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V K Pannikar

Publications and source records attributed to V K Pannikar.

13 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Defining a case of leprosy.

The biological and technical hurdles confronting the development of new diagnostic tools are manifestly great in leprosy. Leprosy diagnosis in the field, for control as well as for research purposes, will have to remain, for the time being, predominantly clinical. It is important that the significance and relevance of diagnosing so-called 'early' lesions must be viewed in the context of the objectives of leprosy control. All evidence suggests that the majority of these 'cases' are not likely to progress in the individual, nor is there any evidence that these 'cases' are of any importance for the transmission of the disease. At its best, such 'cases' may be a sign of temporary infection which will disappear spontaneously within a few months without leaving any residual signs. It is more likely that the majority of these are not cases of leprosy. In making such a diagnosis its ethical implications on the individual, his family and the local society must be considered, given the intense social stigma this diagnosis will generate; besides the cost of treatment and the potential risk of serious side-effects due to treatment. It may be justifiable to have a broad definition if the incidence of leprosy is still high and all reported cases are to be accepted as valid. But once the backlog of cases has been detected and, as a result of control efforts, the number of new cases begins to decrease, there is a need to narrow the case definition for national statistics.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Humans↗
PubMed1984

Effect of epicondylectomy in early ulnar neuritis treated with steroids.

Sixty-two ulnar nerves belonging to 44 patients with early neuritis were studied to assess the benefits offered by medial epicondylectomy and external decompression in addition to steroid therapy. The patients were randomly allocated to the surgical or the medical group. In those cases where there was bilateral involvement, surgery was carried out only on one side. All cases were assessed prior to treatment, and at predetermined intervals following treatment. This study presents the results after a 12-month follow-up. There was statistically significant improvement in both groups following treatment as assessed by improvement in motor and sensory functions and in the reduction of pain and tenderness. The study, however, failed to demonstrate any added benefit with surgical intervention as compared to steroid therapy alone in the treatment of early ulnar neuritis.

Acetaminophen↗
PubMed1983

A clinico-pathological study of primary neuritic leprosy.

Normally neural involvement in leprosy is an ascending neuritis from the nerve involvement in the dermal lesions. However, in some cases neural involvement is seen in the absence of any dermal lesions. In some of these pure neuritic cases, dermal lesions appear sometime later. It is, therefore, more appropriate to designate such cases as 'primary neuritic' cases. This study is aimed at diagnosing primary neuritic leprosy among patients presenting with only neuritic symptoms. An attempt is also made to classify primary neuritic leprosy on a clinical and histopathological basis. During the period 1979-80, 30 patients reported to the out patient department of Schieffelin Leprosy Research and Training Centre, Karigiri with complaints of neuritic origin. In addition to clinical examination and routine skin smears, investigations such as skin, nerve and nasal biopsies, nerve conduction velocity and lepromin testing were carried out where feasible. 17 of these patients were diagnosed as primary neuritic leprosy and in 7 patients other neurological conditions were diagnosed. The remaining 6 patients were kept under observation and have not shown evidence of leprosy during a two year period of following-up. It is interesting that 4 of the 17 primary neuritic cases developed patches during follow-up period of two years. In the final analysis 7 patients (41.2%) were classified into the lepromatous group and 10 patients (58.8%) in the non-lepromatous group (Table-6). This classification will have a bearing on duration of treatment and for their subsequent release from control.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Social and personality factors in dapsone resistant patients.

A preliminary study in which a sample of 25 patients registered with SLR and TC, Karigiri, with proved secondary DDS-resistant leprosy were compared, with 25 patients not suspected to be DDS-resistant, for social and personality factors, which could have lead to non-compliance in treatment. A structured interview schedule enquiring into factors leading to irregular treatment and the psycho-social background of the patient was used. The Eysank's Personality Inventory (EPI) and Personality traits assessment on a linear analogue was also administered to them. Statistical analysis showed that DDS-resistant leprosy patients were as a group more irregular for treatment, showed personality traits of being casual and uncontrolled and scored high on the neuroticism scale of the EPI.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

Leprosy in an albino.

A case of complete albinism with Borderline Lepromatous leprosy is presented being the first report from India, of the association of these conditions.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Foot soaks for callosities and fissures.

A study to assess the effect of soap soaks and plain water soaks on the dry anaesthetic sole of 15 leprosy patients bearing multiple fissures and callouses is reported. A callous scraper devised by us was found effective. It is recommended that a hypotonic keratolytic solution such as toilet soap or plain water be used for soaking which has the effect of softening the keratin. It may be better to use soap solution for this purpose.

Balneology↗