Abstract
Background
Lymph node tuberculosis (LNTB) represents the most common site of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Among children, due to non-specific clinical features, the diagnosis is often delayed. We aimed to compare the clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary features of LNTB between adults and children.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective study including patients hospitalized for LNTB in the infectious diseases and pediatric department between 1993 and 2018. Children aged ≤18 years were included.
Results
Overall, we encountered 231 cases of LNTB. There were 40 children (17.3%) with a mean age of 11±4 years and 191 adults (82.7%) with a mean age of 42±16 years. As to gender, females were more affected (adults: 67% vs children: 70%), with no significant difference (p >0.05). A family history of tuberculosis was significantly more frequent among children (20% vs 6.3%; p=0.01). Raw milk consumption (38.2% vs 30%; p >0.05) and close contact with animals (29.8% vs 35%; p >0.05) were noted among both adults and children. Fever (53.4% vs 32.5%; p=0.01), night sweats (35.8% vs 10%; p=0.001), loss of appetite (38.2% vs 17.5%; p=0.01) and weight loss (35.1% vs 15%; p=0.01) were significantly more frequent among adults. Tuberculin skin test was positive in 75.8% of the cases among adults and in 86.2% of the cases among children (p >0.05). Multifocal tuberculosis was significantly more frequent among adults (23.8% vs 5.7%; p=0.01). Antitubercular therapy was prescribed for a mean duration of 10±4 months among adults and for 9±3 months among children, with no significant difference (p >0.05). Side effects of antitubercular drugs were more frequent among adults (33% vs 10.3%), with a significant difference (p=0.004). Comparison of the disease evolution showed no significant difference between adults and children, regarding recovery (94.8% vs 90%), relapse (5.2% vs 5%) and death (0.5% vs 2.5%).
Conclusion
The clinical presentation of LNTB among children was less common and misleading. A family history of tuberculosis and a high index of suspicion might shorten the diagnostic delay.
Disclosures
All Authors: No reported disclosures
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