title: Tuberculous spondylitis in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing chronic hemodialysis therapy.
abstract: Tuberculosis of the spine is not rare in immunocompromised patients and particularly in those with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Furthermore, the possible vascular compromise of the spinal cord in patients with diabetic nephropathy may result in symptoms of neurological involvement that could lead to deterioration and paralysis. We report a series of 4 patients with ESRD undergoing dialysis that developed tuberculous spondylitis of the thoracic spine. Diabetic nephropathy was the primary cause for chronic kidney disease in 2 patients; 3 of these patients were treated conservatively with anti-tuberculous medication and orthotic splints and were cured. The fourth patient with diabetes mellitus and clinically evident signs and symptoms of severe vascular insufficiency has additionally developed incomplete paraplegia. A complete sensory recovery and partial recovery of the hip flexors and abductors within 3 months occurred, following decompression of the spine and drainage of the abscess, in combination with long-term anti-tuberculous treatment and spinal orthosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Democritus University of Thrace, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Verettas
authors.forename: A N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Ververidis
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Boyiatzis
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Panagoutsos
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Galanis
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Passadakis
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kazakos
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Vargemezis
mesh_terms: D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D013166:Spondylitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae; D014399:Tuberculosis, Spinal / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D000995:Antitubercular Agents