Add-on prednisolone in the management of cervical lymph node tuberculosis

A total of 120 patients completed the study protocol. The two groups were similar with respect to age, sex, smoking, alcoholism, and clinical profile (p > 0.5). At 2 months, 54 out of 60 patients in Group I showed symptom relief when compared with 44 out of 60 patients in Group II (p < 0.001). Abscess, sinus, and/or appearance of new lymph node/s were noted in 3 and 13 patients in Group I and Group II, respectively (p < 0.001). Complete resolution was seen in 57 patients in Group I when compared with only 40 patients of Group II and sequel in form of residual LN was noted in three patients of Group I when compared with 20 in Group II (p < 0.001). Gastrointestinal side effects were reported by higher number of patients in Group I but skin rashes and joint pain were fewer when compared with Group II (p > 0.05). All the adverse reactions were transient and amenable to symptomatic treatment.