PFAPA syndrome - Clinical case
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.34631/sporl.95Keywords:
PFAPA syndrome, relapsing fever, corticosteroids, tonsillectomyAbstract
Introduction: The PFAPA (periodic fever, aphtous stomatitis,
pharyngitis, cervical adenitis) syndrome is characterized
by recurrent episodes of high fever, aphtous stomatitis,
pharyngitis and cervical adenitis occurring mostly in children
younger than five years. The etiology is unknown and the
diagnosis is clinical and made by exclusion. This paper aims
to review literature - clinical, diagnosis and treatment -
complemented with the presentation of a clinical case.
Materials and methods: Literature search and document
analysis conducted through the database of Medline, Pubmed
and Ovid.
Results: The use of antibiotics or cimetidine is ineffective,
while corticosteroids and tonsillectomy, with or without
adenoidectomy, reduce the symptoms.
Conclusions: PFAPA syndrome is a rare disease, which
recognition can be difficult. The most effective medical
treatment are corticosteroids which, however, do not prevent
future recurrences. The most effective therapy in long-term
resolution of symptoms is tonsillectomy.
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