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Peripheral lymphadenopathy in children in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A study from biopsy material
Insights
Tuberculous lymphadenitis is the most frequent cause of palpable peripheral lymph nodes in children. This study analyzed 257 biopsies, finding tuberculosis in over 67% of cases, particularly in those under five years old.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Oncology
Background:
- Palpable peripheral lymph nodes are a common reason for pediatric primary care visits.
- Accurate diagnosis of lymphadenopathy is crucial for appropriate management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the primary causes of peripheral lymphadenopathy in children through excisional lymph node biopsies.
- To analyze the prevalence of different pathologies in pediatric lymphadenopathy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 257 excisional peripheral lymph node biopsies.
- Patient age range: four days to 15 years.
- Histopathological examination of biopsied lymph nodes.
Main Results:
- Tuberculous lymphadenitis was the most prevalent diagnosis, accounting for 67.3% of cases.
- Non-specific reactive lymphadenitis (20.6%) and malignant neoplasms (11.3%) were also significant findings.
- Among neoplasms, Hodgkin's disease was the most common (34.5%).
- Tuberculosis was more frequent in children under five years of age (50%).
Conclusions:
- Tuberculosis is the leading cause of peripheral lymphadenopathy in the pediatric population studied.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment of tuberculous lymphadenitis are essential in children.
- Malignant conditions, though less common, require consideration in the differential diagnosis.
Abstract:
Children are commonly brought to the primary physician because of palpable peripheral lymph nodes. In order to determine the common causes 257 excisional peripheral lymph node biopsies of children between four days and 15 years of age were analysed. The diagnoses made were: tuberculous lymphadenitis (67.3%), non-specific reactive lymphadenitis (20.6%), malignant neoplasm (11.3%) and histiocytosis-X (0.8%). Fifty percent of the children with tuberculous lymphadenitis were less than five years of age. Of the neoplasms Hodgkin's disease was the commonest (34.5%).