pediatrics
PFAPA Syndrome
Introduction
PFAPA (periodic fevers with aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis) syndrome is a periodic fever syndrome that typically manifests between ages 2 years and 5 years; it is characterized by febrile episodes lasting 3 to 6 days, pharyngitis, aphthous ulcers, and adenopathy. Etiology and pathophysiology are undefined. Diagnosis is clinical. Treatment can include glucocorticoids,colchicine,cimetidine, and, rarely, tonsillectomy. PFAPA (periodic fevers with Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis , pharyngitis, and adenitis) syndrome is the most common periodic fever syndrome among children. Although genetic causes have not been determined, this syndrome tends to be grouped with Febrile episodes typically last 3 to 6 days and recur about every 21 to 28 days. The syndrome causes fatigue, chills, and occasionally abdominal pain, arthralgia, and headache, as well as fever, pharyngitis, aphthous ulcers, and lymphadenopathy. Patients are healthy between episodes, and growth is normal. 