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Potts Disease in Children

Pott's disease in children is a serious condition that affects the spinal column and other joints of the body. It is related to tuberculosis infection and is spread from the lungs, through the blood and then from one spinal disc to another. In children, the disease most commonly affects the spinal column system, although it can be present in almost any joint throughout the body. Most often, the illness spreads downward, from one vertebra to another until the entire spine is affected.

  1. Who Gets It?

    • Pott's disease in children is more common in countries with poor economic and sanitary conditions. These countries may be more prone to tuberculosis infections, particularly if families live communally in large groups. In the United States, Pott's disease is most common among immigrants and among adults. Dr. Richard Draper of Patient UK states that it is an illness that affects children more often in countries such as Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and China. In terms of gender, Pott's disease occurs more often in males than it does in females.

    Risk Factors

    • According to Dr. Draper, there are several risk factors for Pott's disease in children and adults. One of the primary risk factors is being HIV positive or having developed AIDS. Both of these conditions are susceptible to infections such as tuberculosis. Another risk factor is poor socioeconomic conditions. As stated, being an immigrant from one of the countries mentioned or living in cramped environments can make tuberculosis a rampant infection and may result in Pott's disease in children living in such conditions and become infected.

    Symptoms

    • Dr. Draper states that the onset of Pott's disease is gradual. Initially, the patient may complain of having low back pain. This pain progresses to fever, night sweats, lack of appetite and unexplained weight loss. As the illness progresses and moves from the lungs through the circulatory system and to the spinal column, swelling of the spinal lumbar discs may become evident through the skin. Additionally, the patient may appear to be sitting upright stiffly. Finally, a lump in the groin area that resembles a hernia may appear. This is called a psoas abscess.

    Treatment

    • Treatment for Pott's disease in children often includes a period of immobilization while the illness works through. Dr. Draper states that medications for tuberculosis are most often included as part of the treatment. Additionally, doctors may recommend surgery to relieve pressure from the overly swollen vertebral discs and to drain the fluid that may have accumulated in the abscess or along the spinal column.

    Prognosis

    • Although progress and treatment can be slow---taking several weeks to months to years---once the tuberculosis is resolved, then Pott's disease will also resolve. The key to a good prognosis is early intervention. With prescription chemotherapy, the prognosis for most individuals is good. However, according to Dr. Draper the later the patient receives a diagnosis and treatment, the longer the recovery time required.

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