RESUMO
We have given a short account of cortisone and corticotrophin (ACTH), together with their side effects, and have described their important role in the treatment of certain allergic complications of leprosy. Severe erythema nodosum responds dramatically to these hormones, and one or two short courses are often sufficient to bring the reaction under control. Prolonged courses may be necessary in some cases, even up to twelve months or more, and have the great advantage of enabling sulphone treatment to be continued without interruption. We are satisfied that patients who have been so treated have not suffered any aggravation of their underlying leprosy. Details of management are given and mention is made of the new synthetic steroids prednisone and prednisolone. An account has also been given of the importance of steroid therapy in the management of acut ophthalmic and neural reactions, and lastly, of severe sulphone sensitization. It is concluded, therefore, that there is a definite place for the use of cortisone and corticotrophin in certain acute complications of leprosy and of sulphone therapy, not only for the relief of distressing symptoms but also for the prevention of lasting disability