Abstract
Background: Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is an uncommon condition that can evolve to severe neurologic deficit or death if the diagnosis is delayed. We noticed an increase in the number of cases of SEA, with the majority in patients with chronic renal failure. The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between chronic renal failure (CRF) and spinal epidural abscess (SEA).
Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted with the medical records of CRF patients who were treated for SEA in a single tertiary center. Clinical and demographic characteristics of the patients (age, gender, clinical symptoms, underlying conditions, predisposing factors, level of the abscess, causative organisms, preoperative motor status), treatments and outcomes were reviewed retrospectively. Levels of inflammatory markers (white blood cell, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and albumin were evaluated.
Results: Seven (58.3%) males and five (41.7%) females, with a mean age of 65.7±8.6 years (range, 56 to 82 years) were evaluated in this study. The most common symptoms were back pain and motor weakness. The functional status of 4 patients (33.3%) was unchanged after surgery, while seven patients (58.3%) had functional improvements. Significant improvements were observed regarding blood levels of inflammatory markers and albumin after the treatments.
Conclusion: The present study showed that surgical procedures have an important role in the management of SEA in patients with CRF.

Key words: Chronic renal failure, spinal epidural abscess, spinal surgery