What is PFAPA syndrome? Genetic clues about the pathogenesis

Kalpana Manthiram1

  • 1Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.

PubMed

Insights

Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome is a complex genetic disorder. New research links PFAPA to Behçet's disease and identifies genetic factors influencing treatment response.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Rheumatology
  • Immunology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome is the most prevalent periodic fever disorder in children.
  • Recent research has identified genetic susceptibility variants associated with PFAPA syndrome.

Conclusions:

  • PFAPA phenotypes are heterogeneous, influenced by shared genetic susceptibility and therapeutic responses.
  • Understanding the genetic architecture of PFAPA and related conditions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
  • These findings necessitate a re-evaluation of PFAPA diagnostic criteria and classification.
Abstract

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