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Banh Chong T, Sagot O, Alexis M, Brehin C, Brochard K, Gallois Y. Efficacy of partial tonsillectomy in periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and adenitis syndrome: a STROBE retrospective observational study. Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis 2024:S1879-7296(24)00102-9. [PMID: 39322492 DOI: 10.1016/j.anorl.2024.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION PFAPA (Periodic Fever, Aphthous stomatitis, Pharyngitis, Adenitis) or Marshall syndrome is the most frequent cause of recurrent auto-inflammatory fever in children. Frequent episodes impair the child's quality of life and family life. Total tonsillectomy demonstrated efficacy in improving symptoms, but few studies assessed partial tonsillectomy in this indication. The aim of the present study was to assess postoperative course after partial tonsillectomy for PFAPA syndrome, with comparison to total tonsillectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective cohort study adhered to STROBE guidelines. It included children with PFAPA syndrome on EUROFEVER criteria, treated by partial or total tonsillectomy between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2022 in our university hospital center. For comparisons, the significance threshold was set at P<0.005. RESULTS Thirty-six children were included: 16 with partial and 20 with total tonsillectomy. With partial tonsillectomy, the number of episodes decreased by 10 per year (range, 5-21) (P<0.005) over 6 years' follow-up. The decrease was 50% with partial tonsillectomy and 93% with total tonsillectomy (P=0.056). The decrease in number was statistically suggestive (P=0.028). There were no complications with partial tonsillectomy and 2 patients with complications (10%) with total tonsillectomy. Two of the 16 patients with partial tonsillectomy (12.5%) required totalization, achieving remission in both cases. CONCLUSION Partial tonsillectomy significantly reduced the frequency, duration and intensity of postoperative episodes in PFAPA syndrome. It may be less effective than total tonsillectomy, but has a lower risk of complications awaiting remission in adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Banh Chong
- Service d'Oto-Rhino-Laryngologie et Chirurgie Cervico-Faciale, Centre Hospitalier de Toulouse, Hôpital Larrey, 24, Chemin de Pouvourville, 31059 Toulouse cedex, France.
| | - O Sagot
- Service d'Oto-Rhino-Laryngologie et Chirurgie Cervico-Faciale, Centre Hospitalier de Toulouse, Hôpital Larrey, 24, Chemin de Pouvourville, 31059 Toulouse cedex, France
| | - M Alexis
- Service d'Oto-Rhino-Laryngologie et Chirurgie Cervico-Faciale, Centre Hospitalier de Toulouse, Hôpital Larrey, 24, Chemin de Pouvourville, 31059 Toulouse cedex, France
| | - C Brehin
- Service Pédiatrie - Maladies Infectieuses, Centre Hospitalier de Toulouse, Hôpital des Enfants, 330, Avenue de Grande Bretagne, TSA 70034, 31059 Toulouse cedex, France
| | - K Brochard
- Service de Pédiatrie - Néphrologie, Médecine Interne, Hypertension, Centre Hospitalier de Toulouse - Hôpital des Enfants, 330, Avenue de Grande Bretagne, TSA 70034, 31059 Toulouse cedex, France
| | - Y Gallois
- Service d'Oto-Neurologie et ORL Pédiatrique, Centre Hospitalier de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Place du Docteur Baylac, TSA 40031, 31059 Toulouse cedex, France
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Bagrul İ, Aydin EA, Tuncez S, Baglan E, Özdel S, Bülbül M. Effect of Colchicine Treatment on Clinical Course in Children with PFAPA Syndrome. KLINISCHE PADIATRIE 2024; 236:296-300. [PMID: 38387479 DOI: 10.1055/a-2274-9046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis syndrome (PFAPA) is the most common periodic fever condition in children. There is no consensus on treatment to prevent attacks and reduce their frequency. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of colchicine treatment in PFAPA syndrome. In addition, we described the demographic and clinical features of PFAPA patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 58 PFAPA patients who were started on colchicine treatment between January 2017 and January 2022. Demographic data, clinical features, laboratory tests, genetic analysis of MEditerranean FeVer (MEFV) mutations, and autoinflammatory disease activity index (AIDAI) scores of all patients were evaluated. In addition, patients were divided into two groups according to MEFV variants and compared. RESULTS Attack frequency, duration, and AIDAI scores decreased in all patients after colchicine treatment. Duration of follow-up was 13.53±6.65 months. The median±IQR age at diagnosis was 3.2 (2-5) years. Thirty three (56.9%) patients had heterozygous mutations of MEFV. The most common MEFV variants were M694V (63.6%). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of colchicine responses. CONCLUSION Colchicine treatment is effective and safe in patients with PFAPA who have frequent attacks. No association was established between the presence of heterozygous mutations of MEFV and colchicine response.
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Affiliation(s)
- İlknur Bagrul
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Ankara Etlik Integrated Health Campus, ANKARA, Turkey
| | - Elif Arslanoglu Aydin
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Ankara Etlik Integrated Health Campus, ANKARA, Turkey
| | - Serife Tuncez
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Ankara Etlik Integrated Health Campus, ANKARA, Turkey
| | - Esra Baglan
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Ankara Etlik Integrated Health Campus, ANKARA, Turkey
| | - Semanur Özdel
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Ankara Etlik Integrated Health Campus, ANKARA, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Bülbül
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Dr Sami Ulus Gynecology Obstetrics and Child Health and Diseases Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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Rydenman K, Berg S, Karlsson-Bengtsson A, Fasth A, Wekell P. Antibiotic prescriptions to children with periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis. Acta Paediatr 2024; 113:1927-1933. [PMID: 38747530 DOI: 10.1111/apa.17269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the rate of dispensed antibiotic prescriptions to children and adolescents with PFAPA and compare this with the rate for children in the general population. Furthermore, to compare dispensed antibiotic prescription rates before and after a diagnosis of PFAPA was established. METHODS Patients aged 0-17 years and diagnosed with PFAPA between 1 January 2006 to 31 October 2017 were included retrospectively. Data on dispensed drug prescriptions were obtained from the Swedish National Prescribed Drug Register. RESULTS The PFAPA cohort received more antibiotic prescriptions than the general population in all but one of the age groups and time periods that were analysed. The largest difference was seen in 2014-2017 in the youngest age group (0-4 years) when children with PFAPA received 1218 antibiotic prescriptions per 1000 person years compared to 345 in the general population (IRR 3.5; 95% CI 2.8-4.4). The yearly number of antibiotic prescriptions to PFAPA patients was reduced from 2.1 before diagnosis to 0.8 after diagnosis, a reduction of 62%. CONCLUSION This study shows higher rates of dispensed antibiotic prescriptions for children with PFAPA than in the general population. The reduction of prescriptions after an established PFAPA diagnosis indicates that antibiotics were previously incorrectly prescribed for PFAPA episodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Rydenman
- Department of Paediatrics, NU Hospital Group, Uddevalla, Sweden
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Stefan Berg
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Paediatric Rheumatology and Immunology, Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Karlsson-Bengtsson
- Division of Chemical Biology, Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anders Fasth
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Paediatric Rheumatology and Immunology, Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Per Wekell
- Department of Paediatrics, NU Hospital Group, Uddevalla, Sweden
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Paediatric Rheumatology and Immunology, Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Kapustova L, Banovcin P, Bobcakova A, Jurkova Malicherova E, Kapustova D, Petrovicova O, Slenker B, Markocsy A, Oleksak F, Vorcakova K, Jesenak M. The use of ketotifen as long-term anti-inflammatory prophylaxis in children with PFAPA syndrome. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1302875. [PMID: 38143757 PMCID: PMC10748580 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1302875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and adenitis syndrome (PFAPA) is the most frequent periodic fever syndrome in children. Its pathogenesis is still unknown, but some disease-modifying factors were observed. Several medications were tested for the long-term prophylaxis of inflammatory flares; however, none are standardly used. Methods This prospective clinical trial enrolled 142 children (71 girls, 50%) meeting diagnostic criteria for PFAPA syndrome. We analysed selected clinical characteristics and compared laboratory parameters during the flare and attack-free period (at least two weeks after the attack). Moreover, we assessed the possible therapeutic effect of ketotifen on the duration of attack free-periods and clinical picture. Results The mean age of patients was 6.81 ± 3.03 years and the mean age of onset of symptoms was 2.31 ± 2.02 years. No significant differences were observed between genders.We recorded a positive family history for PFAPA in 31.69% of patients. Attacks lasted for 2.8 ± 1.2 days, with intervals between attacks of 4 ± 1 weeks. We administered ketotifen in 111 (77.8%) patients, and a positive effect was observed in 86 (77.5%) of patients. We observed prolonged attack-free intervals in patients treated with ketotifen (14.7 ± 8.9 days in comparison with 4.4 ± 1.9 days before the treatment; p<0.001). The used dose of ketotifen was 0.08 ± 0.01 mg/kg/day. Mild side effects were observed in four patients (restlessness, irritability, agitation and constipation). Discussion Our data supports the use of ketotifen for long-term prophylaxis in children with PFAPA syndrome with positive effects on the attenuation of disease activity and the prolongation of attack-free periods. Further well-designed studies should confirm the preliminary data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Kapustova
- Centre for Periodic Fever Syndromes, Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital in Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine of Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Peter Banovcin
- Centre for Periodic Fever Syndromes, Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital in Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine of Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Anna Bobcakova
- Department of Pneumology and Phthisiology, University Hospital in Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine of Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Eva Jurkova Malicherova
- Centre for Periodic Fever Syndromes, Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital in Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine of Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Daniela Kapustova
- Centre for Periodic Fever Syndromes, Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital in Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine of Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Otilia Petrovicova
- Centre for Periodic Fever Syndromes, Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital in Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine of Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Branislav Slenker
- Centre for Periodic Fever Syndromes, Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital in Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine of Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Adam Markocsy
- Centre for Periodic Fever Syndromes, Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital in Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine of Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Filip Oleksak
- Centre for Periodic Fever Syndromes, Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital in Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine of Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Karolina Vorcakova
- Clinic of Dermatovenerology, University Hospital in Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine of Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Milos Jesenak
- Centre for Periodic Fever Syndromes, Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital in Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine of Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
- Department of Pneumology and Phthisiology, University Hospital in Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine of Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergology, University Hospital in Martin, Martin, Slovakia
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Broide M, Levinsky Y, Tal R, Harel L, Shoham S, Ahmad SA, Butbul Aviel Y, Amarilyo G. Extreme Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, Adenitis (PFAPA): a discrete group of patients. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J 2023; 21:93. [PMID: 37658370 PMCID: PMC10474755 DOI: 10.1186/s12969-023-00880-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome is the most common periodic fever syndrome in children; by definition, episodes occur every 2 to 8 weeks. However, in a subset of our patients, we noticed a higher frequency of attacks, of less than 2 weeks, which we refer to as extreme PFAPA (ePFAPA). This group consisted of patients who were extreme upon presentation of PFAPA, and those who became extreme after initiation of abortive corticosteroid treatment. We aimed to characterize demographic and clinical features of ePFAPA, including the two groups, and to compare them to patients with non-extreme PFAPA (nPFAPA). STUDY DESIGN The medical records of 365 patients with PFAPA who attended Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel from March 2014 to April 2021 were reviewed. Patients with concomitant familial Mediterranean fever were excluded. Characteristics of the ePFAPA (including subgroups) and nPFAPA groups were compared using Wilcoxon rank sum, Pearson's chi-squared, and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS Forty-seven patients (12.9%) were identified as having ePFAPA. Among patients with ePFAPA, compared to patients with nPFAPA, the median (interquartile range) age at disease onset was earlier: 1.5 years (0.7-2.5) vs. 2.5 years (1.5-4.0), P < 0.001; and diagnosis was younger: 2.6 years (2.0-3.6) vs. 4.5 years (3.0-6.2), P < 0.001. A higher proportion of patients with ePFAPA than nPFAPA were treated with colchicine prophylaxis (53% vs. 19%, P < 0.001), but symptoms and signs during flares did not differ significantly between these groups. Demographic and clinical characteristics were similar between patients with ePFAPA from presentation of PFAPA (22, 47% of those with ePFAPA) and ePFAPA from after corticosteroid treatment. CONCLUSION About half the patients categorized with ePFAPA syndrome already had extreme features upon presentation. Patients with ePFAPA compared to nPFAPA presented and were diagnosed at an earlier age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mor Broide
- Department of Pediatrics A, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva, Israel.
| | - Yoel Levinsky
- Pediatric Rheumatology Unit, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Rotem Tal
- Pediatric Rheumatology Unit, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Liora Harel
- Pediatric Rheumatology Unit, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shoval Shoham
- Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Sabreen Abu Ahmad
- Department of Pediatrics B, Ruth Rappaport Children's Hospital, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yonatan Butbul Aviel
- Pediatric Rheumatology Service, Ruth Rappaport Children's Hospital, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
- The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Gil Amarilyo
- Pediatric Rheumatology Unit, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Hausmann J, Dedeoglu F, Broderick L. Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, and Adenitis Syndrome and Syndrome of Unexplained Recurrent Fevers in Children and Adults. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2023; 11:1676-1687. [PMID: 36958521 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2023.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Children and adults with autoinflammatory disorders, who often experience recurrent fevers, rashes, cold-induced symptoms, conjunctivitis, lymphadenopathy, recurrent infections, aphthous stomatitis, and abnormal blood cell counts, may present to the allergist/immunologist because the symptoms mimic allergies and disorders of immunity. In recent years, there has been increased recognition of non-monogenic autoinflammatory disorders, including periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis syndrome and syndrome of undifferentiated recurrent fevers. For many clinical practitioners, the natural history, diagnostic criteria, differential diagnoses, and preferred therapies remain challenging because of the presumed rarity of patients and the evolving field of autoinflammation. Here, we aim to provide a practical framework for the clinical allergist/immunologist to evaluate and treat this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Hausmann
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass; Program in Rheumatology, Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass; Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Mass
| | - Fatma Dedeoglu
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| | - Lori Broderick
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, Calif; Rady Children's Foundation, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, Calif.
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Long-term efficacy of tonsillectomy/adenotonsillectomy in patients with periodic fever aphthous stomatitis pharyngitis adenitis syndrome with special emphasis on co-existence of familial Mediterranean fever. Rheumatol Int 2023; 43:137-145. [PMID: 36116090 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-022-05210-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome is one of the most common autoinflammatory fever disorders in the childhood which may co-exists with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) causing treatment complexity. As the role of surgery in PFAPA syndrome is still controversial, in this paper, our aim is to present our results of tonsillectomy/adenotonsillectomy in the treatment of PFAPA syndrome. Archives of a tertiary care hospital were investigated for patients who underwent tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy due to PFAPA Syndrome between 2010 and 2020. 344 patients were found but only 281 of them were accessible. Through phone call interview and chart review methods, preoperative and postoperative the number and severity of the attacks and general satisfaction after the operation were recorded and analyzed. Also, patients with concomitant FMF were analyzed separately. A total of 281 patients were included in the study. There was no improvement in 10 (3.55%) patients. Eight (2.84%) patients showed mild improvement, 29 (10.32%) patients had moderate improvement and 234 (83.27%) patients had full recovery after tonsillectomy. There were 266 PFAPA patients without FMF. No improvement, mild improvement, moderate improvement, and full recovery in this patient group were 5 (1.9%), 6 (2.3%), 25 (9.4%) and 230 (86.5%), respectively. FMF was present in 5.33% (15/281) of the patients. In PFAPA + FMF group 5 patients had no improvement (33.3%), 2 had mild improvement (13.3%), 4 had moderate improvement (26.7%) and 4 had full recovery (26.7%). Benefit of tonsillectomy was significantly lower in the patients with concomitant FMF when compared to the patients who did not have FMF (p < 0.001). Age of diagnosis, age of operation, severity of the disease, type of operation, and gender were found to have no significant relationship with the benefit from surgery (p < 0.05). According to the findings of this study, tonsillectomy is an effective long-term treatment for PFAPA syndrome with success rate of 83.27%. Also, preoperatively FMF should be considered in these patients, which dramatically reduces surgical efficacy.
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Okamoto CT, Chaves HL, Schmitz MJ. Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis syndrome in children: a brief literature review. REVISTA PAULISTA DE PEDIATRIA 2022; 40:e2021087. [PMID: 35703722 PMCID: PMC9190469 DOI: 10.1590/1984-0462/2022/40/2021087in] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic characteristics of the periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome. DATA SOURCE Literature review in the PubMed database by using specific descriptors to identify all articles published in the English language in the last three years; 38 articles were found. After performing selection of titles and abstract analysis, 13 out of the 38 articles were fully read. Relevant studies found in the references of the reviewed articles were also included. DATA SYNTHESIS The PFAPA syndrome (Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis and cervical Adenitis) is a medical condition grouped among the periodic fever syndromes. The etiology is uncertain, but possibly multifactorial, and its symptoms are accompanied by recurrent febrile episodes although weight and height development are preserved. It is a self-limiting disease of benign course with remission of two to three years without significant interference in the patient's overall development. Treatment consists of three pillars: interruption of febrile episodes, increase in the interval between episodes, and remission. CONCLUSIONS Despite several attempts to establish more sensitive and specific criteria, the diagnosis of PFAPA syndrome is still clinical and reached by exclusion, based on the modified Marshall's criteria. The most common pharmacological options for treatment include prednisolone and betamethasone; colchicine may be used as prophylaxis, and surgical treatment with tonsillectomy can be considered in selected cases.
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Fiorito T, Akerman M, Noor A, Krilov LR. Diagnosing PFAPA during the COVID-19 era: clarity during quarantine. Arch Dis Child 2022; 107:622-623. [PMID: 35190384 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2021-323667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Fiorito
- Pediatrics, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA .,NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, New York, USA
| | | | - Asif Noor
- Pediatrics, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA.,NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, New York, USA
| | - Leonard R Krilov
- Pediatrics, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA.,NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, New York, USA
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Okamoto CT, Chaves HL, Schmitz MJ. Síndrome da febre periódica, estomatite aftosa, faringite e adenite em crianças: uma breve revisão de literatura. REVISTA PAULISTA DE PEDIATRIA 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/1984-0462/2022/40/2021087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever as características clínicas, diagnósticas e de tratamento da síndrome de febre periódica, estomatite aftosa, faringite e adenite (PFAPA). Fontes de dados: Revisão de literatura na base de dados PubMed, feita por meio de descritores específicos para identificar todos os artigos publicados em língua inglesa nos últimos três anos. Dos 38 artigos encontrados, foram encaminhados para leitura integral 13 publicações após seleção de títulos e análise de abstract. Estudos relevantes encontrados nas referências dos artigos revisados também foram incluídos. Síntese dos dados: A PFAPA é traduzida do inglês periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis. Caracterizada por etiologia ainda incerta e possivelmente multifatorial, seus sintomas são acompanhados por episódios recorrentes de febre associados a um desenvolvimento pôndero-estatural preservado. É uma doença autolimitada de curso benigno, com remissão em dois a três anos, sem interferências significativas no desenvolvimento do paciente pediátrico. O tratamento consiste em três pilares: interrupção da crise febril, aumento do intervalo entre crises e remissão. Conclusões: Apesar de várias tentativas de estabelecer critérios atuais mais sensíveis e específicos, o diagnóstico da síndrome PFAPA ainda é clínico e de exclusão com base nos critérios de Marshall modificados. As opções farmacológicas mais utilizadas para o tratamento são a prednisolona e betametasona; colchicina pode ser utilizada como profilaxia e o tratamento cirúrgico com tonsilectomia pode ser considerado em casos selecionados.
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Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome: A review. World J Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2021; 7:166-173. [PMID: 34430824 PMCID: PMC8356195 DOI: 10.1016/j.wjorl.2021.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome is the most common periodic fever condition in children, with most cases appearing by the age of 5. Although PFAPA is generally a self-limited condition, it can have a major impact on a child's quality of life, as well as that of their family. Recent research has continued to shed light on the genetic and immunologic factors that play a role in the pathogenesis of PFAPA. There also exists significant heterogeneity in treatment strategies, and progress has been made to develop evidence-based management strategies and establish a standard of care. This review will outline current knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of PFAPA, as well as treatment strategies and our clinical experience.
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Children and Adults with PFAPA Syndrome: Similarities and Divergences in a Real-Life Clinical Setting. Adv Ther 2021; 38:1078-1093. [PMID: 33315168 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-020-01576-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Analogies or differences of periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome in children and adults are barely known. The aim of our study was to compare the overall characteristics of a large cohort of patients, both children and adults, diagnosed with PFAPA syndrome. METHODS In the last decade, we identified 120 children and 63 adults with periodically recurring fevers, who fulfilled the criteria for PFAPA diagnosis. The two subcohorts were analyzed according to demographic features, clinical manifestations, laboratory data, and responses to therapies. RESULTS The mean age of onset was 2.4 ± 1.5 and 19.7 ± 10.3 years, respectively, in children and adults, while attacks occurred every 3.8 ± 0.8 and every 4.3 ± 2.3 weeks, respectively, in children and adults. A higher prevalence of exudative pharyngitis was observed in children (58.8%), and the majority of children had only two cardinal signs during flares. In adults, there was a higher interpersonal variability of the intercritical periods. Inflammatory markers measured during non-febrile periods were normal in children but altered in the totality of adults during febrile periods. A strong efficacy of corticosteroids in controlling the pediatric syndrome was observed, but response rates to steroids were less brilliant in adults. Colchicine and interleukin-1 inhibitors were used in the management of the steroid-resistant adult syndrome. Conversely, tonsillectomy was performed in a very low number of children, but was effective in 60.7% of adults when treated after 16 years. The mean age of disappearance of PFAPA symptoms has been 6.4 ± 2.4 years in children, while only 27% of adults have shown a complete drug-free symptom regression. CONCLUSIONS A linear conformity of the PFAPA syndrome has been observed between pediatric and adult patients. PFAPA symptoms tended to disappear with no sequelae in 94.1% of children, while the disease was still active in almost 3/4 of adults at the time of our assessment.
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Managing PFAPA (periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis) in children. DRUGS & THERAPY PERSPECTIVES 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40267-020-00793-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Karayağmurlu A, Aytaç İ. Pre- and postoperative quality of life and emotional/behavioural problems in children with PFAPA. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2020; 137:110239. [PMID: 32896352 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2020.110239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the effects of surgical intervention on quality of life, emotional/behavioural problems and school absenteeism in children with periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis (PFAPA.) METHOD: A total of 56 children aged between 4 and 12 years, diagnosed with PFAPA and undergoing tonsillectomy with/without adenoidectomy at a tertiary hospital were included in the study. The Questionnaire for Quality of Life Assessment for Children and Adolescents Parent Form (Kid-KINDL) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires (SDQ) were used to evaluate quality of life and emotional/behavioural problems, respectively. The cases were assessed before and three months after surgery. RESULTS The mean (SD) age of the children was 6.64 (3.03) years, and 58.9% (n = 33) were boys. The numbers of pre- and post-operative periodic fever episodes were 3.0 (1.7) and 0.6 (0.9) (p < 0.001), those for school absenteeism were 10.28 (5.53) and 2.85 (2.95) days (p < 0.001) and those for hospital presentations were 3.8 (2.5) and 1.1 (1.1) (p < 0.001), respectively, all of which were significantly lower in children with PFAPA at three months after the operation. The surgical procedures were effective in improving quality of life and emotional/behavioural problems, as evidenced by the significant differences between the pre- and post-treatment scores in outcome measures, including SDQ and Kid-KINDL (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that the surgical approach exhibited positive effects in terms of improving quality of life and reducing emotional/behavioural problems and school absenteeism in children with PFAPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Karayağmurlu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, İstanbul, Turkey.
| | - İsmail Aytaç
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey
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Lovšin E, Kovač J, Tesovnik T, Toplak N, Perko D, Rozmarič T, Debeljak M, Avčin T. PIK3AP1 and SPON2 Genes Are Differentially Methylated in Patients With Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, and Adenitis (PFAPA) Syndrome. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1322. [PMID: 32793186 PMCID: PMC7390842 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome is the most common autoinflammatory disease in children and is often grouped together with hereditary periodic fever syndromes, although its cause and hereditary nature remain unexplained. We investigated whether differential DNA methylation was present in DNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in patients with PFAPA vs. healthy controls. A whole-epigenome analysis (MeDIP and MBD) was performed using pooled DNA libraries enriched for methylated genomic regions and identified candidate genes, two of which were further evaluated with methylation-specific restriction enzymes coupled with qPCR (MSRE-qPCR). The analysis showed that the PIK3AP1 and SPON2 gene regions are differentially methylated in patients with PFAPA. MSRE-qPCR proved to be a quick, reliable, and cost-effective method of confirming results from MeDIP and MBD. Our findings indicate that a B-cell adapter protein (PIK3AP1), as the PI3K binding inhibitor of inflammation, and spondin-2 (SPON2), as a pattern recognition molecule and integrin ligand, could play a role in the etiology of PFAPA. Their role and the impact of changed DNA methylation in PFAPA etiology and autoinflammation need further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ema Lovšin
- Department of Allergology, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, University Children's Hospital, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jernej Kovač
- Department for Special Laboratory Diagnostics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, University Children's Hospital, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tine Tesovnik
- Department for Special Laboratory Diagnostics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, University Children's Hospital, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nataša Toplak
- Department of Allergology, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, University Children's Hospital, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Daša Perko
- Department for Special Laboratory Diagnostics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, University Children's Hospital, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tomaž Rozmarič
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maruša Debeljak
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Department for Special Laboratory Diagnostics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, University Children's Hospital, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tadej Avčin
- Department of Allergology, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, University Children's Hospital, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Why and How Should We Treat Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, and Cervical Adenitis (PFAPA) Syndrome? Paediatr Drugs 2020; 22:243-250. [PMID: 32342289 DOI: 10.1007/s40272-020-00393-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome is characterized by recurrent fever flares accompanied by symptoms and signs forming the disease acronym and alternating with asymptomatic periods. Despite the disease having a generally favorable outcome, with spontaneous remission after a few years, it does have a major impact on the quality of life of the child and his or her relatives. Beside symptomatic medications during fever flares, the most used treatment consists of a single dose of corticosteroids at flare onset to interrupt the attack; fever resolves usually within a few hours, but often with a shorter interval between the attacks. For these patients, colchicine has been shown to decrease the frequency of the flares. Other medications were also reported in case series of patients with PFAPA syndrome. These include the interleukin-1 blocker anakinra to treat flares, cimetidine (which showed no convincing effect), and other drugs with anecdotal use. The pediatrician faces a difficult question: should they wait for spontaneous disease resolution and only treat the flares medically, or should they propose tonsillectomy that may induce remission? Due to the lack of strong evidence, the answer will vary on an individual basis, depending on the impact on the patient's quality of life. The choice of the best therapeutic strategy will be based on the response to the flare-based therapy and on disease severity (quality of life, school performances); long-term data on the remission rate under the different therapeutic strategies are currently missing. More randomized controlled studies are needed to help the treating physician to choose the best therapy, as well as real-life long-term data to evaluate the long-term outcome of children with PFAPA syndrome.
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Rigante D, Corina L. Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome: A debate about diagnosis and treatment in children continues. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2020; 130:109830. [PMID: 31866107 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2019.109830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Donato Rigante
- Institute of Pediatrics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
| | - Luigi Corina
- Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Unit of Otorhinolaryngology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Burton MJ, Pollard AJ, Ramsden JD, Chong L, Venekamp RP. Tonsillectomy for periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis syndrome (PFAPA). Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 12:CD008669. [PMID: 31886897 PMCID: PMC6953364 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd008669.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome is a rare clinical syndrome of unknown cause usually identified in children. Tonsillectomy is considered a potential treatment option for this syndrome. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2010 and previously updated in 2014. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness and safety of tonsillectomy (with or without adenoidectomy) compared with non-surgical treatment in the management of children with PFAPA. SEARCH METHODS The Cochrane ENT Information Specialist searched the Cochrane ENT Trials Register; Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2019, Issue 4); PubMed; Ovid Embase; CINAHL; Web of Science; ClinicalTrials.gov; ICTRP and additional sources for published and unpublished trials. The date of the search was 15 October 2019. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials comparing tonsillectomy (with or without adenoidectomy) with non-surgical treatment in children with PFAPA. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used the standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. The primary outcomes were the proportion of children whose symptoms have completely resolved and complications of surgery (haemorrhage and number of days of postoperative pain). Secondary outcomes were: number of episodes of fever and the associated symptoms; severity of episodes; use of corticosteroids; absence or time off school; quality of life. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence for each outcome. MAIN RESULTS Two trials were included with a total of 67 children randomised (65 analysed); we judged both to be at low risk of bias. One trial of 39 participants recruited children with PFAPA syndrome diagnosed according to rigid, standard criteria. The trial compared adenotonsillectomy to watchful waiting and followed up patients for 18 months. A smaller trial of 28 children applied less stringent criteria for diagnosing PFAPA and probably also included participants with alternative types of recurrent pharyngitis. This trial compared tonsillectomy alone to no treatment and followed up patients for six months. Combining the trial results suggests that patients with PFAPA likely experience less fever and less severe episodes after surgery compared to those receiving no surgery. The risk ratio (RR) for immediate resolution of symptoms after surgery that persisted until the end of follow-up was 4.38 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.64 to 30.11); number needed to treat to benefit (NNTB) = 2, calculated based on an estimate that 156 in 1000 untreated children have a resolution) (moderate-certainty evidence). Both trials reported that there were no complications of surgery. However, the numbers of patients randomly allocated to surgery (19 and 14 patients respectively) were too small to detect potentially important complications such as haemorrhage. Surgery probably results in a large overall reduction in the average number of episodes over the total length of follow-up (rate ratio 0.08, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.13), reducing the average frequency of PFAPA episodes from one every two months to slightly less than one every two years (moderate-certainty evidence). Surgery also likely reduces severity, as indicated by the length of PFAPA symptoms during these episodes. One study reported that the average number of days per PFAPA episode was 1.7 days after receiving surgery, compared to 3.5 days in the control group (moderate-certainty evidence). The evidence suggests that the proportion of patients requiring corticosteroids was also lower in the surgery group compared to those receiving no surgery (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.92) (low-certainty evidence). Other outcomes such as absence from school and quality of life were not measured or reported. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The evidence for the effectiveness of tonsillectomy in children with PFAPA syndrome is derived from two small randomised controlled trials. These trials reported significant beneficial effects of surgery compared to no surgery on immediate and complete symptom resolution (NNTB = 2) and a substantial reduction in the frequency and severity (length of episode) of any further symptoms experienced. However, the evidence is of moderate certainty (further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate) due to the relatively small sample sizes of the studies and some concerns about the applicability of the results. Therefore, the parents and carers of children with PFAPA syndrome must weigh the risks and consequences of surgery against the alternative of using medications. It is well established that children with PFAPA syndrome recover spontaneously and medication can be administered to try and reduce the severity of individual episodes. It is uncertain whether adenoidectomy combined with tonsillectomy adds any additional benefit to tonsillectomy alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin J Burton
- Cochrane UKSummertown Pavilion18 ‐ 24 Middle WayOxfordUKOX2 7LG
| | - Andrew J Pollard
- Children's HospitalDepartment of Paediatrics, University of OxfordOxfordUKOX3 9DU
| | - James D Ramsden
- Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS TrustDepartment of Otolaryngology ‐ Head and Neck SurgeryLevel LG1, West WingJohn Radcliffe HospitalOxfordUKOX3 9DU
| | | | - Roderick P Venekamp
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht UniversityJulius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care & Department of OtorhinolaryngologyHeidelberglaan 100UtrechtNetherlands3508 GA
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Renko M, Lantto U, Tapiainen T. Towards better diagnostic criteria for periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and adenitis syndrome. Acta Paediatr 2019; 108:1385-1392. [PMID: 30901126 DOI: 10.1111/apa.14792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIM Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome is the most common cause of a periodic fever in childhood. The exact pathogenesis and the aetiology of PFAPA are still unknown. METHODS We conducted a non-systematic review of published articles about PFAPA syndrome and summarised the evidence for diagnostic criteria and treatment options for PFAPA. RESULTS The first proposed diagnostic criteria for PFAPA, in addition to periodic fever, included aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis or cervical lymphadenitis in children younger than five years at the beginning of the symptoms. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and leucocyte counts increase in most patients during episodes. Recent research reveals that tonsillectomy provides an immediate and long-lasting cure for PFAPA, even in the absence of classic criteria of aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis or cervical adenitis and in children older than five years. CONCLUSION We suggest that PFAPA can be diagnosed in children with at least five regularly occurring fever episodes without any other explanation, even in the absence of aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis or cervical lymphadenitis and also in children older than five years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjo Renko
- Department of Paediatrics University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital Kuopio Finland
- PEDEGO Research Unit University of Oulu Oulu Finland
| | - Ulla Lantto
- PEDEGO Research Unit University of Oulu Oulu Finland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Oulu University Hospital Oulu Finland
| | - Terhi Tapiainen
- PEDEGO Research Unit University of Oulu Oulu Finland
- Department of Children and Adolescents Oulu University Hospital Oulu Finland
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Recurrence of periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome after tonsillectomy: case-based review. Rheumatol Int 2019; 39:1099-1105. [PMID: 31020337 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-019-04310-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome is a recurrent fever syndrome for which tonsillectomy is a therapeutic option curing the disease in most patients. Recurrence after remission with tonsillectomy is extremely rare. Increasing number of reports on diverse disease manifestations in PFAPA could give us clues about the disease etiopathogenesis. We aimed to describe a patient with recurrence of PFAPA syndrome after tonsillectomy and to review the previous studies including similar cases. We report a 17-year-old boy with PFAPA syndrome who experienced remission for 3 years after tonsillectomy and was later found to harbor an MEFV mutation when the disease relapsed. He responded well to colchicine treatment at relapse. The literature review revealed 14 articles describing 24 similar PFAPA patients. The therapeutic options include single-dose corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs during attacks, cimetidine, and resurgery. The presented case was the only one heterozygous for an MEFV mutation and treated with colchicine at disease relapse. Albeit rare, the reoccurrence of PFAPA after tonsillectomy could occur. The presence of such patients opposes with the hypothesis that the trigger or immune dysregulation in PFAPA pathogenesis resides in tonsils.
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Harabuchi Y, Takahara M. Recent advances in the immunological understanding of association between tonsil and immunoglobulin A nephropathy as a tonsil-induced autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome. IMMUNITY INFLAMMATION AND DISEASE 2019; 7:86-93. [PMID: 30957421 PMCID: PMC6485698 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common form of primary glomerulonephritis worldwide. It is well known that upper respiratory tract infections, particularly acute tonsillitis, often worsen IgAN. Recent many clinical studies clearly show that tonsillectomy with steroid pulse therapy is the effective treatments for IgAN patients. Recently, the immunological evidence of association between tonsil and IgAN has been reported. METHODS In this review, the mechanism underlying the onset of IgAN, as a tonsil-induced autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome (TIAS), is outlined with the main focus on the authors' research results. RESULTS In the tonsils of patients with IgAN, hyperimmune response to the unmethylated deoxycytidyl-deoxyguanosine oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODN) take place, resulting in hyperproduction of interferon-γ. The hyperproduction is followed by both overproduction of mutated IgA via B-cell activating factor (BAFF)/a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL)-mediated pathways and overexpression of T-cell receptor Vβ6, CXCR3, and CX3CR1 on tonsillar T cells. These IgA and T cells home to the kidney via the systemic circulation, resulting in nephritis of IgAN. CONCLUSIONS Scientific evidence supporting the use of tonsillectomy has gradually accumulated. We hope that many additional researchers will publish new evidence linking the tonsils and kidneys in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuaki Harabuchi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Miki Takahara
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
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Haytoglu Z, Gundeslioglu OO. Mediterranean fever gene variants and colchicine therapy in periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis pharyngitis, adenitis syndrome in a Mediterranean region. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2019; 15:571-575. [PMID: 30887853 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2019.1591275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, adenitis syndrome is characterized by recurrent episodes of fever. Attenuated disease severity was considered in patients with Mediterranean fever (MEFV) gene variations. Corticosteroids are highly effective in controlling the symptoms but usually cause more frequent episodes. Frequent fever episodes either initiated after the steroid therapy or as an initial disease characteristics are the most challenging feature. METHODS Sixty-seven patients were prospectively followed from September 2015 to January 2018. MEFV variants were searched in all patients. Colchicine therapy was initiated in patients with MEFV variants and with shortened intervals after the initiation of steroid therapy. RESULTS Heterozygous MEFV gene variants were detected in 23 patients (34.3%). Higher exon 10 allel frequencies were found in patients with frequent fever episodes. Among 26 patients with increased episodes, colchicine treatment decreased the number of the episodes in 8 of 10 (80%) and 4 of 16 (25%) patients with and without variants, respectively (p = 0.022). Fever duration decreased (3.26 ± 1.38 vs. 1.57 ± 0.57 days, p < 0.001) at the third month of therapy in variant(+) patients. CONCLUSION In variant positive patients colchicine prophylaxis reduced the duration of attacks at the third months of therapy. Shortened intervals due to steroid therapy were increased at the sixth months of colchicine therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeliha Haytoglu
- a Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics , Cukurova University , Adana , Turkey
| | - Ozlem Ozgur Gundeslioglu
- b Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease , Cukurova University , Adana , Turkey
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Batu ED. Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome: main features and an algorithm for clinical practice. Rheumatol Int 2019; 39:957-970. [PMID: 30798384 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-019-04257-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome is a recurrent fever syndrome of early childhood with increasing number of adult-onset cases. Although it is a self-limited disease, it may negatively affect the quality of life. The aim of this review is to present a detailed analysis of PFAPA syndrome and an algorithm for diagnosis, therapeutic options, and evaluation of outcome. A comprehensive literature search was conducted through the Cochrane Library, Scopus, and MEDLINE/PubMed databases. The main topics covered are the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, etiopathogenesis, genetics, management, disease course and prognosis, disease in adults, unsolved issues, and unmet needs in PFAPA. The diagnosis of PFAPA is mainly based on clinical classification criteria. The most relevant hypothesis for pathogenesis is that dysregulated immune system in a genetically predisposed individual responds to a yet unidentified trigger in an exaggerated way. The pedigree analyses suggest a genetic background for the disease with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. For management, single-dose corticosteroids during attacks and tonsillectomy remain the most effective therapies, while colchicine is a promising option to decrease attack frequency. There remain unsolved issues in PFAPA such as the exact etiopathogenesis and genetic background, the reason why the inflammation is restricted to the oropharyngeal lymphoid tissue, reasons for clock-work regularity of attacks, and self-limited disease course. There is need for a valid diagnostic criteria set with a high performance for both children and adults and consensus on management of PFAPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezgi Deniz Batu
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Ankara Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, 06100, Ankara, Turkey.
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Aktas O, Aytuluk HG, Caliskan SK, Erdur O, Cirik AA. Long-term follow-up of tonsillectomy efficacy in children with PFAPA syndrome. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2019; 85:78-82. [PMID: 29203159 PMCID: PMC9442901 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2017.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Revised: 10/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The role of tonsillectomy in the periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis syndrome, is controversial. Although some studies reported high success rates with tonsillectomy, further investigations are needed with larger numbers of patients. Objective To seek the long-term outcomes of tonsillectomy in periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis syndrome. Methods Case series; multi-center study. The study comprised 23 patients with periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis syndrome who underwent surgery (tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy) between January 2009 and November 2014. Results 21 (91%) of 23 patients had complete resolution immediately after surgery. One patient had an attack 24 h after surgery, but has had no further attacks. One patient had three attacks with various intervals, and complete remission was observed after 3 months. Conclusions Tonsillectomy is a good option for the treatment of periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis syndrome.
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Costagliola G, Maiorino G, Consolini R. Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, and Cervical Adenitis Syndrome (PFAPA): A Clinical Challenge for Primary Care Physicians and Rheumatologists. Front Pediatr 2019; 7:277. [PMID: 31334209 PMCID: PMC6624732 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To show the different physician's approaches and the difficulties in the diagnosis and management of the Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, and Cervical Adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome, and to quantify the impact of the disease on the families and on the healthcare system. Study Design: Retrospective analysis on 40 patients diagnosed with PFAPA, focusing on the clinical phenotype, the process of diagnosis, and the management of the febrile episodes. The direct and indirect annual economic cost related to PFAPA in the period preceding the diagnosis were also investigated. Results: The median age of patients at disease onset was 1.75 years and the median time to diagnosis was 14.5 months. During the diagnostic process, only 45% of our patients was firstly addressed to rheumatologic consultation, 32.5% to otorinolaryngologist (ORL), and 22.5% to immunologic consultation. Genetic investigations were performed in the 20% of the cohort. Overall population experienced a median of 60 annual days of fever and, during the critical phase, 40% of patients received more than 5 cycles of antibiotic/year. Seventy five percent required laboratory investigations, 18 (45%) needed to access to emergency department and 15 (37.5%) have been hospitalized. The annual mean direct cost was 1659.5 € for each patient, and the estimated mean indirect cost was 5811.6 € for each parent. Conclusion: Despite a benign clinical course, PFAPA syndrome is associated with a significant impact on the patients, their families and the national healthcare system. PFAPA patients require a large number of medical examinations and laboratory or instrumental investigations during the diagnostic approach and often receive inappropriate treatments. Therefore, we suggest the necessity of a greater awareness and knowledge of the disease among primary care physicians and, finally, of the adoption of more specific diagnostic criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Costagliola
- Laboratory of Immunology, Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Maiorino
- Laboratory of Immunology, Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rita Consolini
- Laboratory of Immunology, Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Gaggiano C, Rigante D, Sota J, Grosso S, Cantarini L. Treatment options for periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome in children and adults: a narrative review. Clin Rheumatol 2018; 38:11-17. [PMID: 30488366 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-018-4361-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Pehlivan E, Adrovic A, Sahin S, Barut K, Kul Cınar O, Kasapcopur O. PFAPA Syndrome in a Population with Endemic Familial Mediterranean Fever. J Pediatr 2018; 192:253-255. [PMID: 29031862 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2017.08.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
We reviewed the medical records of patients with periodic fever, aphthosis, pharyngitis, and adenitis (PFAPA) to investigate the clinical course, treatment response, and association with MEFV gene mutation. Familial Mediterranean fever should be considered in patients with PFAPA who do not respond to adenotonsillectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra Pehlivan
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Amra Adrovic
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sezgin Sahin
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kenan Barut
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ovgu Kul Cınar
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Kasapcopur
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Cerrahpasa Medical School, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Cantarini L, Vitale A, Sicignano LL, Emmi G, Verrecchia E, Patisso I, Cerrito L, Fabiani C, Cevenini G, Frediani B, Galeazzi M, Rigante D, Manna R. Diagnostic Criteria for Adult-Onset Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, and Cervical Adenitis (PFAPA) Syndrome. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1018. [PMID: 28970828 PMCID: PMC5609591 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To identify a set of variables that could discriminate patients with adult-onset periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome from subjects with fever of unknown origin (FUO). Methods We enrolled 74 adults diagnosed with PFAPA syndrome according to the currently used pediatric diagnostic criteria and 62 additional patients with FUO. After having collected clinical and laboratory data from both groups, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the variables associated with PFAPA diagnosis. Odds ratio (OR) values, their statistical significance, and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were evaluated for each diagnostic factor both at the univariate and multivariate analyses. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by the area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, while the leave-one-out cross-validation procedure was used to ensure that the model maintains the same diagnostic power when applied to new data. Results According to the multivariate analysis, the clinical variables that discriminated PFAPA patients were: fever episodes associated with cervical lymphadenitis (OR = 92; p < 0.0001), fever attacks associated with erythematous pharyngitis (OR = 231; p < 0.0001), increased inflammatory markers during fever attacks (OR = 588; p = 0.001), and the lack of clinical and laboratory signs of inflammation between flares (OR = 1202; p < 0.0001). These variables were considered for a diagnostic model which accounted for their OR values. The diagnostic accuracy of the proposed set of criteria corresponded to an area under ROC curve of 0.978 (95% CI 0.958–0.998), with a model sensitivity and specificity equal to 93.4% (95% CI 87.5–96.5%) and 91.7% (95% CI 82.8–96.7%), respectively. Conclusion we have provided herein a set of clinical diagnostic criteria for adult-onset PFAPA syndrome. Our criteria represent an easy-to-use diagnostic tool aimed at identifying PFAPA patients among subjects with FUO with a high-predictive potential, as shown by its very high sensitivity and specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Cantarini
- Research Center of Systemic Autoinflammatory Diseases, Behçet's Disease and Rheumatology-Ophthalmology Collaborative Uveitis Center, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Antonio Vitale
- Research Center of Systemic Autoinflammatory Diseases, Behçet's Disease and Rheumatology-Ophthalmology Collaborative Uveitis Center, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Ludovico Luca Sicignano
- Periodic Fevers Research Center, Institute of Internal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Emmi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Verrecchia
- Periodic Fevers Research Center, Institute of Internal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Patisso
- Periodic Fevers Research Center, Institute of Internal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Cerrito
- Periodic Fevers Research Center, Institute of Internal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Fabiani
- Department of Ophthalmology, Humanitas Research Center, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Gabriele Cevenini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Bruno Frediani
- Research Center of Systemic Autoinflammatory Diseases, Behçet's Disease and Rheumatology-Ophthalmology Collaborative Uveitis Center, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Mauro Galeazzi
- Research Center of Systemic Autoinflammatory Diseases, Behçet's Disease and Rheumatology-Ophthalmology Collaborative Uveitis Center, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Donato Rigante
- Institute of Pediatrics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Manna
- Periodic Fevers Research Center, Institute of Internal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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Gentileschi S, Vitale A, Frediani B, Galeazzi M, Rigante D, Cantarini L. Challenges and new horizons in the periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2017.1279049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Gentileschi
- Research Center of Systemic Autoinflammatory Diseases and Behçet’s Disease Clinic, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Antonio Vitale
- Research Center of Systemic Autoinflammatory Diseases and Behçet’s Disease Clinic, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Bruno Frediani
- Research Center of Systemic Autoinflammatory Diseases and Behçet’s Disease Clinic, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Mauro Galeazzi
- Research Center of Systemic Autoinflammatory Diseases and Behçet’s Disease Clinic, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Donato Rigante
- Institute of Pediatrics, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Cantarini
- Research Center of Systemic Autoinflammatory Diseases and Behçet’s Disease Clinic, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Windfuhr JP. Indications for tonsillectomy stratified by the level of evidence. GMS CURRENT TOPICS IN OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY, HEAD AND NECK SURGERY 2016; 15:Doc09. [PMID: 28025609 PMCID: PMC5169082 DOI: 10.3205/cto000136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background: One of the most significant clinical trials, demonstrating the efficacy of tonsillectomy (TE) for recurrent throat infection in severely affected children, was published in 1984. This systematic review was undertaken to compile various indications for TE as suggested in the literature after 1984 and to stratify the papers according to the current concept of evidence-based medicine. Material and methods: A systematic Medline research was performed using the key word of "tonsillectomy" in combination with different filters such as "systematic reviews", "meta-analysis", "English", "German", and "from 1984/01/01 to 2015/05/31". Further research was performed in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, National Guideline Clearinghouse, Guidelines International Network and BMJ Clinical Evidence using the same key word. Finally, data from the "Trip Database" were researched for "tonsillectomy" and "indication" and "from: 1984 to: 2015" in combination with either "systematic review" or "meta-analysis" or "metaanalysis". Results: A total of 237 papers were retrieved but only 57 matched our inclusion criteria covering the following topics: peritonsillar abscess (3), guidelines (5), otitis media with effusion (5), psoriasis (3), PFAPA syndrome (6), evidence-based indications (5), renal diseases (7), sleep-related breathing disorders (11), and tonsillitis/pharyngitis (12), respectively. Conclusions: 1) The literature suggests, that TE is not indicated to treat otitis media with effusion. 2) It has been shown, that the PFAPA syndrome is self-limiting and responds well to steroid administration, at least in a considerable amount of children. The indication for TE therefore appears to be imbalanced but further research is required to clarify the value of surgery. 3) Abscesstonsillectomy as a routine is not justified and indicated only for cases not responding to other measures of treatment, evident complications, or with a significant history of tonsillitis. In particular, interval-tonsillectomy is not justified as a routine. 4) TE, with or without adenoidectomy, is efficacious to resolve sleep-related breathing disorders resulting from (adeno)tonsillar hypertrophy in children. However, the benefit is reduced by co-morbidities, such as obesity, and further research is required to identify prognostic factors for this subgroup of patients. Further research is indicated to clarify selection criteria not only for this subpopulation that may benefit from less invasive procedures such as tonsillotomy in the long-term. 5) Further trials are also indicated to evaluate the efficacy of TE on the clinical course in children with psoriasis guttata as well as on psoriasis vulgaris in adults, not responding to first-line therapy. 6) Conflicting results were reported concerning the role of TE in the concert to treat Ig-A nephropathy, mandating further clinical research. 7) Most importantly, randomized-controlled clinical trials with an adequate long-term follow-up are desirable to clarify the benefit of TE in patients with recurrent episodes of tonsillitis, with or without pharyngitis. Factors like age, spontaneous healing rate and postoperative quality of life have to be included when comparing TE with antibiotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen P. Windfuhr
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Allergology, Kliniken Maria Hilf, Mönchengladbach, Germany
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Lantto U, Koivunen P, Tapiainen T, Renko M. Long-Term Outcome of Classic and Incomplete PFAPA (Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, and Adenitis) Syndrome after Tonsillectomy. J Pediatr 2016; 179:172-177.e1. [PMID: 27692464 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2016.08.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the effectiveness of tonsillectomy and the long-term outcome of periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome in patients fulfilling the classic diagnostic criteria and in those with regularly recurring fever as the only symptom or with onset of symptoms after age 5 years or both. STUDY DESIGN We reviewed the medical records of 3852 children who underwent tonsillectomy between 1990 and 2007 and identified 108 children who did so because of regularly recurring fevers. The patients were invited to an outpatient visit and were classified into 2 groups: those who met (N = 58) and those who did not meet (N = 50) Thomas diagnostic criteria. We then compared the clinical profile and outcome of PFAPA symptoms after tonsillectomy between the 2 groups. RESULTS In the group that met Thomas criteria, 97% (56/58) had complete resolution of fever episodes after tonsillectomy; in the group that did not meet Thomas criteria (50/50) had complete resolution of fever episodes after tonsillectomy (P = .25). The clinical profile of the periodic fevers and the occurrence of other illnesses during follow-up were similar in both groups. Thomas criteria identified 56 of 106 patients responding to tonsillectomy. CONCLUSIONS Tonsillectomy was an effective treatment for patients with regularly recurring fever episodes who failed to meet the classic Thomas criteria. We suggest that PFAPA syndrome should be suspected and tonsillectomy considered in children with a late onset of symptoms (>5 years of age) or when fever is the only symptom during the episodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulla Lantto
- PEDEGO Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Medical Research Center, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.
| | - Petri Koivunen
- PEDEGO Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Medical Research Center, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Terhi Tapiainen
- PEDEGO Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Medical Research Center, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Marjo Renko
- PEDEGO Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Medical Research Center, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Department of Children and Adolescents, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
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Erdogan F, Kulak K, Öztürk O, İpek İÖ, Ceran Ö, Seven H. Surgery vs medical treatment in the management of PFAPA syndrome: a comparative trial. Paediatr Int Child Health 2016; 36:270-274. [PMID: 26256936 DOI: 10.1179/2046905515y.0000000051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome is a common disorder in children but there is little or no consensus on its optimal diagnosis and management. OBJECTIVES To compare the outcome of different management approaches - medical therapy or tonsillectomy. METHODS The medical records of children diagnosed with PFAPA between 2008 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed according to the modified Thomas test criteria. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1 for medical treatment - corticosteroids, a single intramuscular injection of methylprednisolone, and group 2 for surgery - tonsillectomy alone or tonsillectomy plus adenoidectomy .The course of the disease including the number and duration of episodes and the presence of remission, was documented. RESULTS 105 patients (30 in group 1, 75 in group 2) met the study's inclusion criteria. Groups 1 and 2 were followed up for a mean (SD) of 23.6 (11.0) and 24 (10.3) months, respectively. At the end of the follow-up period, the number of episodes was 5.8 (6.3) vs 1.8 (1.9) (P<0.01) and their duration was 2.2 (1.3) vs 1.1 (0.8) days (P=0.03), both of which were significantly lower in group 2.The need for hospitalization during this period was significantly lower for group 2 at 1.1 (2.0) vs 0.1 (0.3) (P<0.01) and the remission rate in group 2 was significantly higher than in group 1 (98.6% vs 56.6%, P<0.01). CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that surgery is superior to medical treatment for PFAPA in terms of increased remission rates and a decrease in the number and duration of episodes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ozmen Öztürk
- c Department of Otorhinolaryngology , Medipol University , Istanbul , Turkey
| | | | - Ömer Ceran
- a Department of Pediatrics , Medipol University
| | - Hüseyin Seven
- c Department of Otorhinolaryngology , Medipol University , Istanbul , Turkey
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Ostring GT, Singh-Grewal D. Periodic fevers and autoinflammatory syndromes in childhood. J Paediatr Child Health 2016; 52:865-71. [PMID: 27650143 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.13326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Revised: 04/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Recurrent fever is a common presentation in paediatric practice and can be caused by a wide variety of diseases including autoinflammatory conditions. The innate immune system plays an essential role in the 'first line' response to infection through mediation of inflammatory responses. Inflammasomes are part of the regulatory process for this system and result in the production of the powerful pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1B. Dysregulation of inflammasomes, and Interleukin 1 production, contributes to the pathogenesis of autoinflammatory diseases. This review focuses on described periodic fever syndromes (PFS) which are now collectively referred to as autoinflammatory syndromes. Conditions discussed include periodic fever aphthous stomatitis pharyngitis and cervical adenopathy, familial Mediterranean fever, tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndromes, hyperimmunoglobulinaemia D and the cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes. Presenting features, complications, diagnostic and treatment approaches for these conditions are discussed. Nonetheless, as most of these conditions are rare and may have significant long-term complications, it is recommended that they be managed in consultations with a physician experienced in managing PFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve T Ostring
- Rheumatology Department, Starship Children's Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand. .,Paediatrics Child and Youth Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Davinder Singh-Grewal
- General Medicine, The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Child and Maternal Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Is colchicine an effective treatment in periodic fever, aphtous stomatitis, pharyngitis, cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome? Joint Bone Spine 2016; 83:406-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2015.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Vanoni F, Theodoropoulou K, Hofer M. PFAPA syndrome: a review on treatment and outcome. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J 2016; 14:38. [PMID: 27349388 PMCID: PMC4924332 DOI: 10.1186/s12969-016-0101-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The syndrome of periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis (PFAPA syndrome) is the most common cause of periodic fever in childhood. The current pharmacological treatment includes corticosteroids, which usually are efficacious in the management of fever episodes, colchicine, for the prophylaxis of febrile episodes, and other medication for which efficacy has not been proven so far. Tonsillectomy is an option for selected patients. Usually PFAPA syndrome resolves during adolescence, but there is increasing evidence that this condition may persist into adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Vanoni
- Pediatric Department of Southern Switzerland, Ospedale Regionale di Bellinzona e Valli, Bellinzona, 6500, Switzerland.
| | - Katerina Theodoropoulou
- Unité Romande d’Immuno-rhumatologie Pédiatrique (URIRP), Département Femme-Mère-Enfant (DFME), CHUV, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 46, Lausanne, 1011 Switzerland
| | - Michaël Hofer
- Unité Romande d’Immuno-rhumatologie Pédiatrique (URIRP), Département Médico - Chirurgical de Pédiatrie (DFME), CHUV, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 46, Lausanne, 1011 Switzerland
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Guidelines for the management and treatment of periodic fever syndromes: periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and adenitis syndrome. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE REUMATOLOGIA 2016; 56:52-7. [PMID: 27267334 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbre.2015.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 08/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish guidelines based on scientific evidence for the management of periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome. DESCRIPTION OF THE EVIDENCE COLLECTION METHOD The Guideline was prepared from 5 clinical questions that were structured through PICO (Patient, Intervention or indicator, Comparison and Outcome), to search in key primary scientific information databases. After defining the potential studies to support the recommendations, these were graduated considering their strength of evidence and grade of recommendation. RESULTS 806 articles were retrieved and evaluated by title and abstract; from these, 32 articles were selected to support the recommendations. RECOMMENDATIONS 1. PFAPA is a diagnosis of exclusion established on clinical grounds, and one must suspect of this problem in children with recurrent and periodic febrile episodes of unknown origin, or with recurrent tonsillitis interspersed with asymptomatic periods, especially in children in good general condition and with preservation of weight and height development. 2. Laboratory findings are nonspecific. Additional tests do not reveal pathognomonic changes. 3. The evidence supporting an indication for surgical treatment (tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy), is based on two non-blinded randomized clinical trials with small numbers of patients. 4. The use of prednisone at the onset of fever in patients with PFAPA proved to be an effective strategy. There is still need for more qualified evidence to support its use in patients with PFAPA. 5. Despite promising results obtained in studies with IL-1β inhibitors, such studies are limited to a few case reports.
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Broderick L. Recurrent Fevers for the Pediatric Immunologist: It's Not All Immunodeficiency. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2016; 16:2. [PMID: 26707379 DOI: 10.1007/s11882-015-0578-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Autoinflammatory diseases are disorders of the innate immune system, characterized by systemic inflammation independent of infection and autoreactive antibodies or antigen-specific T cells. Similar to immunodeficiencies, these immune dysregulatory diseases have unique presentations, genetics, and available therapies. Given the presentation of fevers, rashes, and mucosal symptoms in many of the disorders, the allergist/immunologist is the appropriate medical home for these patients: to appropriately rule out immunodeficiencies, evaluate for allergic disease, and diagnose and treat recurrent fever disorders. However, many practicing physicians are unfamiliar with the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of autoinflammatory disorders. This review will focus on understanding the signs and symptoms of classic autoinflammatory disorders, introduce newly described monogenic and polygenic disorders, and address the approach to the patient with recurrent fevers to distinguish autoinflammation from immunodeficiency and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori Broderick
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr. MC 0760, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, and Cervical Adenitis (PFAPA) Syndrome: a Review of the Pathogenesis. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2016; 18:18. [DOI: 10.1007/s11926-016-0567-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Terreri MTR, Bernardo WM, Len CA, Silva CAAD, Magalhães CMRD, Sacchetti SB, Ferriani VPL, Piotto DGP, Cavalcanti ADS, Moraes AJPD, Sztajnbok FR, Oliveira SKFD, Campos LMA, Bandeira M, Santos FPST, Magalhães CS. Diretrizes de conduta e tratamento de síndromes febris periódicas: síndrome de febre periódica, estomatite aftosa, faringite e adenite. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE REUMATOLOGIA 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbr.2015.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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Bonilla FA, Khan DA, Ballas ZK, Chinen J, Frank MM, Hsu JT, Keller M, Kobrynski LJ, Komarow HD, Mazer B, Nelson RP, Orange JS, Routes JM, Shearer WT, Sorensen RU, Verbsky JW, Bernstein DI, Blessing-Moore J, Lang D, Nicklas RA, Oppenheimer J, Portnoy JM, Randolph CR, Schuller D, Spector SL, Tilles S, Wallace D. Practice parameter for the diagnosis and management of primary immunodeficiency. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2015; 136:1186-205.e1-78. [PMID: 26371839 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2015.04.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 421] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Revised: 04/18/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) and the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) have jointly accepted responsibility for establishing the "Practice parameter for the diagnosis and management of primary immunodeficiency." This is a complete and comprehensive document at the current time. The medical environment is a changing environment, and not all recommendations will be appropriate for all patients. Because this document incorporated the efforts of many participants, no single individual, including those who served on the Joint Task Force, is authorized to provide an official AAAAI or ACAAI interpretation of these practice parameters. Any request for information about or an interpretation of these practice parameters by the AAAAI or ACAAI should be directed to the Executive Offices of the AAAAI, the ACAAI, and the Joint Council of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. These parameters are not designed for use by pharmaceutical companies in drug promotion.
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Dytrych P, Krol P, Kotrova M, Kuzilkova D, Hubacek P, Krol L, Katra R, Hrusak O, Kabelka Z, Dolezalova P, Kalina T, Fronkova E. Polyclonal, newly derived T cells with low expression of inhibitory molecule PD-1 in tonsils define the phenotype of lymphocytes in children with Periodic Fever, Aphtous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis and Adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome. Mol Immunol 2015; 65:139-47. [PMID: 25656804 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2015.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Revised: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE PFAPA syndrome is a benign, recurrent inflammatory disease of childhood. Tonsillectomy is one of the therapeutic options with a yet unexplained biological mechanism. We tested whether specific lymphocyte subsets recruited from blood to human tonsils participate in PFAPA pathogenesis. METHODS Paired tonsils/peripheral blood (PB) samples were investigated (a) from children with PFAPA that successfully resolved after tonsillectomy (n=10) (b) from children with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome as controls (n=10). The lymphocyte profiles were analysed using 8-colour flow cytometry, immunoglobulin (IGH) and T-cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangements via PCR and next generation sequencing; a TREC/KREC analysis was performed using qPCR. RESULTS The PFAPA tonsils in the asymptomatic phase had a lower percentage of B-lymphocytes than controls; T-lymphocyte counts were significantly higher in PB. The percentages of cytotoxic CD8pos T-lymphocytes were approximately 2-fold higher in PFAPA tonsils; the transitional B cells and naïve stages of both the CD4pos and CD8pos T-lymphocytes with a low expression of PD-1 molecule and high numbers of TREC were also increased. With the exception of elevated plasmablasts, no other differences were significant in PB. The expression levels of CXCL10, CXCL9 and CCL19 genes were significantly higher in PFAPA tonsils. The IGH/TCR pattern showed no clonal/oligoclonal expansion. DNA from the Epstein-Barr virus, Human Herpervirus-6 or adenovirus was detected in 7 of 10 PFAPA tonsils but also in 7 of 9 controls. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the uninhibited, polyclonal response of newly derived lymphocytes participate in the pathogenesis of PFAPA. Because most of the observed changes were restricted to tonsils and were not present in PB, they partly explain the therapeutic success of tonsillectomy in PFAPA syndrome.
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MESH Headings
- Adenoviridae/genetics
- Adenoviridae/isolation & purification
- B-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Chemokine CCL19/biosynthesis
- Chemokine CXCL10/biosynthesis
- Chemokine CXCL9/biosynthesis
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Female
- Fever of Unknown Origin/complications
- Fever of Unknown Origin/immunology
- Fever of Unknown Origin/surgery
- Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics
- Herpesvirus 4, Human/isolation & purification
- Herpesvirus 6, Human/genetics
- Herpesvirus 6, Human/isolation & purification
- Humans
- Infant
- Lymphadenitis/complications
- Lymphadenitis/immunology
- Lymphadenitis/surgery
- Lymphocyte Count
- Male
- Palatine Tonsil/cytology
- Palatine Tonsil/immunology
- Palatine Tonsil/surgery
- Pharyngitis/complications
- Pharyngitis/immunology
- Pharyngitis/surgery
- Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/immunology
- Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/surgery
- Stomatitis, Aphthous/complications
- Stomatitis, Aphthous/immunology
- Stomatitis, Aphthous/surgery
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology
- Tonsillectomy
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Dytrych
- Department of ENT, Charles University, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University Prague and University Hospital Motol, Czech Republic
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Scattoni R, Verrotti A, Rinaldi V, Paglino A, Carelli A, D'Alonzo R. Genital ulcer as a new clinical clue to PFAPA syndrome. Clin Exp Dermatol 2014; 40:286-8. [DOI: 10.1111/ced.12524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Scattoni
- Department of Paediatrics; University of Perugia; Perugia Italy
| | - A. Verrotti
- Department of Paediatrics; University of Perugia; Perugia Italy
| | - V.E. Rinaldi
- Department of Paediatrics; University of Perugia; Perugia Italy
| | - A. Paglino
- Department of Paediatrics; University of Perugia; Perugia Italy
| | - A. Carelli
- Department of Paediatrics; University of Perugia; Perugia Italy
| | - R. D'Alonzo
- Department of Paediatrics; University of Perugia; Perugia Italy
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Burton MJ, Pollard AJ, Ramsden JD, Chong LY, Venekamp RP. Tonsillectomy for periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis syndrome (PFAPA). Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014:CD008669. [PMID: 25209127 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd008669.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome is a rare clinical syndrome of unknown cause usually identified in children. Tonsillectomy is considered a potential treatment option for this syndrome. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2010. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness and safety of tonsillectomy (with or without adenoidectomy) in children with PFAPA. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group Trials Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); PubMed; EMBASE; CINAHL; Web of Science; Cambridge Scientific Abstracts; ICTRP and additional sources for published and unpublished trials. The date of the search was 30 October 2013. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials comparing tonsillectomy (with or without adenoidectomy) with non-surgical treatment in children with PFAPA. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. We used the standard methodological procedures expected by The Cochrane Collaboration. MAIN RESULTS Two trials were included with a total of 67 children randomised (65 analysed); we judged both to be at low risk of bias.One trial of 39 participants recruited children with PFAPA syndrome diagnosed according to rigid, standard criteria. The trial compared adenotonsillectomy to watchful waiting and followed up patients for 18 months. A smaller trial of 28 children applied less stringent criteria for diagnosing PFAPA and probably also included participants with alternative types of recurrent pharyngitis. This trial compared tonsillectomy alone to no treatment and followed up patients for six months.Combining the trial results suggests that patients with PFAPA experience less fever and less severe episodes after surgery compared to those receiving no surgery. The risk ratio (RR) for immediate resolution of symptoms after surgery that persisted until the end of follow-up was 4.38 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.64 to 30.11); number needed to treat to benefit (NNTB) = 2, calculated based on an estimate that 156 in 1000 untreated children have a resolution).There was a large overall reduction in the average number of episodes over the total length of follow-up in these studies (rate ratio 0.08, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.13), reducing the average frequency of PFAPA episodes from one every two months to slightly less than one every two years. The severity, as indicated by the length of PFAPA symptoms during these episodes, was also reduced. One study reported that the average number of days per PFAPA episode was 1.7 days after receiving surgery, compared to 3.5 days in the control group. The proportion of patients requiring corticosteroids was also lower in the surgery group compared to those receiving no surgery (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.92).Both trials reported that there were no complications of surgery. However, the numbers of patients randomly allocated to surgery (19 and 14 patients respectively) were too small to detect potentially important complications such as haemorrhage. Other outcomes such as quality of life, number of days with pain after surgery and absence from school were not measured or reported. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The evidence for the effectiveness of tonsillectomy in children with PFAPA syndrome is derived from two small randomised controlled trials. These trials reported significant beneficial effects of surgery compared to no surgery on immediate and complete symptom resolution (NNTB = 2) and a substantial reduction in the frequency and severity (length of episode) of any further symptoms experienced. However, the evidence is of moderate quality (further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate) due to the relatively small sample sizes of the studies and some concerns about the applicability of the results. Therefore, the parents and carers of children with PFAPA syndrome must weigh the risks and consequences of surgery against the alternative of using medications. It is well established that children with PFAPA syndrome recover spontaneously and medication can be administered to try and reduce the severity of individual episodes. It is uncertain whether adenoidectomy combined with tonsillectomy adds any additional benefit to tonsillectomy alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin J Burton
- UK Cochrane Centre, Summertown Pavilion, 18 - 24 Middle Way, Oxford, UK, OX2 7LG
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Stagi S, Bertini F, Rigante D, Falcini F. Vitamin D levels and effects of vitamin D replacement in children with periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2014; 78:964-8. [PMID: 24746456 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2014.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2013] [Revised: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome is an autoinflammatory disease characterized by regularly recurrent fever episodes due to seemingly unprovoked inflammation. OBJECTIVE To assess serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations in children with PFAPA syndrome and evaluate longitudinally the effect of wintertime vitamin D supplementation on the disease course. STUDY DESIGN We have evaluated 25 Italian patients (19 males, 6 females, aged 2.4-5.3 years), fulfilling the Euro-Fever PFAPA criteria. For each patient, we recorded demographic and anthropometric data, clinical manifestations, serum calcium, phosphate, and 25(OH)D. After 400 IU vitamin D supplementation during wintertime, clinical and auxological characteristics, calcium, phosphate, and 25(OH)D levels were re-evaluated. Data were compared with a sex- and age-matched control group. RESULTS PFAPA patients showed reduced 25(OH)D levels than controls (p<0.0001). Regarding the effect of seasons on vitamin D, winter 25(OH)D levels were significantly reduced than summer ones (p<0.005). Moreover, these levels were significantly lower than in healthy controls (p<0.005), and correlated with both fever episodes (p<0.005) and C-reactive protein values (p<0.005). After vitamin D supplementation, PFAPA patients showed a significantly decreased number of febrile episodes and modification of their characteristics (mean duration of fever episodes, p<0.05; number of febrile episodes per year p<0.005). CONCLUSIONS Deficient and insufficient vitamin D serum levels were found in most children with PFAPA syndrome, and hypovitaminosis D might be a significant risk factor for PFAPA flares. However, vitamin D supplementation seems to significantly reduce the typical PFAPA episodes and their duration, supporting the role of vitamin D as an immune-regulatory factor in this syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Stagi
- Health's Sciences Department, University of Florence, Anna Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy.
| | - Federico Bertini
- Department of BioMedicine, Section of Rheumatology, Transition Clinic, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Donato Rigante
- Institute of Pediatrics, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Fernanda Falcini
- Department of BioMedicine, Section of Rheumatology, Transition Clinic, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Clinical and Genetic Characterization of Japanese Sporadic Cases of Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis and Adenitis Syndrome from a Single Medical Center in Japan. J Clin Immunol 2014; 34:584-93. [DOI: 10.1007/s10875-014-0043-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Bens S, Zichner T, Stütz AM, Caliebe A, Wagener R, Hoff K, Korbel JO, von Bismarck P, Siebert R. SPAG7 is a candidate gene for the periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and adenopathy (PFAPA) syndrome. Genes Immun 2014; 15:190-4. [PMID: 24452265 DOI: 10.1038/gene.2013.73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2013] [Revised: 12/15/2013] [Accepted: 12/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and adenopathy (PFAPA) syndrome is an auto-inflammatory disease for which a genetic basis has been postulated. Nevertheless, in contrast to the other periodic fever syndromes, no candidate genes have yet been identified. By cloning, following long insert size paired-end sequencing, of a de novo chromosomal translocation t(10;17)(q11.2;p13) in a patient with typical PFAPA syndrome lacking mutations in genes associated with other periodic fever syndromes we identified SPAG7 as a candidate gene for PFAPA. SPAG7 protein is expressed in tissues affected by PFAPA and has been functionally linked to antiviral and inflammatory responses. Haploinsufficiency of SPAG7 due to a microdeletion at the translocation breakpoint leading to loss of exons 2-7 from one allele was associated with PFAPA in the index. Sequence analyses of SPAG7 in additional patients with PFAPA point to genetic heterogeneity or alternative mechanisms of SPAG7 deregulation, such as somatic or epigenetic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bens
- Institute of Human Genetics, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel & University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - T Zichner
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Genome Biology Research Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - A M Stütz
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Genome Biology Research Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - A Caliebe
- Institute of Human Genetics, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel & University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - R Wagener
- Institute of Human Genetics, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel & University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - K Hoff
- 1] Institute of Human Genetics, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel & University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany [2] Department of Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiology, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel & University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - J O Korbel
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Genome Biology Research Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - P von Bismarck
- Department of Pediatrics, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel & University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - R Siebert
- Institute of Human Genetics, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel & University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
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Abstract
Some children referred for prolonged fever are actually not having elevated temperatures; the approach here requires dissection of the history and correction of health misperceptions. Others have well-documented fevers associated with clinical, laboratory, or epidemiologic findings that should point to a specific diagnosis. "Fever-of-Unknown-Origin" (FUO) is the clinical scenario of daily fever for ≥ 14 days that defies explanation after a careful history, physical examination, and basic laboratory tests. The diagnostic approach requires a meticulous fever diary, serial clinical and laboratory evaluations, vigilance for the appearance of new signs and symptoms, and targeted investigations; the pace of the work-up is determined by the severity of the illness. Approximately half of children with FUO will have a self-limited illness and will never have a specific diagnosis made; the other half will ultimately be found to have, in order, infectious, inflammatory, or neoplastic conditions. Irregular, intermittent, recurrent fevers in the well-appearing child are likely to be sequential viral illnesses. Monogenic autoinflammatory diseases should be considered in those who do not fit the picture of recurrent infections and who do not have hallmarks of immune deficiency. Stereotypical febrile illnesses that recur with clockwork periodicity should raise the possibilities of cyclic neutropenia, if the cycle is approximately 21 days, or periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome, the most common periodic fever in childhood.
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Bahrami L, Steele RW. Recurrent fever in two children. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2013; 52:886-9. [PMID: 23872344 DOI: 10.1177/0009922813495957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laleh Bahrami
- Tulane University School of Medicine and Ochsner Children's Health Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.
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