Relapse rates and a 10-year follow-up of a 6-week quadruple drug regimen for multibacillary leprosy

Abstract

Between 1989 and 1993, 136 multibacillary leprosy patients received a 6-week treatment regimen consisting of daily rifampicin 600 mg, ofloxacin 400 mg, clofazimine 100 mg and a weekly dose of 100 mg minocycline. A previous analysis after a mean follow-up of 4-7 years revealed a relapse rate of 2%, involving six late (after more than 5 years of follow-up) relapses. During the following years, 12 more relapses appeared during years 8-9 of follow-up. A mean follow-up period of 5 years is insufficient to evaluate treatment regimens in multibacillary leprosy. The present regimen cannot be recommended.