[Hypercalcemia complicating BCG lymphadenitis: case report]
W Kojmane1, S Chaouki1, F Z Souilmi1
1CHU Hassan II, 60000 Fez, Maroc.
Insights
A BCG vaccine side effect, lymphadenitis, can cause hypercalcemia in infants. Standard treatments failed, but antituberculous therapy effectively reduced the infant's high calcium levels.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination is a common preventive measure against tuberculosis.
- A known side effect of the BCG vaccine is local infection, potentially leading to lymphadenitis.
- Lymphadenitis, while often self-resolving, can sometimes present with unusual complications.
Abstract:
One of the side effects of the BCG vaccine is a local infection that may spread to the regional lymph nodes causing lymphadenitis, which can resolve spontaneously without treatment. We report the case of an immunocompetent infant who developed lymphadenitis after administration of the BCG vaccine, complicated with persistent symptomatic hypercalcemia in spite of the usual treatment including corticotherapy. Antituberculous treatment was necessary to reduce this hypercalcemia.