Epidemiology and management of infectious spondylitis in Korea: a narrative review

Infectious spondylitis, an infection of the vertebral body, intervertebral disc, or paraspinal tissues, poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This review examines the clinical approach and management of infectious spondylitis in Kore...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Kyung-Hwa Park
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Ewha Womans University College of Medicine 2024-07-01
Series:The Ewha Medical Journal
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.e-emj.org/archive/view_article?pid=emj-47-3-37
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1846120622883602432
author Kyung-Hwa Park
author_facet Kyung-Hwa Park
author_sort Kyung-Hwa Park
collection DOAJ
description Infectious spondylitis, an infection of the vertebral body, intervertebral disc, or paraspinal tissues, poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This review examines the clinical approach and management of infectious spondylitis in Korea. The incidence of pyogenic spondylitis has increased, primarily due to the aging population, more frequent use of invasive procedures, and higher prevalence of immunocompromising conditions. Conversely, tuberculous spondylitis has declined, reflecting shifts in population demographics and medical practices. Staphylococcus aureus remains the predominant causative agent in pyogenic cases, while Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the primary pathogen in tuberculous spondylitis. The diagnosis is contingent upon clinical suspicion, inflammatory markers, imaging studies, and microbiological identification. MRI is the preferred imaging modality, offering high sensitivity and specificity. Blood cultures and tissue biopsy are instrumental in isolating the causative organism and determining its antibiotic susceptibility. Treatment involves antimicrobial therapy, spinal immobilization, and vigilant monitoring for complications. Surgical intervention may be necessary in cases involving neurological deficits, abscesses, or spinal instability. The prognosis for infectious spondylitis varies. Long-term complications, including chronic pain, neurological deficits, and spinal deformities, may arise and can meaningfully impact quality of life. Mortality is considerable and is influenced by comorbidities and disease severity. The risk of recurrence, particularly within the first year after treatment, is a concern. This review underscores the importance of ongoing research and education in refining diagnostic and treatment strategies for infectious spondylitis. As this condition becomes more common, these efforts offer hope for improving patient care and reducing the burden of this severe spinal infection.
format Article
id doaj-art-f1a77923ee314b78b858c6deeb9450e5
institution Kabale University
issn 2234-2591
language English
publishDate 2024-07-01
publisher Ewha Womans University College of Medicine
record_format Article
series The Ewha Medical Journal
spelling doaj-art-f1a77923ee314b78b858c6deeb9450e52024-12-16T08:43:16ZengEwha Womans University College of MedicineThe Ewha Medical Journal2234-25912024-07-0147310.12771/emj.2024.e37emj-47-3-37Epidemiology and management of infectious spondylitis in Korea: a narrative reviewKyung-Hwa ParkInfectious spondylitis, an infection of the vertebral body, intervertebral disc, or paraspinal tissues, poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This review examines the clinical approach and management of infectious spondylitis in Korea. The incidence of pyogenic spondylitis has increased, primarily due to the aging population, more frequent use of invasive procedures, and higher prevalence of immunocompromising conditions. Conversely, tuberculous spondylitis has declined, reflecting shifts in population demographics and medical practices. Staphylococcus aureus remains the predominant causative agent in pyogenic cases, while Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the primary pathogen in tuberculous spondylitis. The diagnosis is contingent upon clinical suspicion, inflammatory markers, imaging studies, and microbiological identification. MRI is the preferred imaging modality, offering high sensitivity and specificity. Blood cultures and tissue biopsy are instrumental in isolating the causative organism and determining its antibiotic susceptibility. Treatment involves antimicrobial therapy, spinal immobilization, and vigilant monitoring for complications. Surgical intervention may be necessary in cases involving neurological deficits, abscesses, or spinal instability. The prognosis for infectious spondylitis varies. Long-term complications, including chronic pain, neurological deficits, and spinal deformities, may arise and can meaningfully impact quality of life. Mortality is considerable and is influenced by comorbidities and disease severity. The risk of recurrence, particularly within the first year after treatment, is a concern. This review underscores the importance of ongoing research and education in refining diagnostic and treatment strategies for infectious spondylitis. As this condition becomes more common, these efforts offer hope for improving patient care and reducing the burden of this severe spinal infection.http://www.e-emj.org/archive/view_article?pid=emj-47-3-37communicable diseasesincidencespinal tuberculosisspondylodiscitisrepublic of korea
spellingShingle Kyung-Hwa Park
Epidemiology and management of infectious spondylitis in Korea: a narrative review
The Ewha Medical Journal
communicable diseases
incidence
spinal tuberculosis
spondylodiscitis
republic of korea
title Epidemiology and management of infectious spondylitis in Korea: a narrative review
title_full Epidemiology and management of infectious spondylitis in Korea: a narrative review
title_fullStr Epidemiology and management of infectious spondylitis in Korea: a narrative review
title_full_unstemmed Epidemiology and management of infectious spondylitis in Korea: a narrative review
title_short Epidemiology and management of infectious spondylitis in Korea: a narrative review
title_sort epidemiology and management of infectious spondylitis in korea a narrative review
topic communicable diseases
incidence
spinal tuberculosis
spondylodiscitis
republic of korea
url http://www.e-emj.org/archive/view_article?pid=emj-47-3-37
work_keys_str_mv AT kyunghwapark epidemiologyandmanagementofinfectiousspondylitisinkoreaanarrativereview