Abstract: Objective To investigate clinical features, treatment and outcome of tuberculosis complicated in maintenance hemodialysis patients. Methods During the period from January to December in 2006, 4 tuberculosis cases were found in the 116 maintenance hemodialysis patients in our hemodialysis center. Their clinical, laboratory and medical imaging data were collected and their clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and outcome were retrospectively analyzed. Results The 4 cases (3.45%) had extra-pulmonary tuberculosis of unknown origin, lymph node tuberculosis, tuberculous pleural effusion and tuberculous peritoneal effusion, respectively. The predominant feature was fever without other toxic symptoms and without responses to the commonly used antibiotics. An empirical trial of anti-tuberculosis medication was given after tumors and other bacterial infections were excluded. Two to eight weeks after the treatment, the symptoms relieved obviously. Fever, enlarged lymph node, pleural effusion and peritoneal effusion disappeared after the treatment for 6-9 months. Conclusion The symptoms of tuberculosis infection are usually atypical in maintenance hemodialysis patients. Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis is frequently encountered. If the diagnosis of tuberculosis can not be excluded clinically, an empirical trial of anti-tuberculosis medication should be prescribed.

Key words: Tuberculosis, Outcome