PAEDIATRIC TUBERCULOSIS: A CORRELATION OF PULMONARY AND CERVICAL LYMPH-NODE TUBERCULOSIS - A STUDY IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL.

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health concern, particularly in paediatric populations, where extrapulmonary manifestations, such as cervical lymphadenopathy, often complicate diagnosis and management. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and cervical lymph node tuberculosis (CLNTB) in children attending a tertiary care hospital. A prospective observational study was conducted over duration of 3 years, including 215 paediatric patients (aged ≤12 years) diagnosed with TB based on clinical, radiological, microbiological, and histopathological criteria. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were analyzed to assess the association between PTB and CLNTB.

Of the enrolled patients, 186 had PTB. Out of these 186 patients 74 had CLNTB, and [Z]% exhibited concurrent pulmonary and cervical lymph node involvement. Common symptoms included prolonged fever, cough, and weight loss, with cervical lymphadenopathy being the predominant extrapulmonary feature. Microbiological confirmation (via GeneXpert MTB/RIF or culture) was achieved in [48.83] % of PTB cases and [39]% of CLNTB cases. Radiological findings, such as hilar lymphadenopathy and parenchymal infiltrates, were frequently associated with CLNTB. Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation (p<0.05) between PTB and CLNTB, suggesting overlapping disease mechanisms.