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PFAPA syndrome in children evaluated for tonsillectomy
E Galanakis1, C E Papadakis, E Giannoussi
1Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece. egalanak@med.uoc.gr
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|May 23, 2002
Summary
Pediatric recurrent pharyngitis is often linked to PFAPA syndrome. Tonsillectomy effectively treats PFAPA syndrome in children, resolving symptoms like periodic fever and sore throat.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Immunology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Recurrent pharyngitis is a common reason for tonsillectomy in children.
- PFAPA (Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, Adenitis) syndrome is a significant cause of recurrent pharyngitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of PFAPA syndrome in children undergoing tonsillectomy for recurrent pharyngitis.
- To evaluate the efficacy of tonsillectomy as a treatment for PFAPA syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 40 children undergoing tonsillectomy for recurrent pharyngitis.
- Preoperative symptom assessment for PFAPA syndrome criteria (periodic fever, pharyngitis, cervical adenitis, aphthous stomatitis).
- Postoperative follow-up to assess symptom resolution.
Main Results:
- 15 out of 40 children (37.5%) presented with symptoms consistent with PFAPA syndrome.
- Common symptoms included periodic fever (every 3-4 weeks), pharyngitis, cervical adenitis (80%), and aphthous stomatitis (33%).
- All affected children experienced dramatic postoperative improvement, remaining well between episodes.
Conclusions:
- PFAPA syndrome is a frequent, often undiagnosed, condition in children undergoing tonsillectomy for recurrent pharyngitis.
- Tonsillectomy appears to be a curative treatment for PFAPA syndrome in the pediatric population.