INCOMPLETE DATA ON PERIPHERAL NERVES AND DEGREE OF PHYSICAL DISABILITY IN PATIENTS WITH LEPROSY

Abstract

Introduction: Leprosy is a chronic infectious cutaneous-neural disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, transmitted through droplets of saliva from untreated multibacillary patients to susceptible contacts. In Brazil, it remains a significant public health issue, with high rates of physical disabilities often present at diagnosis. Early diagnosis, proper reporting in the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), and treatment with Uniform Multidrug Therapy (U-MDT) are essential for disease control. Objective: To assess whether leprosy notification forms are being properly completed regarding neurological evaluation at diagnosis and discharge, as well as the number of affected peripheral nerves. Methods: A retrospective, quantitative, and descriptive analysis was conducted using notification forms and follow-up records of new leprosy cases reported between 2017 and 2021 among residents of Goiás, Brazil, who were discharged as cured. This study evaluated the completeness of the recording of neurological variables as number of affected peripheral nerves and the physical disability grade at diagnosis and at discharge, enabling the assessment of diagnostic timeliness and the quality of care provided by health services. Results: The main deficiency was the lack of completion of the degree of disability at discharge. Incompleteness was more frequent in paucibacillary (PB) forms, unclassified cases, and in specific regional health districts, with the North and South districts showing the poorest results. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for ongoing training, standardization of notification practices, and improvements in information systems to strengthen care and surveillance of leprosy in Goiás.