Correlation of Transforming Growth Factor Beta Levels with Bacterial Index on Recurrent Erythema Nodosum Leprosum Reactions
Author(s): Ika Diamanda Apriano*, Ramona Dumasari Lubis and Kristina Nadeak
Abstract
Aim: To analyze the correlation between TGF-β serum levels and bacterial index on leprosy patients with recurrent ENL reaction.
Subjects and methods: Observational analytical study with a crosssectional approach on 31 subjects aged ≥ 18 years with recurrent type 2 leprosy reactions who sought treatment at the Dermatology and Venereology Policlynic, Chairuddin P. Lubis USU General Hospital, Dr. Pirngadi General Hospital, and H. Adam Malik General Hospital Medan. ENL reccurent patients who were uncooperative, with infectious, autoimmune, malignant diseases, or who were pregnant or breastfeeding were excluded. Basic data recording and subject examination included calculating the bacterial index of leprosy patients using a slit skin smear to measure TGF-β levels. The correlation between TGF-β and the bacterial index was analyzed using the Spearman correlation test. Data processing was carried out with the help of statistical software with a significance value <0.05.
Results: A total of 31 reccurent ENL patients were studied. The majority of recurrent ENL subjects were aged 18 years-25 years and 26 years-35 years, 10 patients each (32.3%), male gender, 21 patients (67.7%), the highest level of education was secondary education, 26 patients (83.9%) and the majority did not work as many as 20 patients (64,5%). Most of the research subjects experienced recurrent ENL reactions during MDT as many as 21 patients (67.7%), with the majority of subjects having BI +2 which is 10 patients (32.2%), and the mean value of TGF-β levels in all subjects was 305.12 ± 45.77. There was a weak negative correlation between TGF-β levels and bacterial index in recurrent ENL subjects (p=<0.05, r=-0.390).
Conclusion: There is a weak negative correlation between TGF-β levels and the bacterial index in recurrent ENL patients.
