Objective:T.B lymphadenitis(often cervical)is the most common type of extrapulmonary tuberculosis(EPTB) encountered all over the globe accounting for 25% of EPTB.It generally responds to treatment but sometimes has unfavourable outcomes.Present research was undertaken to study various such outcomes and possible predictive factors for them.

Methods:Study was conducted over 1year(Oct 2021-22)at K G Medical University,Lucknow,India.150 newly diagnosed patients using histopathological&microbiological methods(63male&87female)of drug sensitive tubercular cervical lymphadenitis were followed up for 6 months after starting anti tubercular treatment(ATT)&observations were recorded accordingly.Diabetes,HIV, pregnant&lactating females formed the exclusion criteria.

Results:57(38%)cases out of 150 were observed to have unfavourable outcomes including non resolving lymph nodes in 36(63%)cases,existing nodes got enlarged in 9(16%)cases,nodes developed at new sites in 7(12%)cases whereas 5(9%)patients developed sinus tract formation.Predictive factors were overlapping&included adverse outcome in patients who had bigger nodes,patients with multiple nodes&with bilateral involvement.Co-morbidity,treatment compliance,intolerance to ATT&development of resistance were other predictive factors.Incidentally more number of males(57%) developed unfavourable outcome as compared to females.Association was observed between socioeconomic status with lower class being worst affected with35(61%)cases

Conclusion:Although the fate of lymphadenitis is mostly unknown after starting ATT,patients should be thoroughly evaluated&comorbidities and compliance issues should be properly addressed.Paradoxical reaction should also be excluded.