Objectives: This study aims to describe the clinical profile of patients with tuberculosis of the spine admitted at PCMC from the year 2012-2022. Moreover, this study aims to describe the clinical profile (age, gender, BMI, area of residence) of the patients with tuberculosis of the spine admitted at PCMC from the years 2012-2022. It also aims to present the known BCG vaccination status, exposure and risk factors (nutritional factors, comorbidities), of these patients. This study presents the symptomatology (including the spinal level of involvement, and severity, sensory or motor dysfunction) and the medical and/or surgical treatment and the outcome of these identified patients.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review at PCMC analyzed children under 19 diagnosed with Pott’s Disease from January 2013 to December 2022. The study, approved by the Institutional Review Board, included demographic data, clinical manifestations, BCG vaccination status, treatment details, and outcomes, while excluding non-Filipino patients and readmissions.

Results: This study examined 41 pediatric patients with Pott’s disease at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center from 2012 to 2022, primarily affecting males aged 10-15. Most patients were from low-income backgrounds. Symptoms included chronic back pain, fever, and neurological issues, with advanced imaging required for diagnosis. While 93% had received BCG vaccinations, the correlation with disease severity was inconclusive. Treatment involved anti-tuberculous agents, with surgery for severe cases. Despite improvements, none were disease-free, highlighting chronic disabilities. The findings emphasize the need for better management of spinal tuberculosis and increased BCG vaccination among children in high TB-burden areas.

Conclusion: The study evaluated the clinical profile and clinical features of children with Pott’s Disease who were treated at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) between the years 2012-2022. The data from the study identifies the BCG vaccine may not prevent the onset of Pott's disease.

Keywords: Pott’s Disease, Clinical Profiles, Treatment Outcomes

Human ; Male ; Female ; Infant Newborn: First 28 Days After Birth ; Infant: 1-23 Months ; Child Preschool: 2-5 Yrs Old ; Child: 6-12 Yrs Old ; General Surgery ; Child ; Bcg Vaccine ; Mycobacterium Bovis ; Patients ; Risk Factors ; Tuberculosis, Spinal ; Vaccination

Aicardi Syndrome is an extremely rare genetic disorder characterized by infantile seizures/spasms, agenesis of the corpus callosum, chorioretinal lacunae, and learning disabilities. It is likely caused by a de novo mutation in a gene in the X chromosome. However, the gene that causes this syndrome is still not known. It is diagnosed based on clinical findings. Aicardi syndrome may present as a clinical spectrum, from mild to severe disease. In general, the younger the age at which epilepsy and learning disabilities are diagnosed, the more severe the epilepsy and learning difficulties become later in life. Hence, long-term surveillance and management are warranted. This paper presents a 6-month-old Filipino female who exhibited the classic triad of Aicardi Syndrome: profound seizure episodes; callosal agenesis and interhemispheric cysts; and chorioretinal lacunae. Several anti-epileptic drugs such as Phenobarbital, Clonazepam and Topiramate were given for the seizures. Ophthalmogic examination and retinal camera fluorescein angiogram were advised to be performed regularly as well as consistent neurodevelopmental follow-up.

Gelastic seizure is a rare seizure type, with laughter as the main ictal manifestation. In the presence of a hypothalamic hamartoma, laughing seizures are referred to as gelastic epilepsy which is seen in less than 5% of epilepsies [1]. These seizures begin during infancy with a progressive course and may present with precocious puberty and cognitive decline. In the absence of a hypothalamic hamartoma, gelastic seizures have a later onset and are more seldom encountered. These are seen in less than 1% of all epilepsies and occur as part of a frontal or temporal lobe epilepsy [1]. For gelastic seizures not associated with this lesion, prognosis is good since they are more responsive with AEDs and may be controlled by a single AED. This is a case report of a 7-year-old male who presented with recurrent attacks of spontaneous, mirthless, and inappropriate laughter associated with hyperkinetic movements. Workup did not show a hypothalamic hamartoma. Interictal EEG showed bilateral frontal lobe discharges in prolonged runs. He was given carbamazepine which provided adequate seizure control. This is the second case reported in this institution from 1992 until present.