Does clofazimine have a prophylactic role against neuritis?

Abstract

A study was undertaken with the aim of testing the usefulness of clofazimine as a prophylactic agent against neuritis and nerve damage. A modified regimen, using initial high doses of clofazimine followed by regular multibacillary multidrug therapy (MB-MDT) WHO regimen, was given to a series of consecutive cases of high risk borderline leprosy patients, fulfilling defined selection criteria (n = 65). These patients were studied for the incidence of neuritis/Type I reaction, over a period of 2 years. Results were compared with a matched series of consecutive cases treated only with regular MB-MDT WHO regimen (n1 = 57). The difference in incidence rates of neuritis between the two groups was significant (p < 0.01), suggesting that clofazimine may have a useful prophylactic role against neuritis/Type I reaction and nerve damage.

• Authors: S Arunthathi, K K Satheesh
• Journal: Leprosy review (Lepr Rev) Vol. 68 Issue 3 Pg. 233-41 (Sep 1997) ISSN: 0305-7518 [Print] England
• PMID: 9364824 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Leprostatic Agents
• Dapsone
• Clofazimine

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Case-Control Studies
• Clofazimine (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Dapsone (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Female
• Humans
• Leprostatic Agents (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Leprosy, Borderline (complications, diagnosis, drug therapy)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Neuritis (complications, drug therapy, prevention & control)