Pediatric tuberculous spondylitis – A study of the relationship of neurological status to different variables at tertiary centers in a developing country

Objectives Tuberculous spondylitis constitutes 50% of all tuberculosis (TB) cases involving the bones and remains a significant problem in developing countries. If not adequately managed, spinal TB can lead to complications and comorbidities for patients with high burdens, especially in young patients. This study aimed to determine patients’ profiles and the relationship between complications, morbidity, and nutritional status in pediatric TB spondylitis patients. Methods This analytical descriptive study was conducted at three hospitals in Indonesia. The study involved 142 pediatric TB spondylitis patients aged 0–18 from January 2018 to June 2023. Results The majority of patients were female and between 9 and 18 years old. Most patients had good nutritional status and presented with neurologic deficits. Septic shock and respiratory failure were significantly associated with neurological deficits, as were pressure ulcers. Conclusion The investigation yielded a single correlation between the deficit neurological condition and certain comorbidities, including gibbus and ulcerated decubitus. However, no statistically significant correlation between deficit neurological conditions and nutritional status was identified.