Estudo clinico de multidrogaterapia uniforme para o tratamento da hanseníase no Brasil (U-MDT/CT-BR): estudo comparativo dos efeitos adversos

Abstract

Background: An open label randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of an uniform six-months regimen to treat all leprosy patients (U-MDT/CT-BR) is being conducted in two national referral centers of the National Leprosy Control Program. Adding clofazimine to the current treatment for paucibacillary patients causes inquiry into possible increasing adverse effects to MDT. Objective: to describe the adverse effects due to MDT in patients who participated in the Randomized Clinical Trial for Uniform Multidrug Therapy for Leprosy Patients in Brazil (U-MDT/CT-BR), comparing the incidence and severity between those who received uniform regimen (U-MDT) and those who received current WHO regimen (R-MDT). Patients and methods: patients were enrolled in the study from March 2007 to February 2012, and, after the operational classification, were randomly allocated in one group of the study. During treatment, they returned monthly for clinical and laboratorial evaluation, in order to monitor possible adverse effects. Results: 864 patients were included in the study. Skin pigmentation (21.7%) and xerosis (16.9%) were the most frequent complaints. Laboratory exams showed hemoglobin concentration lower than 10g/dL in 23.3%, and STGO/STGP above 40Ui/L in 27.3% e 27.7% of patients, respectively. Twenty four patients(2,8%) had dapsone interrupted due to adverse effects, from whom 16.6% for anemia. One case of sulfone syndrome was reported. No differences statically significant were found in adverse effects between the four arms of the study. Conclusions: The similarities in the adverse effects of MDT in all the arms of the study point to the viability of a six-month uniform regimen of treatment for all leprosy patients.