Conservative management of renal tuberculosis

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Infectious Diseases
• Urology

Background:

• Renal tuberculosis (kidney TB) requires effective management strategies.
• Conservative approaches are often considered for renal TB.
• Ureteric obstruction is a potential complication of renal TB.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on the outcomes of conservative management for renal tuberculosis.
• To evaluate the efficacy of chemotherapy and corticosteroid treatment in renal TB patients.
• To assess the incidence and management of ureteric obstruction in renal TB.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 60 patients with renal tuberculosis.
• Treatment included chemotherapy and, for obstruction, corticosteroids.
• Surgical intervention (nephrectomy) was considered in select cases.

Main Results:

• All patients achieved negative bacteriology following chemotherapy.
• 2 patients (3.3%) relapsed due to inadequate treatment adherence.
• 50% of patients presented with ureteric obstruction, which resolved in 72% with corticosteroids.
• Nephrectomy was performed in only 4 patients (6.7%), with limited valid indications.

Conclusions:

• Conservative management, including chemotherapy, is highly effective for achieving bacteriological cure in renal tuberculosis.
• Corticosteroids are beneficial in managing ureteric obstruction associated with renal TB.
• Nephrectomy should be reserved for specific, well-defined indications in renal TB management.