Delayed resolution versus treatment failure in paucibacillary leprosy patients under six months fixed duration multidrug therapy.

Thirty paucibacillary (PB) patients were given multidrug therapy (MDT) PB regimen for six months and were examined clinically and histopathologically before therapy, at six months and 12 months after therapy; and in four patients, at 18 to 23 months after MDT. Histopathological activity was present in 50% and 25% of patients after six months and 12 months respectively after MDT. At 18 to 23 months, the four patients continued to have active lesions both clinically and histopathologically. On the basis of this study it is found that fixed duration of MDT is effective in a large majority of patients especially those with indeterminate leprosy. However, there is "delayed resolution" in a significant number of patients which in a few instances may turn out to be "treatment failures". Therefore, a regular follow up of high risk patients for at least two years and if possible, five years, with freedom to intervene with additional anti-inflammatory or antileprosy therapy as desired, is recommended.