A paradoxical reaction (PR) is not an unusual occurrence in immunocompetent children with tuberculosis (TB); PR is defined as the clinical or radiological worsening of pre-existing TB lesions in a patient who has initiated anti-tuberculosis treatment.

During the study period, five of 51 children diagnosed with TB matched the definition of PR (9.8%), consistent with the results of previous studies.

There is no consensus regarding the use of corticosteroids in the treatment of PR.

Steroid treatment was administered to all of the patients in this study, and all had a favourable outcome.