Haematological alterations in leprosy patients treated with dapsone.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the haemoglobin concentration (Hb); total white blood cell count (WBC), differential WBC count; platelet count and reticulocyte count in leprosy patients already treated with dapsone.

DESIGN

A case-control study.

SETTING

Specialist Hospital Ossiomo, which is a Leprosarium and Haematology laboratory, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Nigeria.

SUBJECTS

Seventy six leprosy patients (forty males and thirty six females) age range 13-40 years on single dose dapsone.

RESULTS

The haemoglobin concentration showed a marked decrease while the reticulocyte count was markedly elevated which was suggestive of haemolytic anaemia. There was also lymphocytosis in patients during pre and post dapsone therapy.

CONCLUSION

Leprosy patients on a dosage of 100 mg dapsone, are prone to haemolytic anaemia. Leprosy patients should routinely have their Hb, WBC, platelet count and reticulocyte count determined, while on dapsone therapy in order to ascertain the presence of haemolysis.