Renal functions in lepromatous leprosy patients.

While leprosy does not primarily affect the kidneys, secondary involvement of kidneys has been reported in lepromatous leprosy and especially in lepra-reaction. In the present study the authors have investigated the functional status of the kidneys of lepromatous leprosy patients by focussing attention to parameters like acidification of urine, glomerular filtration rate and excretion of a foreign dye administered intramuscularly. This study revealed a decreased ability to acidify urine and to excrete the dye as well as a drop in glomerular filtration rate in untreated LL patients. The said disturbances were more pronounced in lepra reaction.