02539nas a2200265   4500000000100000008004100001653001300042653002300055653001700078653001200095653002300107100001500130700001500145700001300160700001500173700001500188700001800203245008900221856006300310300001200373490000700385050001800392520184900410022001402259       2015                            d10aThailand10aSensory impairment10aMonofilament10aleprosy10aHansen’s disease1 aSaranjit W1 aPenvadee P1 aOnjuta C1 aKamonpan L1 aPacharee I1 aSuteeraporn C00aComparison between Different Methods of Monofilament Test in Multibacillary Leprosy.  uhttp://www.jmatonline.com/index.php/jmat/article/view/6173  a1124-320 v98  aSARANJIT 20153 a<p><strong>BACKGROUND: </strong>Leprosy or Hansen's disease predominantly affects skin and peripheral nerves; therefore, can cause visible deformities from sensory and motor impairment. Early detection of sensory deficit has been of great benefit in a vigorous preventive role.</p>

<p><strong>OBJECTIVE: </strong>To compare the result of sensory evaluation in multibacillary leprosy (AB) patients using Semmes-Weinstein monofilament (SWM) and conventional monofilament technique used in Thailand and to observe the course of neuritis detected during the study period</p>

<p><strong>MATERIAL AND METHOD: </strong>MB patients from Hansen's clinic at the Department of Dermatology, Siriraj Hospital, and Leprosy clinic at Raj Pracha Samasai Institute were evaluated for sensory impairment using monofilament test by both SWM and conventional technique for two consecutive follow-up visits. The patients'demographic data, clinical and laboratory findings, and course of disease were recorded</p>

<p><strong>RESULTS: </strong>Seventy MB patients were enrolled Two-third of the patients were male (71.4%) and a mean (SD) age was 43 (15.75) years with a range of 19 to 85-years-old. The results from SWM and conventional Thai technique were not statistically different for ulnar median, and posterior tibial nerve distribution excluding heel area (p = 1.00). Twenty-eight (40%) patients who mentioned of numbness at either palms or soles had impaired sensation detected by SWMtechnique (p = 0.014).</p>

<p><strong>CONCLUSION: </strong>Using SWMwith less tested points can minimize the time spent on sensory evaluation in MB patients; hence, we encourage the application of the present SWM technique to shorten the time in each follow-up visit and to improve the follow-up practice for better services of leprosy patients in Thailand.</p>
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