Clinical Profiles and Patterns of Children with Leprosy from a Tertiary Hospital in the Philippines: A 10-year Retrospective Study

Objectives: The study determined the incidence rate and clinico-demographic profile of children with leprosy confirmed by slit-skin smear and/or histopathological studies from January 2014 to December 2023 at the department of dermatology of a tertiary hospital in the Philippines. Materials and Methods: This research was a descriptive cross-sectional study, specifically a retrospective chart review. Demographic information, clinical presentation, laboratory findings, diagnosis and treatment, and follow-up outcomes were collected. Results: A total of 79 pediatric patients were included. The majority of the cases were from 2014 to 2019. The majority were adolescents aged 11–18 years (75.9%), with a male predominance (60.8%). Most patients presented with multibacillary disease (79.7%) and had more than five skin lesions (73.4%). The median duration of disease until consultation was 1 year. The ulnar nerve was the most commonly affected nerve. The most frequent final diagnosis was lepromatous leprosy (38%). Slit-skin smears were mostly positive (75.9%), with a mean bacteriological index (BI) of 3.13. Lepra reactions occurred in patients (34.2%), primarily type 1. Despite high bacillary loads, only some had documented disabilities (20.3%). Treatment was completed in more than half of patients (59.5%), while some required treatment extension (13.9%) and had relapse (1.3%). Conclusions: Leprosy among children remains a significant public health concern. The predominance of multibacillary forms, high BI, and delayed diagnosis in children suggests ongoing community transmission. The results highlight the significance of early detection, improved contact tracing, bacteriological monitoring, and adherence support to lessen disability and stop transmission in endemic areas.