Yogesh Yadav

THE SPECTRUM OF CERVICAL LYMPHADENOPATHY IN CHILDREN: A STUDY IN RURAL NORTH INDIA

INTRODUCTION: Cervical lymphadenopathy (CLA) is a frequently encountered problem in clinical practice in paediatrics patients. Lymphadenopathy is the disease that causes abnormality in size and consistency of lymph nodes. AIM: To determine the causes of persistent lymphadenopathy in children and to test a diagnostic approach in its management. METHODS: This study was performed at our institute, over two year period amongst children between ages of 1-15 years with persistent lymph node enlargement of >1 cm in diameter and >2 weeks duration. RESULTS: 38(76%) had unilateral cervical lymph node enlargement, while in 12 children (24%) the pathology was bilateral. We found that in 24 children (48%) the lymph nodes regressed in size over 2 weeks’ time and in 12 children, (24%) they regressed in 4 weeks’ time as proved by ultrasonography examination. Fever was the commonest systemic manifestation in these children (72%). CONCLUSION: Reactive lymphadenitis is the commonest cause of cervical lymph node enlargement in children. Majority of lymph nodes regress in 4 weeks’ time. Persisting lymph nodes more than 4 weeks warrant histological examination. Tuberculosis is a common cause of cervical lymphadenopathy among Indian patients.