Dapsone induced motor polyneuropathy.

Dapsone induced neuropathy has been docu­ mented during the management of a variety of skin disorders requiring a high dose ot dapsone. In leprosy however, the diagnosis is complicated by the occurrence of nerve deficits as a part of the disease process. While dapsone-induced neuro­ pathy is clearly not the major cause for neurologi­ cal damage in leprosy, the importance of diagnos­ ing it is underscored by the often dramatic re­ covery of nerve function which occurs after stopp­ ing the drug. It is likely that this side-effect is under-diagnosed in leprosy patients and is mis­ taken for a neural deficit related to reactional states. The present paper reports the occurrence of dapsone-induced neuropathy during the treat­ ment regimen for leprosy, and outlines certain criteria which Will aid in its diagnosis.