Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
03:47
A Retrospective Study on Endoscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Paravertebral Abscess in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients
Published on: October 25, 2024
Occult Tuberculosis in Dialysis Patients Is Rarely Straightforward: Retrospective Case Series
Salah K Essa1, Mahmoud Sami Mohammed2, Mohamed Salah Essa1,3
1SEHA Kidney Care, SEHA, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (PureHealth Asset), Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Biomedicine Hub
|June 25, 2026
Summary
Diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) in dialysis patients is challenging due to atypical presentations. Early empirical treatment is crucial for diagnosis and survival, especially in endemic populations, even with negative initial tests.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis in dialysis patients presents challenges due to extrapulmonary involvement and nonspecific symptoms.
- Dialysis patients often exhibit atypical TB manifestations, complicating early detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical spectrum and outcomes of TB in dialysis patients.
- To highlight diagnostic difficulties and the efficacy of empirical treatment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series and data analysis over a 14-year period (2011-2024).
- Reviewed 6 cases of TB among 200 hemodialysis patients.
- Diagnostic criteria included fluid analysis, treatment response, and tissue biopsy.
Main Results:
- Most TB cases in dialysis patients involved extrapulmonary sites with delayed diagnosis.
- First-line antituberculous medications were safe and effective.
- Microbiological tests (smear, PCR, TST) showed limitations in sensitivity and specificity.
Conclusions:
- TB must be strongly suspected in dialysis patients from endemic areas with unexplained inflammatory conditions or effusions.
- Empirical antituberculous treatment can be diagnostic and life-saving, even with negative initial microbiological results.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Medical management of tuberculosis (TB) patients involves a comprehensive approach that includes diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. The specific strategies can vary depending on the type of tuberculosis (latent or active), the patient's overall health status, and other considerations.
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
01:26Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Tuberculosis, more commonly referred to as TB, is an infectious disease stemming from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily impacts the lungs, TB can also affect other body areas. Given its severity and global impact, timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for controlling its spread and improving patient outcomes.
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
01:31Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
01:23Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health concern, primarily targeting the lungs and spreading through airborne transmission. Infection begins when aerosolized droplet nuclei, expelled by an individual with active TB, are inhaled by another person. These microscopic particles carry Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of TB. Upon reaching the alveoli, the bacilli are engulfed by alveolar macrophages. However, due to their specialized lipid-rich cell wall, these pathogens...