European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Aim:  clinicopathological profile of significant cervical lymphadenopathy in children
Material and methods: This study was retrospective and descriptive. Data has been taken from the case files of all patients seen at the Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College and Hospital, Pune(2021-2022). The age ranged from 1 month to 12 years.The Health Research and Ethics Committee of the Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College and Hospital, Pune approved the study and waived the requirement for informed consent.
Results: 50 patients, 72% IP and 28% OP, presenting the symptoms associated with lymphadenopathy were included in this study out of which 62% were male and 38% were female. The median age of presentation was observed to be 6.9 years. Swelling in neck as one of the symptoms was present in majority of patients (90%). Fever (70%), cough (70%), loss of appetite (40%), and sore throat (36%) were the other major symptoms shown by the patients. More than one symptom was shown be 68% of the patients. Majority of cases had lymph node of size 1-2 cm (76%), firm consistency (84%) and mobile (66%). The mot common site of inflammation was anterior cervical (48%) followed by posterior cervical (34%). Tenderness of lymph node was absent in 79% of the cases. Associated findings included tonsillitis (24%), ear infection (16%), hepato/spleenomegaly (16), orodental infection (6%), skin lesion and rash (4% each). Blood counts evaluation showed neutrophilia in majority of cases (56%), followed by leucocytosis (52%), anaemia (32%), lymphocytosis (24%) and eosinophilia (8%). ESR was normal in 64% of the cases.  Throat culture resulted in 50% of cases showing normal commensals while as streptococcus and staphylococcus was found in 33% and 16% of cases respectively. Cytological examination revealed reactive lymphadenitis in 46% cases, tubercular lymphadenitis in 32% cases and Suppurative lymphadenitis in 12% cases. However, 4% cases yielded inadequate aspirate. Mantoux test was negative in 66% of the cases. A total of 23 patients were sent for X-ray, out of which 12 (24%) showed normal X-ray findings.
Conclusion: The above results present the repertoire of evaluations with respect to the detection of lymphadenopathy in children. This study also emphasises the importance of considering various strategies in proper and early detection to ensure timely management of lymphadenopathy.