Correlation Between Risk Factors, Coinfection, and Recurrence of Erythema Nodosum Leprosum (ENL) in Patients with Multibacillary Leprosy

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the correlation between the incidence of co-infection and recurrence of Erythema Nodosum Leprosum (ENL).
Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary medical record data from MB leprosy patients with and without ENL recurrence at Dr. Soetomo Academic General Hospital, Surabaya (2020–2024). A non-probability sampling technique was used.
Results: Total 95 patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Male 74 patients (77.9%) more than female. The dominant age is <40 years as many as 60 patients (63.2%). Nutritional status was obtained most in the normal category 79 patients (83.2%). Results based on leprosy type the most number was type LL 37 patients (38.9%). The bacterial index was obtained the most with a number of <3 as many as 55 patients (57.9%), and the morphological index 0 in 50 patients (52.6%). The results of the onset of ENL were mostly obtained during MDT treatment, 53 patients (55.8%). Patients with co-infection without recurrence of ENL were 20 patients (43.5%), and patients with co-infection and recurrence of ENL were 26 patients (56.5%). The p value = 0.126, this shows that the incidence of co-infection with and without recurrence ENL is not significantly different, but the results of viral co-infection on ENL recurrence were significant showed p value = 0.030 and r = 0.218.
Conclusion: Viral co-infection related recurrent of ENL.