leprosy patients and their clinico histopathological categorisation. Methodology: This was a retrospective analysis of all leprosy patients less than 16 years of age registered at the Leprosy Clinic of GGH, Vijayawada from January2015-June2016. Results: Proportion of children among newly diagnosed leprosy patients was 9.2% .Majority of patients belonged to age group of 13 to 16 years(48%), with male preponderance. 24% patients gave family history of leprosy. 40% of patients belonged to PB type, 60% MB type. Slit skin smear was positive in 20%. According to clinical characteristics, majority of patients belonged to BT(52%) followed by TT(32%). According to histopathological characteristics majority of patients belonged to BT(48%) followed by TT(36%).Clinico Histopathological correlation in LL Hansen’s is 100%, in BT 76%.Type I reaction occurred in 2 patients(8%).Deformities were observed in 8% patients. Conclusion: Despite statistical elimination of leprosy, childhood leprosy still remains a public health problem. Early detection, treatment and contact tracing are important for reducing the burden of leprosy in the community.