Post BCG Vaccination Lymphadenitis with or Without Supporation, What is the Optimum Management

Abstract

Background:The Bacille-Calmette-Guerin (BCG), a living attenuated vaccine with characteristic residual virulence, has been used to prevent tuberculosis since 1921. The world health organization (WHO) has recommended BCG Vaccination as a part of the global expanded program for immunization (EPI) in developing countries. Lymphadenitis with or without suppuration is the most common complication of this vaccination.

Study Design: Retrospective Study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Nishtar Hospital, Multan Pakistan and King Faisal Hospital Taif, KSA between May 2009 to June 2012.

Materials and Methods: All patients referred to pediatric surgical service in a period of three years were retrospectively studied for optimum management.

Results:  Our all 28 patients underwent surgical management and were advised antituberculous treatment but only 6 (21.4%) were compliant with medical treatment. All patients recovered after surgery with or without antituberculous treatment.

Conclusion: Optimum treatment for post BCG lymphadenitis who are unresponsive to medical treatment is surgery. Post operative antituberculous treatment seems to be unnecessary.