Journal of Cardiovascular Disease Research
To study the effectiveness of Methotrexate as a steroid sparing agent in Type 2 Lepra reaction
Dr. Manish Batham, Dr. Abhishek Malviya, Dr. Varun Kumar, Dr. Shivank Shrivastava, Dr. Jayendra Singh Dhakad, Dr. Pooja Sahu
JCDR. 2023: 620-624
Abstract
The aim of the study is to study the effectiveness of Methotrexate as a steroid sparing agent in Type 2 Lepra reaction. A thorough clinical history, examination, blood counts, urine routine/microscopy, liver and renal function test, chest radiograph, abdominal-, and/or pelvic- sonography, Urine pregnancy test (if required), anti HIV antibodies (if required) were done in all the study participants. Result: In the study overall, there were 34 patients who were undergoing treatment and 18 patients had completed their treatment. In group A the number of patients undergoing treatment was greater than in group B whereas the number of patients who had completed their treatment was more in group B than group A. The mean duration of MDT treatment was greater in group B as compared to group A. The mean number of episodes was greater in group B as compared to group A. Similarly, Reaction severity scores and total duration of episodes were also more in group B participants as compared to group A. Conclusion: Methotrexate can serve as a steroid sparing agent in the treatment of T2LR where it may reduce the severity, duration and recurrences of T2LR. Methotrexate is a miraculous drug known since long with tremendous familiarity especially to dermatologists .It serves as a safe and comparatively cheaper therapeutic option.
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