The Appropriate DOTS Regimen Greatly Reduces the Disabilities in Polyarticular EPTB

Abstract

The placement of cases of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis (EPTB) on the appropriate Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (DOTS) regimen remains a problematic issue in India and often, consultants delay this, leading to significant avoidable pain, discomfort and reduction in the quality of life of the patients. In contrast, a prompt institution of the DOTS regimen can regress such problems, even at a delayed stage. The following case report on polyarticular tuberculosis which involved the bilateral knee and ankle joints without a pulmonary or disseminated form of tuberculosis, amply highlights these facts.

Multifocal skeletal tuberculosis in an immunocompetent patient: a case report

“…The symptoms are nonspecific, and the disease often presents with an indolent clinical course, usually leading to a delayed diagnosis as well as bone and joint destruction. A substantial number of patients report symptoms including pain and discomfort for over a year with reports of unsuccessful treatments for osteoarthritis [ 4 , 5 ].…”