Comparison of the sociodemographic and clinical profile of individuals with leprosy-related nociceptive neuropathic pain

Abstract

The study aimed to compare the sociodemographic, clinical and therapeutic profile of individuals with leprosy-related pain and to verify complaints about the interference of pain in daily activities. This is a descriptive cross-sectional observational study with a quantitative approach, carried out in reference centers in the state of Sergipe for the care of leprosy in the period between February and June 2019.170 subjects were interviewed using the DN4 scale and clinical data questionnaires. It was observed that neuropathic pain was significantly more common in the 30-40 age group (38; 84.4%, p=0.022). In the areas of pain, the most prevalent type was neuropathic in the arm (74; 73.3%), leg (86; 72.9%), feet (82; 69.5%), back (21; 84.0%) and hand (72; 73.5%). In the comparison of intensity, mild (12; 54.5%), moderate (43; 69.4%) and severe (63; 74.1%) neuropathic pain; mild (10; 45.5%), moderate (19; 30.6%) and intense (22; 25.9%) nociceptive symptoms. Having other illnesses was significantly higher in the neuropathic pain group (80; 76.2%, p = 0.039). Pain improvement with partial (75; 68.2%) and total (18; 78.3%) medication was greater in patients with neuropathic pain, however, most claimed partial improvement. Also, people with neuropathic pain [4.0 (2.0), (p = 0.007)] reported more sleep impairment. It is concluded that neuropathic pain is more common in adults, having other diseases was a relevant factor in neuropathic pain and that in this type of pain people have greater sleep impairment. Also, pain relief is being ineffective.