Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Recurrent Escherichia coli Urinary Tract Infection Triggered by Gardnerella vaginalis Bladder Exposure in Mice
08:53

Recurrent Escherichia coli Urinary Tract Infection Triggered by Gardnerella vaginalis Bladder Exposure in Mice

Published on: December 4, 2020

[Recurrent fever episodes in a small boy]

Knut Øymar1, Alet Røsvik, Jan Fossheim

  • 1Øre-nese-hals-avdelingen, Kvinne-Barneklinikken, Stavanger Universitetssjukehus, Postboks 8100 Postterminalen, 4068 Stavanger. oykn@sus.no

Tidsskrift for Den Norske Laegeforening : Tidsskrift for Praktisk Medicin, Ny Raekke
|July 7, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Tonsillectomy may resolve periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis (PFAPA) in children. This case study shows immediate cessation of fever episodes post-tonsillectomy, suggesting it as a treatment option.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Otolaryngology
  • Pediatric Rheumatology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis (PFAPA) is a rare autoinflammatory disorder.
  • While retrospective studies suggest tonsillectomy's efficacy, controlled studies are lacking.
  • PFAPA diagnosis and management often require multidisciplinary collaboration.

Observation:

  • A pediatric patient with PFAPA experienced recurrent fevers every three weeks starting at age one.
  • Tonsillectomy was performed at 3.5 years of age.
  • Immediate and complete resolution of fever episodes was observed post-surgery.

Findings:

  • The patient remained fever-free for 16 months following tonsillectomy.
  • This suggests a potential curative effect of tonsillectomy in PFAPA.
  • The presented case supports the hypothesis that tonsillar inflammation may play a role in PFAPA.

Implications:

  • Tonsillectomy should be considered for children with severe and persistent PFAPA.
  • Collaboration between pediatricians and otolaryngologists is crucial for optimal PFAPA care.
  • Further controlled studies are warranted to confirm the long-term efficacy and safety of tonsillectomy for PFAPA.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Patterns of Fever01:26

Patterns of Fever

Before understanding the types and patterns of fever, it is essential to know its phases.
Types of Fever01:25

Types of Fever

Fever can be triggered by several factors, including infections, nervous system disorders, certain cancers, blood diseases like leukemia, embolism, thrombosis, heatstroke, dehydration, surgical trauma, crushing injuries, and allergic reactions.
Here are the different types of fever:
Increased Body Temperature01:25

Increased Body Temperature

A body temperature above  38°C  (100.4 °F) is known as fever or pyrexia, and a person with fever is termed 'febrile.' Typically, the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that acts as the body's thermostat, regulates body temperature through a thermoregulatory setpoint. It receives signals from cold and warm thermal receptors throughout the body and adjusts the body's temperature accordingly. Fever occurs when this hypothalamic setpoint is altered, usually in response to an infection or illness.
Methods of reducing fever01:22

Methods of reducing fever

The signs and symptoms of fever include hot and dry skin, flushed face, thirst, muscle aches, anorexia, headache, tachycardia, tachypnea, and fatigue. Elevated body temperature is reduced using two methods: pharmacological and nonpharmacological. Proper identification and treatment of the root cause of a fever is of utmost importance.
Pharmacological Methods of Reducing Fever:
Tonsillitis I: Introduction01:30

Tonsillitis I: Introduction

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which are two lymphoid tissue masses at the back of the throat. This condition can cause discomfort and irritation in the throat.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever01:26

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.