THE ANALYSIS STUDY OF DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF LEPROSY: A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61841/e79ews70Keywords:
Leprosy, accurate diagnosis, multidrug therapy, complication.Abstract
Background: Leprosy, a major public health concern in middle-income countries, presents complex diagnostic and management challenges. Despite a decline in prevalence due to multidrug therapy, delayed diagnosis remains prevalent. Current diagnostic approaches rely on clinical evaluation, but molecular diagnostics offer promise. Management involves a multidisciplinary approach, including psychosocial support and rehabilitation. This study aims to systematically assess existing evidence on the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in leprosy.
Methods: This systematic review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and included only full-text, peer-reviewed articles published in English between 2015 and 2025. Editorials and review papers without a DOI were excluded to ensure source quality. Relevant studies were identified through targeted searches in ScienceDirect, PubMed, and SAGE Publications.
Result: A preliminary search across multiple selected databases yielded over 8.000 studies deemed potentially relevant. Following a systematic three-tiered screening protocol, only eight articles met the strict inclusion criteria and were selected for in-depth analysis. Each of these studies underwent a thorough critical appraisal to evaluate their relevance and quality in addressing the diagnosis and management of leprosy. This methodical approach ensured that the final synthesis was grounded in high-quality evidence, providing valuable insights aligned with the review’s objectives and enhancing the understanding of this multifaceted condition.
Conclusion: Leprosy treatment and management involve a comprehensive approach that includes clinical evaluation, bacteriological confirmation, and classification systems like Ridley-Jopling and WHO criteria. Accurate diagnosis is supported by skin lesions, peripheral nerve involvement, anesthesia, and positive slit-skin smears. Effective management involves early detection and prompt multidrug therapy to prevent complications and improve outcomes.
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