Temporal Adverse Effects in Leprosy Saudi Patients Receiving Multi Drug Therapy

Background/Purpose: Leprosy or Hansen’s disease is an infectious disease that yet represents major socioeconomic burden to humanity. It results in permanent physical disabilities besides disgraceful social perception to patients. Multi Drug Therapy (MDT) treatment protocol is a combinatorial anti microbial treatments which has been approved by the WHO as the best treatment option for Hansen’s disease. Side effects to MDT protocol are the main limiting obstacle for the treatment course completion that might differ from population to another. Methods: Herein, we are assessing the temporal hematological and biochemical markers of side effects in Saudi leprosy patients treated with MDT protocol for one year. Results: Hematological assessment revealed progressive temporal but mild decline in all the examined parameters (RBC, PCV, Hb, MCH and MCHC) in males and females patients treated with MDT compared to control group. Biochemical assessment for MDT treated leprosy Saudi patients presented mild progressive temporal hepato-renal complications. Patients were fully recovered from all hemato-biochemical adverse effects after 6 months of the MDT treatment completion. Conclusion: MDT was well tolerated in Saudi leprosy patients with mild to moderate temporal hematological and biochemical adverse reactions