Azathioprine in controlling Type 2 reactions in leprosy: a case report | Zendy

Srinivas Prasanna Kumar Athreya | Zendy

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Azathioprine in controlling Type 2 reactions in leprosy: a case report

Author(s) -

Srinivas Prasanna Kumar Athreya

Publication year - 2007

Publication title -

leprosy review

Language(s) - English

Resource type - Journals

SCImago Journal Rank - 0.437

H-Index - 43

eISSN - 2162-8807

pISSN - 0305-7518

DOI - 10.47276/lr.78.3.290

Subject(s) - medicine , clofazimine , azathioprine , leprosy , thalidomide , lepromatous leprosy , dermatology , dapsone , immunology , disease , multiple myeloma

Type 2 reaction (Erythema Nodosum Leprosum ENL), occurs frequently in patients with lepromatous leprosy. Steroids are the treatment of choice but can lead to various complications when used on a long–term basis. In uncontrolled, recurrent Type 2 reactions, several second-line drugs such as clofazimine or pentoxyfyllin have been tried but not with consistent success. Thalidomide, though effective, is not recommended in some programmes for pre-menopausal female patients due its teratogenic effects. The search for an effective alternative led to azathioprine known for its suppressive action on T-cells and antibody mediated cytotoxicity. We present a case report of a female leprosy patient where azathioprine was used successfully in combination with cortico-steroids to control Type 2 reaction.

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