Re: Effectiveness of single dose rifampicin in preventing leprosy in close contacts of patients with newly diagnosed leprosy: cluster randomised controlled trial
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Effectiveness of single dose rifampicin in preventing leprosy in close contacts of patients with newly diagnosed leprosy: cluster randomised controlled trial
Re: Effectiveness of single dose rifampicin in preventing leprosy in close contacts of patients with newly diagnosed leprosy: cluster randomised controlled trial
I read this article with utmost interest regarding single dose rifampicin in preventing leprosy in close contacts. But the results were not statistically and clinically proved fruitful at the end of 4 years. All we know is that incubation may be between 6 months and more than 20 years, medical text books giving an average of 3-5 years. Thus following up for only 4 years is not logical, and even at the end of 4 years there are no differences between placebo and SDR group.
One important point I searched for throughout the article is the adverse effect of single dose rifampicin. Adverse effects are more important than or equal to the efficacy of drugs, even when side effects or adverse effects are rarely seen.
Also the bio-availability of drugs depends on many factors before the drug reaches the desired site. So we may not be sure regarding the bio-availability of single dose rifampicin in different groups of close contacts. This will also influence the results greatly.
Rapid Response:
Re: Effectiveness of single dose rifampicin in preventing leprosy in close contacts of patients with newly diagnosed leprosy: cluster randomised controlled trial
I read this article with utmost interest regarding single dose rifampicin in preventing leprosy in close contacts. But the results were not statistically and clinically proved fruitful at the end of 4 years. All we know is that incubation may be between 6 months and more than 20 years, medical text books giving an average of 3-5 years. Thus following up for only 4 years is not logical, and even at the end of 4 years there are no differences between placebo and SDR group.
One important point I searched for throughout the article is the adverse effect of single dose rifampicin. Adverse effects are more important than or equal to the efficacy of drugs, even when side effects or adverse effects are rarely seen.
Also the bio-availability of drugs depends on many factors before the drug reaches the desired site. So we may not be sure regarding the bio-availability of single dose rifampicin in different groups of close contacts. This will also influence the results greatly.
email; drpugal23@gmail.com
Competing interests: No competing interests