Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 5, 2025

Isolation of Tonsillar Mononuclear Cells to Study Ex Vivo Innate Immune Responses in a Human Mucosal Lymphoid Tissue
07:38

Isolation of Tonsillar Mononuclear Cells to Study Ex Vivo Innate Immune Responses in a Human Mucosal Lymphoid Tissue

Published on: June 14, 2020

7.7K

Differential cytokine profiles in pediatric patients with PFAPA syndrome and recurrent tonsillitis

Seiichi Nakano1, Eiji Kondo2, Hidetaka Iwasaki2

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology, Kochi National Hospital, Kochi 780-8077, Japan.

The Journal of Medical Investigation : JMI
|May 17, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Cytokine profiles can differentiate periodic fever with aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis syndrome (PFAPAS) from recurrent tonsillitis in children. PFAPAS shows lower IL-4 and higher IFN-γ, while tonsillitis shows increased IL-4 during fevers.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pediatrics
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Periodic fever with aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis syndrome (PFAPAS) and recurrent tonsillitis share similar clinical presentations in children.
  • Accurate differential diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify distinct cytokine profiles for differentiating PFAPAS from recurrent tonsillitis in pediatric patients.
  • To evaluate the diagnostic utility of IL-6, IL-4, and IFN-γ levels.

Main Methods:

  • Serum cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-4, IFN-γ) were measured during febrile episodes in pediatric patients.
  • Patients were categorized into PFAPAS and recurrent tonsillitis groups.
  • Cytokine levels were compared between the two groups.

Main Results:

  • IL-6 levels were elevated in both PFAPAS and recurrent tonsillitis patients without significant difference.
  • PFAPAS patients exhibited significantly lower IL-4 levels compared to recurrent tonsillitis patients.
  • PFAPAS patients showed significantly higher IFN-γ levels than recurrent tonsillitis patients during febrile episodes.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric PFAPAS is characterized by increased IL-6, suppressed IL-4, and markedly increased IFN-γ during fevers.
  • Recurrent tonsillitis in children presents with increased IL-6 and IL-4, but not IFN-γ, during febrile episodes.
  • Cytokine profiles of IL-6, IL-4, and IFN-γ can aid in the differential diagnosis of PFAPAS versus recurrent tonsillitis in pediatric ENT settings.

Keywords:
IFN- γIL-4IL-6PFAPA syndromerecurrent tonsillitis

More Related Videos

Detection of Polyfunctional T Cells in Children Vaccinated with Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine via the Flow Cytometry Technique09:37

Detection of Polyfunctional T Cells in Children Vaccinated with Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine via the Flow Cytometry Technique

Published on: September 23, 2022

2.1K
Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

10.6K

Related Concept Videos

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.
860
Chronic Pharyngitis01:23

Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis refers to persistent inflammation of the pharyngial mucosa.
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
7.4K
Tonsillitis II: Management01:26

Tonsillitis II: Management

This lesson will focus on the different treatment options for managing tonsillitis, which typically depend on the cause and severity.
237
Differentiation of Common Myeloid Progenitor Cells01:15

Differentiation of Common Myeloid Progenitor Cells

Common myeloid progenitors (CMPs) are oligopotent cells that can differentiate into granulocytes and macrophages. Granulocytes and macrophages are essential for protecting the body against bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. They migrate from the bone marrow into the circulating blood to reach specific tissue sites where they differentiate and help in immune surveillance. However, they survive only for a few days and must be continuously made available to the organism to maintain a robust...
3.6K
Acute Pharyngitis01:30

Acute Pharyngitis

Introduction
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
2.4K