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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Positive TB Skin Test In A Child?

Hello Doctor,



I am presently in US(Boston) with my family having a 14 month old baby girl named Ninitha. My kid has just arrived from India . So we went for a normal check up for my kid to a pediatric consultant. As per their procedure they took TB skin test which exactly after 49 hours resulted in around 10mm of small red spot and said the baby has positive infection on TB. Then adviced us for an Xray and the Xray result was negative.

So the doctor has prescribed isoniazid syrup 10ml daily once for 9 months. I have not started the medication

I am really worried if my kid is really infected. I studied that the BCG vaccine which is given in India during the first few days of birth will also result positive skin test. Please need your advice . Kindly help



Should I undergo QFT Gold test which would confirm infection. None of my family members have any symptoms of TB . Also I am relly worried of the side effects of consuming the syrup for 9 months without an infection.







                                                                 
Mon, 29 Sep 2014
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Pediatrician 's  Response
Thank you for asking querry.
Nice description,i think you studied nice for the subject.

According to indian guidelines if the child has following then its need to beinvestigated
--persistent fever or cough x 2 weeks
--loss of weight
--history of contact with TB

Still i dont think its necessary to start medicines immediately.

If still needed do gastric lavage/bronchoalveolar lavage as next investigation
or CT chest to find any focus,then consider for treatment.

Hope you find this helpful.
Rate the above answer if you like it.
Regards,
Dr rushikesh kute
I find this answer helpful

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What Causes Positive TB Skin Test In A Child?

Thank you for asking querry. Nice description,i think you studied nice for the subject. According to indian guidelines if the child has following then its need to beinvestigated --persistent fever or cough x 2 weeks --loss of weight --history of contact with TB Still i dont think its necessary to start medicines immediately. If still needed do gastric lavage/bronchoalveolar lavage as next investigation or CT chest to find any focus,then consider for treatment. Hope you find this helpful. Rate the above answer if you like it. Regards, Dr rushikesh kute