Clinical and radiological outcomes after conservative treatment of TB spondylitis: is the 15 years’ follow-up in the MRC study long enough?

Introduction

Tuberculosis of the spine is a still a common disease entity, not only in developing countries but is also returning in developed countries especially in the immune-compromised patients. Conservative treatment with chemotherapy is still the main stay of treatment. This article focuses on the clinical and radiological outcomes, and problems with conservative treatment.

Method

The available literature of anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy in managing spinal tuberculosis was reviewed. Data sources included relevant literature of the English language identified through Medline search from 1946 to 2011. Personal experience and unpublished reviews from the authors’ institution were also included.

Results

Although majority of patients respond well to anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy, about 15 % of them develop paradoxical response. The Medical Research Council (MRC) studies have shown that for patients without significant neurological deficits, operative and conservative treatment could produce the same clinical outcome at 15 years follow-up. Patients treated operatively with debridement and spinal fusion with strut graft had faster bony fusion and less kyphotic deformity. In contrast, those treated with drugs alone or with simple debridement without fusion may result in disease reactivation, severe kyphosis or late instability, which in turn may lead to late-onset Pott’s paraplegia, back pain, sagittal imbalance and compromised pulmonary function that are difficult or risky to treat.

Conclusion

Recognition of the clinical and radiologic features of these late sequels is important for the management. Prevention of deformity in the early disease has been added to the modern standard of treatment of TB spine.

     

轻型脊柱结核药物治疗149例临床分析

目的评价药物治疗早期轻型脊柱结核的临床疗效,为完善轻型脊柱结核诊断标准及制定抗结核治疗方案奠定基础。方法回顾性分析2012年1月—2013年12月收治的早期诊断为轻型脊柱结核的149例患者临床资料。所有患者均接受异烟肼(H)、利福平(R)、乙胺丁醇(E)、吡嗪酰胺(Z)、左氧氟沙星(L)方案(6HREZL/6HREZ)抗结核治疗,辅以营养支持并完成2年随访。治疗期间每个月监测肝肾功能、红细胞沉降率(ESR)、C反应蛋白(CRP),治疗开始每隔3个月行影像学检查。随访期间根据临床治愈标准评价疗效,并分析治疗前后患者临床症状、疼痛视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分、病变愈合、ESR、CRP及药物不良反应发生情况及影像学检查变化。结果 138例经药物治疗获得临床治愈,11例在3个月内接受手术治疗。2年随访期间,所有患者疼痛缓解,恢复正常的日常活动,无神经功能障碍,骨质愈合,椎旁脓肿吸收;ESR及CRP恢复正常;抗结核药物不良反应轻微。结论 6HREZL/6HREZ方案治疗早期轻型脊柱结核疗效显著,抗结核药物治疗方案不良反应轻微,安全有效。     

Bone and joint tuberculosis

Introduction

Bone and joint tuberculosis has increased in the past two decades in relation with AIDS epidemics.

Material and methods

A literature review of bone and joint tuberculosis, focusing on Pott’s disease.

Results

Bone and joint TB comprises a group of serious infectious diseases whose incidence has increased in the past two decades, especially in underdeveloped countries, in part due to the AIDS epidemic. Tuberculous spinal infections should be suspected in patients with an insidious, progressive history of back pain and in individuals from an endemic area, especially when the thoracic vertebrae are affected and a pattern of bone destruction with relative disc preservation and paravertebral and epidural soft tissue masses are observed. Atypical tuberculous osteoarticular manifestations involving the extraspinal skeleton, a prosthetic joint, or the trochanteric area, and nontuberculous mycobacterial infections should be considered in favorable epidemiological contexts. Surgery combined with prolonged specific antituberculous chemotherapy is mainly indicated in patients with neurological manifestations or deformities, and provides satisfactory results in most cases.

Conclusions

Spinal tuberculosis is still a relative common extra spinal manifestation of spinal tuberculosis that requires a high degree of suspicion in order to avoid neurological complications and need of surgery.

     

脊柱结核个体化药物治疗的临床效果观察

目的 探讨药敏试验指导下的脊柱结核个体化药物治疗的临床效果.方法 选择2005年8月至2010年1月诊治的132例脊柱结核手术患者进行结核分枝杆菌培养和药敏试验,随访超过12个月者62例纳入本研究,其中男性37例,女性25例;年龄4～67岁,平均33.6岁.患者均接受手术治疗,术中收集脓液、干酪样组织,常规处理后接种培养液,使用BACT/ALERT 3D细菌自动培养分析系统快速培养,培养阳性者采用改良罗氏培养液按绝对浓度法进行药敏试验,并根据结果制定抗结核化疗方案.术后1、3、6、9、12个月复查各1次,以后每6个月复查1次,观察临床表现及红细胞沉降率、X线片、三维CT、MRI的变化,分析局部及全身结核病转归、术区骨性融合等情况.结果 检测耗时28～58 d,平均42 d;培养阳性率45.2%(28/62).耐药率达24.2%,其中异烟肼12.9%、利福平4.8%、乙胺丁醇3.2%、链霉素9.7%、帕司烟肼6.4%、左氧氟沙星14.5%、利福喷汀1.6%.随访时间12～44个月,平均21个月.术后2周内切口愈合率98.4%(61/62).椎间植骨均获Ⅰ级骨性融合,融合时间8～12个月.结论 耐药结核形势严峻,药敏试验指导下的脊柱结核个体化药物治疗是减少复发、复治的关键.     

The management of neglected spondylitis tuberculosis with dislocated C1 and C2 odontoid destruction: A case report

Introduction and importanceSpinal tuberculosis was the most common TB infection in human body. Musculoskeletal tuberculosis (TB) mostly affected lower thoracal or upper lumbar spine. However, TB infection can also occurs along vertebral spine. We reported a rare case about TB infection in cervical spine. We provided the clinical manifestation and therapeutic method for the patient. Cervical TB infection is a very rare case. Especially, when it involves in C1 and C2 like we provided on this case.Case presentationA 24 years-old male came to the orthopaedic clinic with neck pain that aggravated by neck movement. He previously diagnosed with TB infection on his lung within 3 months. We performed x-ray data to determine the source of neck pain. Examination revealed anterior collapse of C1, destruction of odontoid process, and soft tissue swelling. We also performed MRI cervical to assess the destruction of anterior corpus C1.Clinical discussionWe decided to operate the patient with reposition and posterior stabilization of C1 using occipital plate from posterior approach and added some synthetic bone graft. The medical treatment is anti-tuberculosis drugs, usually conducted conservatively in mild-to-moderate cases. But, if there is deterioration in neurological deficit or persisting deficit with spinal cord compression, such as C1 and C2 involvement, surgery can be considered. There are two types of surgery; posterior fixation and fusion and anterior release and posterior stabilization.ConclusionTB musculoskeletal infection must be evaluated regularly to consider the perfect time for additional surgical treatment. The good decision to operate the moderate to severe case could improve the patient’s functional outcome.     

结核分枝杆菌快速培养和常规药敏试验在脊柱结核治疗中的应用

目的 探讨BACT/ALERT 3D系统快速培养和绝对浓度法药敏试验对指导脊柱结核个体化化疗的应用价值,分析研究脊柱结核耐药情况.方法 根据临床表现、影像学表现、病理检查,50例患者诊断为脊柱结核,并接受手术治疗.收集术中所取脓液、干酪样组织.低温避光保存,8 h内送检,常规处理后接种液体培养基,使用BACT/ALERT 3D系统进行分枝杆菌快速培养.培养阳性者接种PNB和TCH培养基进行菌种鉴定,并将细菌接种至含药改良罗氏培养基,按绝对浓度法进行11种常用一线和二线抗结核药物药敏试验.结果 50例标本培养阳性21例(42%),人型结核杆菌19例,牛型结核杆菌2例.结核杆菌培养和药敏试验平均耗时41 d(28～58 d).其中耐药11例(52.4%),异烟肼耐药4例(19.0%),利福平和乙胺丁醇各1例(4.8%),链霉素3例(14.3%),力克肺疾2例(9.5%),左氧氟沙星8例(38.1%).结论 结核分枝杆菌快速培养和常规药敏试验准确度高,费用低,可检测常用一线和二线药物的敏感性,适用于指导脊柱结核个体化化疗方案的制定.异烟肼、利福平、吡嗪酰胺、乙胺丁醇或(和)链霉素联合用药方案对多数初治脊柱结核患者有效.     

耐多药脊柱结核的原因分析及处理对策

 目的 探讨耐多药脊柱结核的产生原因及临床处理对策。方法 回顾性分析2007年6月至2012年9月收治的16例耐多药脊柱结核患者的相关资料,男12例,女4例;年龄10~49岁,平均26.6岁;累及椎体44个,平均2.75个。胸椎9例,腰椎2例,胸腰段1例,腰骶椎3例,1例累及跳跃节段（T_8,9,T₁₂L₁）。合并肺结核5例,结核性胸膜炎4例,结核性脓胸3例,颈部淋巴结核1例,胸骨结核1例,胸壁结核1例;肾病综合征1例。根据药敏试验制订个体化抗结核治疗方案,分析手术次数与过程,经过长期随访判断治疗效果,并分析耐多药产生原因。结果 16例患者中接受1次外科手术者6例;2次外科手术者7例;3次手术者2例,其中1例第3次手术为一期后路内固定、前路再次病灶清除植骨术;4次外科手术者1例,第4次为窦道切除术。随访时间10~60个月,平均28.4个月。通过术后药敏试验结果及时调整化疗方案,末次抗结核治疗时间为24个月。2例患者分别在术后22个月和46个月复发并再次手术。截止末次随访,所有患者均处于结核稳定状态。16例患者中2例为初始耐药,14例为获得性耐药,原因为反复多器官结核致数次抗结核治疗失败;经历多次失败手术未调整化疗方案;出现严重药物不良反应而被迫中断化疗等。结论 早期进行结核菌培养并获取药敏试验结果,制定个体化的化疗方案并严密监测药物不良反应,选择合适的时机进行外科手术是防止和治愈耐多药脊柱结核的关键。     

单纯应用抗结核药物治疗早期脊柱结核的疗效观察

目的:探讨单纯应用抗结核药物治疗早期脊柱结核患者的疗效及适应证。方法:回顾性分析宁夏医科大学附属医院2000年1月～2007年6月收治的36例督导下单纯应用抗结核药物治疗脊柱结核患者的治疗情况,治疗方案为联合用药(3HRZS/1～15HRZ),疗程4～18个月。随诊观察临床表现、影像学(椎体愈合、后凸畸形)变化、神经功能改变及抗结核药物对机体的不良反应,根据疗效情况及时调整疗程。结果:全部病例随访3～5年。36例中,在完成4个月的超短程化疗疗程后,16例达到治愈;未愈者用药延长至9个月,14例治愈;其余6例通过长程化疗18个月获得治愈。8例(22%)出现药物副作用,通过暂停用抗结核药物并配以相应药物治疗恢复正常。末次随访患者全身低热消失、体重增加;局部疼痛症状减轻或消失;椎体骨性融合;6例后凸畸形轻度加重(均<30°,支具制动);血沉下降至正常范围。结论:对于早期脊柱结核病例,单纯应用规范的抗结核药物治疗能够取得满意的疗效。     

胸腰段结核术后未愈原因探讨及对策

目的:分析胸腰段结核术后未愈的原因并探讨其防治对策。方法:对2008年1月至2011年12月收治的12例胸腰段脊柱结核术后未愈患者进行回顾性分析,男5例,女7例;年龄42～65岁,平均51.3岁;初次手术时均有不同程度的胸腰段骨质破坏、椎旁脓肿形成、后凸畸形及神经功能损害,其中11例行病灶清除植骨融合内固定术,1例行病灶清除加自体髂骨移植术。术后2～6个月分别发现内固定松动、融合失败、椎旁脓肿形成及血沉升高而再次入院。予以调整抗痨方案,其中2例予多次脓肿穿刺利福平针局部灌注治疗,10例行再次手术病灶清除及调整内固定治疗。结果:经1～2.5年(平均1.8年)随访。9例最终获得治愈。3例术后2～4个月又发现血沉升高,椎旁脓肿形成再次住院治疗,脓肿培养发现对2种以上药物耐药,调整抗痨方案后,治疗效果仍不理想。结论:术前抗痨不充分、营养状况不良,术中病灶清除不彻底、固定方式不合理,术后病灶引流不畅、抗痨不规则及结核杆菌耐药是造成胸腰段结核术后不愈的主要原因。术前应全面评估患者局部及全身状况,制定个体化的手术方案,确保术中彻底清除病灶、重建脊柱稳定、解除脊髓压迫,配合术后有效、足程、规则、联合化疗是保证脊柱结核治愈的重要对策。     

脊柱结核后凸畸形发生的相关因素及研究进展

脊柱结核是导致严重脊柱后凸畸形的常见原因之一。脊柱结核后凸畸形的形成是受多因素影响的,主要包括感染时年龄、累计节段数、治疗前椎体丢失高度以及"脊柱危险体征"等。尽管抗结核药物的使用取得了良好的疗效,但对于药物治疗后治愈的脊柱结核患者,后凸畸形会继续进展,逐渐发展成为严重的后凸畸形。进而出现外观、心理、肋骨-骨盆撞击、心肺功能障碍以及神经脊髓压迫等一些列问题。治疗前椎体丢失高度和"脊柱危险体征"的X线征象有助于预测未来畸形发生的严重程度。因此,全面认识脊柱结核后凸畸形的形成以及尽早根据病变的具体情况,个体化选择手术方式,可以有效阻止后凸畸形的形成并减少脊髓神经功能损伤和迟发性瘫痪的发生率。     

Ultra-short-course chemotherapy for spinal tuberculosis: five years of observation

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the feasibility of ultra-short-course chemotherapy in the treatment of spinal tuberculosis.

Methods

One hundred and eighty-five patients with confirmed spinal tuberculosis and surgical indication were included. The chemotherapy regimen was 2SHRZ/XHRZ. According to the duration of the chemotherapy, the patients were divided into two groups, the ultra-short-course chemotherapy group with an average duration of 4.5 months, and the standard chemotherapy group with an average duration of 9 months. The same surgery was performed for patients in the two groups.

Results

The duration of the follow-up ranged from 61 to 87 months, with an average of 69.1 months. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein, kyphosis and nerve function, recovery of work, and activities of daily living were not significantly different between the two groups before or after treatment; however, the aforementioned indices were significantly different before and after treatment within groups. There was no significant difference in postoperative bone graft healing between the two groups. The drug side effects were significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions

With thorough focus debridement, bone grafting, and internal fixation, the efficacy of ultra-short chemotherapy was similar to that of standard chemotherapy for the treatment of spinal tuberculosis. The ultra-short-course chemotherapy can shorten the course of treatment and reduce drug side effects.     

脊柱结核合并截瘫再手术32例分析

目的探讨脊柱结核合并截瘫手术失败的原因及再次手术方法。方法回顾性分析2001年1月至2006年12月收治的既往手术治疗失败的脊柱结核合并截瘫患者32例（占同期患者的19％）,由前路开胸减压手术17例,肋骨横突切除侧后方减压15例;术后22例给予抗结核治疗。结果23例选择前路开胸病灶清除减压术、植骨治疗,有9例行钛板内固定;5例行侧后方经胸廓胸膜外减压术;2例复发病灶清除术;2例行单纯瘘管搔刮病灶清除术。术后继续抗结核治疗,其中26例截瘫完全恢复,5例部分恢复,1例无明显改善。结论对于脊柱结核合并截瘫患者,再次手术时行开胸病灶清除术解除脊髓压迫效果仍佳,而对于体质或肺功能状态差者可行经胸廓胸膜外手术治疗。     

Spinal tuberculosis: A review

Abstract

Spinal tuberculosis is a destructive form of tuberculosis. It accounts for approximately half of all cases of musculoskeletal tuberculosis. Spinal tuberculosis is more common in children and young adults. The incidence of spinal tuberculosis is increasing in developed nations. Genetic susceptibility to spinal tuberculosis has recently been demonstrated. Characteristically, there is destruction of the intervertebral disk space and the adjacent vertebral bodies, collapse of the spinal elements, and anterior wedging leading to kyphosis and gibbus formation. The thoracic region of vertebral column is most frequently affected. Formation of a ‘cold’ abscess around the lesion is another characteristic feature. The incidence of multi-level noncontiguous vertebral tuberculosis occurs more frequently than previously recognized. Common clinical manifestations include constitutional symptoms, back pain, spinal tenderness, paraplegia, and spinal deformities. For the diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis magnetic resonance imaging is more sensitive imaging technique than x-ray and more specific than computed tomography. Magnetic resonance imaging frequently demonstrates involvement of the vertebral bodies on either side of the disk, disk destruction, cold abscess, vertebral collapse, and presence of vertebral column deformities. Neuroimaging-guided needle biopsy from the affected site in the center of the vertebral body is the gold standard technique for early histopathological diagnosis. Antituberculous treatment remains the cornerstone of treatment. Surgery may be required in selected cases, e.g. large abscess formation, severe kyphosis, an evolving neurological deficit, or lack of response to medical treatment. With early diagnosis and early treatment, prognosis is generally good.     

Drug Susceptibility Testing Guided Treatment for Drug-Resistant Spinal Tuberculosis: A Retrospective Analysis of 19 Patients

Spinal tuberculosis is the most common manifestation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. However, there have been few reports on the topic of drug-resistant spinal tuberculosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of treatment with a combination of surgery and individual chemotherapy guided by drug susceptibility testing for drug-resistant spinal tuberculosis. We retrospectively analyzed 19 patients with drug-resistant spinal tuberculosis. After surgery, individual chemotherapy was tailored for each patient according to his or her drug resistance profile and previous history of chemotherapy. The patients were followed up clinically and radiologically for an average period of 36 months. Among 19 drug-resistant spinal tuberculosis cases, 16 were multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), and 3 were non–MDR-TB. The patients with MDR-TB and non–MDR-TB had undergone previous chemotherapy for an average of 12.50 ± 2.00 months (0–55 months) and 5.50 ± 1.20 months (0–60 months), respectively. A total of 16 patients underwent open operations, and the other 3 had percutaneous drainage and local chemotherapy. Patients received individual chemotherapy for an average of 24 months postoperatively. All patients had been cured at the final follow-up. Drug-resistant spinal tuberculosis is mainly acquired through previous irregular chemotherapy and the spread of drug-resistant strains. Treatment with a combination of surgery and individual chemotherapy is feasible in the treatment of severe complications and the prevention of acquired drug resistance.     

脊柱结核病灶治愈型截瘫39例报告

目的:探讨脊柱结核病灶治愈型截瘫的诊断标准、治疗和预防。方法:回顾性分析39例经本院确诊为脊柱结核病灶治愈型截瘫患者的临床资料及治疗结果。结果:39例中有34例行手术治疗,其中19例完全恢复,10例部分恢复,4例无变化,1例加重;未手术5例均无明显改善。结论:脊柱结核病灶治愈型截瘫是结核治愈后的晚期并发症,有其本身的特性,手术治疗可取得较好效果。     

Epidemiology of tuberculosis in WHO European Region and public health response

Purpose

To provide an overview of the tuberculosis (TB) and multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in the WHO European Region and evolution of public health response with focus on extra-pulmonary tuberculosis and Pott’s disease.

Methods

Authors reviewed regional strategic documents related to TB. The epidemiologic data were reviewed and analyzed.

Results

In the absence of associated pulmonary TB, Pott’s disease is reported as extra-pulmonary TB (up to 47 % of all TB cases in some settings). Due to limitations of the surveillance system, the epidemiology of Pott’s disease and its treatment success are unknown. The Stop TB Strategy and Consolidated Action Plan to Prevent and Combat M/XDR-TB provide comprehensive roadmaps to address all types of TB.

Conclusions

There is a need to further analyze country data to document the extent of Pott’s disease and develop specific guidelines for timely diagnosis and treatment of Pott’s disease.

     

脊柱结核的外科治疗与术后疗效评估

目的 采用一期病灶清除植骨、坚强内固定术治疗脊柱结核,术后对多项疗效指标进行观察和评估.方法 74例脊柱结核选自2003年10月至2006年10月手术的患者,其中有17例合并脊髓功能障碍,Frankel分级D级12例,C级5例.结核病灶位于颈椎12例、胸椎37例、腰椎25例.CT或MRI显示病灶有明显的死骨和脓肿,并有不同程度的后凸畸形.术前给予4周以上的抗结核化疗,术后动态观察结核中毒症状和脊髓功能的改善情况、畸形矫正和病灶愈合情况.结果 入院时红细胞沉降率平均为81.5 mm/1 h,C反应蛋白平均为41.6 mg/L,其中51例(68.9%)脊柱结核处于活动期.抗结核化疗4周后红细胞沉降率降至43.8 mm/1 h,C反应蛋白降至27.4 mg/L,结核中毒症状明显改善.术后第8～12周红细胞沉降率和CRP检测结果正常,结核症状及病椎疼痛消失.病椎植骨单节段融合时间平均4.3个月,双节段融合时间平均6.7个月,后凸畸形平均矫正74.9%,结核病灶治愈率为97.3%.术后12个月有3例患者仍扶拐行走(Frankel D级),其余患者脊髓功能恢复正常.结论 脊柱结核的外科治疗旨在彻底清除病灶和重建脊柱稳定性,进而提高治疗效果和缩短化疗时间.规范的抗结核化疗与充分的术前准备是手术成功和病灶治愈的重要保障.动态观察和全面评估疗效指标,对于判断手术疗效和病灶预后具有重要意义.     

A rare radiological appearance of lumbar tuberculous vertebral osteomyelitis

Spinal tuberculosis (TB), or Pott disease, has classically been recognized as a source of spinal deformities in unindustrialized countries. However, in industrialized countries with more access to sensitive imaging studies, Pott disease may be identified earlier as vertebral osteomyelitis with local complications, such as psoas abscess. In industrialized countries, persons at risk for Pott disease include the immunosuppressed, African Americans and those with a history of prior exposure to TB (Maron et al. Spine 31(16):E561–E564, 2006). This report describes an unusual case with a very interesting radiological appearance of spinal TB. A 30-year-old man presented with dull, progressive back pain. Radiological control showed complete destruction of the L4 vertebral body and partial destruction of the L3, as well as extensive bilateral paraspinal soft tissue infection. The patient underwent open biopsy, complete abscess drainage, lumbar spine stabilization and antituberculous chemotherapy.     

抗结核药睡前顿服法对流动人口患者服药依从性的影响

目的探讨抗结核药睡前顿服法对城镇中流动人员患者服药依从性的影响,寻找有效的服药管理模式。方法将服用一线抗结核药的非本市户籍结核患者随机分为对照组和观察组各40例,对照组常规采用早餐前顿服法服药,观察组采用睡前顿服法服药,治疗2个月后比较两组患者服药依从性及疗效。结果观察组患者服药依从性显著优于对照组(P<0.01);两组疗效比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论利用睡前顿服法能提高流动人口结核病患者服药依从性。