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Scrofula

Alternative Names: Tuberculous adenitis Treatment: When infection is caused by Mycobacteriumtuberculosis, treatment is usually with 9 to 12 months of antibiotics. Several antibiotics need to be used at once, to avoid the bacterium becoming antibiotic-resistant. Common antibiotics for scrofula include: INH rifampin pyrazinamide ethambutol Text Continues Below When infection is caused by mycobacteria other than Mycobacterium tuberculosis, as is often seen in children, therapy usually involves antibiotics, such as rifampin, ethambutol, and clarithromycin. Surgery is seldom necessary, and is reserved for cases where medical therapy is only partially effective. Expectations (prognosis): Recovery is usually complete. Complications: scarring formation of a draining fistula in the neck (especially after biopsy) Calling your health care provider: Call your provider if your child has a swelling or group of swellings in the neck. Scrofula can occur in children without exposure to someone with tuberculosis.

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