[Clinical and immunological features of tuberculous spondylitis]

The clinical and immunological features of tuberculous spondylitis are analyzed in adult patients. Based of the results of examination of 92 patients, the authors consider that all the patients may be arbitrarily divided into 2 groups according to the body's responsiveness and compensatory capacities. Group 1 patients have a 1-2 year history of tuberculosis, their T- and B-lymphocyte sensitization being less pronounced. These patients are compensatory, as evidenced by the high rate of formation of epidural abscess and by elevated central hemodynamic parameters. Group 2 patients are highly sensitized with tuberculous antigen in the T and B immunity systems. In these patients, the specific process is accompanied by a more pronounced spinal cord compression. At the same time, more steady-state central and peripheral hemodynamic parameters are indicative of the development of compensatory mechanisms just in these patients.