Autonomic neuropathy in leprosy.

21 patients of borderline lepromatous and lepromatous leprosy of both sexes were taken for study after exclusion of autonomic disorders. Autonomic functions pertaining to cardiovascular and genital system were carried out. Five healthy volunteers served as controls. Autonomic function tests indicate definite involvement of cardiovascular and genital system. The incidence of autonomic neuropathy in 21 patients studied was ranging from 14.3 to 57% for various tests. There is involvement of parasympathetic system (vagus nerve) which occurred early and more common than sympathetic. The sympathetic damage is always associated with parasympathetic damage. The severity of autonomic neuropathy is found to be high in leprosy of longer duration. Autonomic neuropathy widely occurs in leprosy as in diabetes mellitus.