Spinal tuberculosis in adults: A study of 87 cases in Northwestern Nigeria
- Author:
LF Owolabi
;
MM Nagoda
;
AA Samaila
;
I Aliyu
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:Neurology Asia
2010;15(3):239-244
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background: Tuberculosis was a leading cause of mortality in the beginning of the twentieth century.
However, it continues to be a major public health problem in developing countries. This study aimed
to evaluate the clinical and radiological profi le of tuberculosis of the spine in northern Nigeria.
Methods: Eighty seven patients with tuberculosis of the spine were studied for 4 years, the patients
were recruited from in and outpatient Neurology Clinic of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, and Murtala
Muhammed specialist Hospital (MMSH), Kano. Clinico-radiologic evaluation was carried out. Results:
Eighty seven patients were recruited. There were 57 males and 30 females (M : F = 2 : 1), their age
ranged between 15 – 70 years and the mean age was 41.3 + SD 15.2. Farmers were mostly affected
(23%). Seventy fi ve percent of the patients presented more than 2 months after the onset of the illness.
Paraplegia/paraparesis, sensory impairment over the lower limbs (100%) and back pain (90.8%) were
the most common features. Nine (13.4%) patients had cauda equina syndrome and 3 (3.4%) had
cold psoas abscess. Ten (11.5%) patients had been treated for pulmonary tuberculosis previously, 10
(11.5%) patients had concomitant pulmonary TB. Fifty eight (66.7%) patient had paraplegia. Twenty
(23%) patients had normal fi nding on spinal X-ray.
Conclusion: Tuberculosis of the spine is a common cause of morbidity in Northwestern Nigeria. Thus,
there is increasing need to improve on the prevention of this disabling disorder.
- Full text:P020150902423742708435.pdf
