[angelkisses0102]

He has a scar that almost looks like a cigaretts burn on his shoulder. Can anyone tell me what their child's scar looks like?

Although my kids are from Russia, my son's scar looks exactly like a burn mark...if fact a 'stupid' pediatrition tried to tell me that me son was abused based on his scar...duh! Obviously we never went back to him.

[Holifield99]

You guys are the best! My husband keeps asking me why I check the forum so often. I learn something new almost every time. Hope does not have a scar on her shoulder, but does have one on her upper thigh that looks like a small burn. I've always wondered what it was. Now I know!

[iammonikasmom]

Our first tested pos. with a very lge raised react. We did chest xray and all and our CDC based on the size rec. treatment. CDC felt that not only BCG but some exposure, We treated for 9mo and made out fine

[csw]

Hi
The protocol is to have your internationally adopted child tested immediately upon arriving home..BCG or not..
that is why I am a HUGE fan of the Quantiferon blood test..it is important to get your child tested, as they can convert from latent to active TB mostly in the first year or two after exposure..TB can be especially dangerous for babies/young kids as it can 'spread' to the brain and other organs..Even after a negative CXR they may still be harboring the TB bacteria..it is called Latent TB Infection.. the blood test can tell the difference between the bacteria in the BCG vaccine, from cows..vs the human strains..

I agree that PPD's can cause reactions in kids who have had a BCG vaccine....Ana had a PPD and she got a fever and slurred speech afterwards..her vaccine was reactivated..the experts say this can't happen but our doctor (at the TB clinic) says he see's it all the time..

We will have her pediatrician do a notarized letter to put into Ana's chart stating she had a positive PPD but negative CXR and negative Quantiferon and she is to never have another PPD.

Your newly adopted baby/child frequently has titers drawn for immunizations, a cbc and other blood work upon arriving home..but unfortunately only specialized labs do this Quantiferon and it has to be brought right to the lab after being drawn...it can't be mailed or sent anywhere etc..you can call the company that makes the blood test and they will tell you the closest place to you that does it..

[laburton3]

THat is what Antonio's looks like. I bet that is what it is!

[mcoops04]

I've been speaking with our ped about the Quantiferon test, and he referred me to a recent article saying that there is insufficient data to tell whether it's effective on infants. Has anyone else run across this? Any advice? We'd really like to avoid a repeat PPD and the isoniazid route if possible.

[kcbailey777]

I worked as a HR Director at a social service agency. We required everyone to be tested. I was shocked at how many people test positive. I would say about 25%. We just required a chest x-ray every two years for those who test positive. I would get a second opinion because I would not want my child to take meds for 9 months for no reason. I think doctors just assume things about our children and don't want to be sued.

Lisa

[mcoops04]

I think the issue is that the CDC has a protocol, and it doesn't take into account the BCG vaccination, and operates on a better-safe-than-sorry basis. I'm hoping that someone has more current information about the effectiveness of the Quantiferon test.

[yaddakal]

We were told that Maya will probably test positive too.

[KKR213]

My son also tested positive on an culture they ran on an abcess on the BCG vaccination site. He didn't test positive on the PPD tests (he had to be retested). He also had a chest x-ray which was clear. The doctor is going to have another PPD test done in 2 months. I hope it comes out negative since he wants to put him on the meds if not.

And if the test is postive, more than likely your state/local health department will be involved. The state spoke with the doctor and my town health dept called me.

Good luck!

[patti Daniels]

Make sure your doctor is aware that he might have received the vaccine for TB. If he has, he should never be tested for TB again. He can receive a chest x-ray. Please talk to your doctor.