Mycobacterial Diseases
Open Access

Erkens C

Publications

• Research Article
  Clinical Characteristics and Diagnostic Delay in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients in The Netherlands
  Author(s): Ijdema D, Magis-Escurra C, Horsting PP, Erkens C, Aarnoutse R and Boeree MJIjdema D, Magis-Escurra C, Horsting PP, Erkens C, Aarnoutse R and Boeree MJ
  
  Introduction: With declining TB incidences diagnostic delays, especially in extra-pulmonary TB, may increase. We describe the patient and clinical characteristics of patients with spinal TB and assessed the course of diagnostic delays of spinal TB from 2000-2011 in The Netherlands. Methods: Data from the Netherlands Tuberculosis Registry were studied, completed with basic demographic data and data considering patients-, doctors- and total diagnostic delay retrieved from the patient records at the public municipal health services. Results: A total of 274 cases were studied. Median diagnostic delay was five months and stable during this period. Sex and age groups were associated with significant differences in diagnostic delay (male 4.5 vs female 5.5 months), and 4.5-5 months in the youngest age group and persons>65 y.. View More»
  DOI: 10.4172/2161-1068.1000187

  Abstract PDF

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