title: Spinal tuberculosis: a five-year review of cases at the National Tuberculosis Centre.
abstract: We reviewed 31 cases (19 males and 12 females) of spinal tuberculosis seen at the National Tuberculosis Centre from 1985 to 1989. The mean age was 35.4 years. The predominant clinical feature was backache (90.3%), while neurological features were found in 30.9%. An elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (in 80.0%) and a positive Mantoux test (in 70.9%) served as useful investigations. Spinal x-ray was abnormal in all cases, the lumbar spine being most commonly involved. Bacteriological or histopathological confirmation was obtained in only 29.0% of cases. The mainstay of treatment was anti-tuberculous chemotherapy with surgery being performed in 41.9% of patients.
authors.affiliation: National Tuberculosis Centre, Jalan Pahang, Kuala Lumpur.
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Jalleh
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kuppusamy
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Mahayiddin
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Yaacob
authors.forename: N A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Yusuf
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mokhtar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001416:Back Pain / Q000209:etiology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014399:Tuberculosis, Spinal / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: D000995:Antitubercular Agents