Korean Lepr Bull.  2008 Dec;41(2):23-35.

The possible predicting factor of the plantar ulcer in patients with leprosy

• Kim JP
• Kim YS

Abstract

TOBJECTS: Leprosy is a chronic infection principally affecting the skin and peripheral nerves caused by the obligate intracellular organism Mycobacterium leprae. Complications secondary to the neuropathy can result in deformity and disability. The plantar ulcer is the commonest complication in leprosy. And the plantar pressure is important factors developing plantar ulcer. So the author is studied about the possible predicting factor of the plantar ulcer in patients with leprosy.
SUBJECTS AND METHOD
Subjects included 100 leprosy patients, divided two groups according to the recent plantar ulcer history. The author analyzed the relations between that significant factors and various factors (PGL-I titer, sensory level).
RESULTS
The correlations between the PGL-I antibody titer(Spearman's rho=0.215, p=0.048) and PGL-I antibody group(Spearman's rho=0.215, p=0.045) and the recent plantar ulcer history were found.
CONCLUSION
The author ascertained that the PGL-I antibody titer and PGL-I antibody group PGL-I antibody titer would be the possible tool for predicting the plantar ulcer of the Hansen disease program.

Keyword

leprosy; plantar ulcer; PGL-I antibody titer

MeSH Terms

Congenital Abnormalities
Foot Ulcer
Humans
Leprosy
Mycobacterium leprae
Peripheral Nerves
Skin