Use of Semmes -Weisntein monofilaments to evaluate sensitivity of upper limbs of Hansen's diseasep atients attended in the Federal District

Abstract

The present study has as objective to identify the prevalence of of sensivity disturbance in upper limbs of patients with leprosy inscribed in the control program for Hansen's disease in the Distrito Federal. This research is a transversal descriptive study involving 80 patients which were submitted to Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments test, also known as estesiometer; (poket model — Sensikit), in order to collect the data. The estesiometer constitutes an important tool in clinical routine when dealing with leprosy. The results showed that great part (above 50%) of the patients in all clinical forms of Hansen's disease responded to the green monofilament stimulus then, indicating normal sensitivity of the hands. The study in agreement with the literature cocludes, that thedamaged sensitivity represents a main physiopathogenic cause of physical deficiencies in upper limbs of leprosy patients. The parameters utilized during the sensitivity examination should be standardized in order to entrust the results and to encourage others to reproduce them. It is recommended routnelly the use of Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments in clinical practice for the early diagnosis of neural damage in Hansen's disease patients. The test is essential, but it should not be performed solely during the physical examination.