Perfil sociodemográfico, clínico-epidemiológico e padrões de atendimento da hanseníase em hospital universitário de Fortaleza - Ceará, 2007-2011

Abstract

Leprosy is a chronic disease hard to handle and with heterogeneous geographic distribution which hinders its control. It has great potential for physical disabilities, especially when not diagnosed early, and occurrence of damages to the peripheral nerves. We aimed to characterize the socio-demographic and clinical-epidemiological profile and standards of leprosy in the dermatology outpatient clinic of the University Hospital Walter Cantídio (HUWC/UFC), from 2007 to 2011. This is a descriptive retrospective study, in which the population consisted of 475 people monitored in the dermatology outpatient clinic of the hospital. Data collection happened through review of medical records, supplemented by records of the Notifiable Diseases Information System. In the socio-demographic and clinical-epidemiological characterization, there was prevalence of the age group 45-59 years 166 (35.0%), females 246 (51.8%), with elementary education 162 (34.1%), Caucasian 327 (69%), residing in Fortaleza-CE, Brazil 391 (82.3%). The multibacillary operational classification prevailed, with 311 (65.4%) cases at diagnosis and 314 (66%) at discharge. The ulnar nerve was more affected in both evaluation times. 203 (42.7%) people developed leprosy reactional episode (LRE) types 1 and 2. Type 1 was more significant in clinical dimorphous, 49 (77.7%), while type 2 was more evident in clinical dimorphous, 12 (52.1%), and lepromatous leprosy, 12 (80%). At diagnosis, physical disabilities predominated in multibacillary with 67 (21.3%) degree 1, and 36 (11.4%) degree 2, and MDT, at discharge, 67 (21.3%) degree 1, and 36 (11.4%) degree 2. 17 (3.5%) and 87 (18.3%) were not evaluated at diagnosis and discharge respectively. With regard to the outcome of these disabilities, 355 (74.7%) remained, 21 (4.4%) worsened, while seven (1.4%) improved the degree of disability. 184 (38.7%) participants of the study were referred to other services of the HUWC/UFC. 24 (5.0%) people underwent neurolysis. Among the 1,395 registered contacts, 477 (34.0%) were examined. The damaging of nerve trunks is the main responsible for disabilities. We highlight the need for more effective control of the disease control measures aimed at reducing disabilities. The profile of people in monitoring and standards of care at the clinic in study reveal late diagnosis of cases, incomplete multidisciplinary team, and lack of integration with basic health units compromising the comprehensiveness of care as an essential tool to minimize the damages of this condition.