Abstract: Introduction: Due to lack of data for the early diagnosis and treatment of multi drug resistant spinal tuberculosis, the aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of multi drug resistant spinal tuberculosis and study the clinical outcomes.
Materials & methods: A total of 80 patients were selected for the study. On the basis of the clinico-radiological diagnosis the anti-tubercular treatment was started in all the included patients diagnosed with drug resistant spinal tuberculosis. All the tissue specimen from the biopsy and samples obtained were subjected to histopathological examination, CBNAAT and MGIT culture.
Results: Functional and clinical outcome of the patients were evaluated by VAS and ASIA grading. The baseline score of the VAS score was found to be 6 – 7, this score was used to compare with the follow up score. When VAS and ASIA score was compared with previous follow up visit VAS score, significant improvement was noted up to 9 months.
Conclusion: In conclusion, early detection of MDR Spinal Tuberculosis would be helpful to avoid consequences arising due to in appropriate chemotherapy and, hence, would also result in favourable outcomes. However, further similar studies with larger samples are needed before we can make definitive statement about the usage of CBNAAT Test as routine diagnostic tool in suspected MDR Spinal Tuberculosis cases.
