Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia (Oct 2013)

Understanding the type 1 reactional state for early diagnosis and treatment: a way to avoid disability in leprosy

  • Jose Augusto da Costa Nery,
  • Fred Bernardes Filho,
  • Juliana Quintanilha,
  • Alice Miranda Machado,
  • Soraya de Souza Chantre Oliveira,
  • Anna Maria Sales

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/abd1806-4841.20132004
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 88, no. 5
pp. 787 – 792

Abstract

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A type 1 reaction or reversal reaction is expressed clinically by inflammatory exacerbation of the skin lesions and nerve trunks, consequently leading to sensory and motor alterations. It occurs in non-polar forms of leprosy, although it can occur in a small percentage of sub-polar LL treated patients. Disabilities, deformities and morbidity, still present in leprosy, are mainly caused by these acute episodes. The recognition of reactional states is imperative for an early approach and efficient management, to avoid the emergence of disabilities that stigmatize the disease. This review aims to describe the clinical aspects, immunopathogenesis, epidemiology, histopathological features and therapeutics of type 1 reactions.

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