Burden of Leprosy

Non-compartmental and population pharmacokinetic analysis of dapsone in healthy NIGERIANS: A pilot study

Dapsone is employed for both non-dermatological and dermatological indications but with non-existent population pharmacokinetics (popPK) data in Nigerians. This study was therefore designed to develop a popPK model in Nigerians. Non-compartmental analysis and nonlinear mixed effects modelling were utilized for data analysis. Eleven participants administered 50 mg dapsone tablet were included in the analysis. Derived pharmacokinetic parameters were: Cmax  = 1.16 ± 0.32 μg/mL, Tmax  = 3.77 ± 2.40 h, and t1/2z  = 30.23 ± 11.76 h. PopPK model parameter estimates with inter-individual variability were Tlag = 0.40 h (10.0%, fixed); ka  = 1.78 h-1 (75.9%); V/F = 89.25 L (21.6%); and Cl/F = 1.32 Lh-1 (27.7%). Sex was significantly associated with Cl/F, and body weight with V/F. Best popPK model was one-compartment with lag time, and first-order absorption and elimination. Sex and body weight significantly influenced the clearance and distribution volume of dapsone respectively.

Leprosy: Clinical aspects and diagnostic techniques

Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a curable infectious disease that remains endemic in >140 countries around the world. Despite being declared "eliminated" as a global public health problem by the World Health Organization in the year 2000, approximately 200,000 new cases were reported worldwide in 2017. Widespread migration may bring leprosy to nonendemic areas, such as North America. In addition, there are areas in the United States where autochthonous (person-to-person) transmission of leprosy is being reported among Americans without a history of foreign exposure. In the first article in this continuing medical education series, we review leprosy epidemiology, transmission, classification, clinical features, and diagnostic challenges.