PERIPHERAL LYMPH NODE EXCISIONAL BIOPSY IN CHILDREN: YIELD IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE

AIM: To study the pediatric patients in a developing country undergoing peripheral lymph node excision biopsy in terms of demographics and histopathological ndings and evaluate the diagnostic yield of peripheral Lymph node excision biopsy in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 402 patients was done of the children undergoing peripheral lymph node st st excision biopsy in a tertiary care center from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2018 (6 years). Demographics, histopathological ndings and yields were studied. RESULTS: Out of the 402 patients, 218 (54.2%) were males and 184(45.8%) were females. Male to female ratio 1.18: 1. Maximum patients belonged to the age group of 4-6years (26.87%) followed by the age group of 2-4years of age (22.89%). Most common group of nodes excised were cervical (77.9%) followed by axillary and inguinal lymph nodes (9.2%) each. The most common etiology was reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (63.18%) in our study followed by tuberculous lymphadenitis(31.84%). Specic ndings were seen in 35.58% and non-specic ndings were seen in 64.42% patients. Malignancy was seen in 8 patients (2%). CONCLUSION: Peripheral Lymphadenopathy in pediatric population is always a diagnostic challenge. While FNAC tends to be investigation of choice for adults, in a developing country with limited resources and high prevalence of tuberculosis, peripheral lymph node biopsy is the gold standard with a good diagnostic yield and should always be considered for patients with persistent lymphadenopathy. Clinical significance: The study highlights the importance of excision biopsy in peripheral lymphadenopathy in children in a developing nation with limited resources and high prevalence of infectious diseases.