Comparison of platelet count in tuberculosis spine to other spine pathology.

PURPOSE: Haematological markers currently used to investigate TB spine vary from WCC, Anaemia, ESR and CRP. Platelet count in TB spine as a marker has been inadequately investigated.

METHOD: In this retrospective review, Platelet count in TB spondylitis on admission was compared to patients undergoing other elective spinal surgery (control) preoperatively. Comparisons of the platelets with ESR and the effect of HIV on platelet count in TB spine were also evaluated.

RESULTS

160 TB spine patients showed statistically significant higher platelet count when compared to 210 patients in the control group (p < 0.001). 52.5 % patients had a raised platelet count in the TB spondylitis group. Raised Platelet count had a sensitivity and specificity of 52.5 % and 86.2 %, respectively in TB spondylitis. ESR and platelet count had a Pearson correlation r = 0.31 (p < 0.001). HIV however did not statistically show any difference in the platelet count (p = 0.12).

CONCLUSION

A raised platelet count in spinal pathology may be used as an inflammatory marker of TB spondylitis.