A Statistical Analysis of the Causes of Palpable Lymph Glands in the New-Born

Abstract

The variation in the number of discernible lymph nodes in the new\x=req-\ born has given rise to divergent views concerning the normal occurrence. The epidermis and subcutaneous tissue of an infant are so thin and soft that a nerve or artery, a bony protuberance or tendon can readily be misinterpreted as an enlarged gland. External factors, such as coryza, infection and fever, influence the relatively unstable system of the new-born and bring about enlarged lymph nodes. Prenatal factors, such as syphilis, must also be considered. The purpose of this study is to analyze, in a carefully controlled group of cases, some of the manifold causes which give rise to the palpable glands of the new\x=req-\ born. We are grateful to the Asbury Hospital, Minneapolis, for cooperation in the collection of material, and we are also indebted to Drs. R. E. Scammon and W. P. Larson for their valuable suggestions.The results of previous work done upon this subject are somewhat antagonistic. Jensen 1 published a work upon palpation of the occipital and cervical glands of the new-born during the first nine days of life. He comes to the conclusion, after a study of 240 babies, that no patho¬ logic significance can be attached to the frequent discovery of palpable lymph nodes and that the explanation of this condition on the basis of an infection is illogical. Coerper,2 after a study of 100 new-born infants, concluded that the swelling of the glands must be due entirely to either an infection or a physiologic activity of the lymph system. Baer 3 agrees with Coerper that the palpability of peripheral glands in the new-born signifies nothing pathologic and presupposes, therefore, no preceding sickness. He also arrives at the sensible conclusion that it is extremely difficult to distinguish between normal glands which are just palpable and moderately pathologic enlargements. He advances this explanation as a reason for the variation in the results of different