2025 ICD-10-CM code A30.5
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Infectious and parasitic diseases - Other bacterial diseases I. Certain infectious and parasitic diseases Feed
Lepromatous leprosy, the most severe form of leprosy, is a chronic bacterial infection causing skin lesions, nerve damage, and disfigurement.
Medical necessity for treatment of lepromatous leprosy is established by the confirmation of diagnosis through clinical findings and laboratory tests (biopsy).The goal of treatment is to eradicate the infection, prevent further nerve damage and disability, and manage any reactional episodes.Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing irreversible complications.
Clinicians diagnose lepromatous leprosy based on clinical presentation (skin lesions, nerve involvement, etc.) and may confirm the diagnosis through skin or nerve biopsies.Treatment typically involves a multi-drug therapy (MDT) regimen with antibiotics like dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine for 6-12 months, along with anti-inflammatory drugs to manage reactions.Patient education regarding the chronic nature of the disease and the importance of adherence to MDT is crucial. Regular monitoring for disease progression and complications is essential.
In simple words: Lepromatous leprosy is the most severe form of leprosy, a long-lasting bacterial infection.It causes widespread skin sores, numbness, muscle weakness, and can change a person's facial features.It can also cause problems with the eyes, nose, and nerves in the hands and feet.
Lepromatous leprosy (LL) is a severe form of leprosy, a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae.It primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, upper respiratory tract, eyes, and testes.LL presents with numerous, poorly defined skin lesions (macules, papules, nodules), which are widespread and symmetrical.Peripheral nerve involvement leads to sensory loss, muscle weakness, and paralysis.Facial features can be distorted due to nodular lesions, and upper respiratory tract involvement can cause nasal congestion and epistaxis (nosebleeds).Eye involvement can result in blindness.
Example 1: A patient presents with multiple, symmetrical, and poorly defined skin lesions, thickened peripheral nerves, and loss of sensation in their hands and feet. Biopsy confirms the presence of Mycobacterium leprae, leading to a diagnosis of lepromatous leprosy., A patient with a known history of leprosy experiences a sudden worsening of symptoms, including increased inflammation of existing skin lesions and new nerve pain. This represents a type 2 reaction (erythema nodosum leprosum), requiring prompt medical attention., A patient presents with facial disfigurement, including loss of eyebrows and eyelashes, along with nasal stuffiness and frequent nosebleeds. These symptoms, in conjunction with skin lesions and nerve damage, suggest a diagnosis of advanced lepromatous leprosy.
Documentation should include detailed descriptions of skin lesions (number, size, location, appearance), neurological findings (sensory loss, muscle weakness, nerve thickening), and any other systemic involvement. Biopsy results confirming the presence of Mycobacterium leprae are essential.Treatment details, including specific medications and duration, should be documented.Monitoring of disease progression and any reactional episodes should also be recorded.
- Specialties:Infectious disease, Dermatology, Neurology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, On Campus-Outpatient Hospital, Office, Independent Clinic