News PFAPA

PFAPA is Periodic Fever, Aphthous stomatitis, Pharyngitis, and cervical Adenitis (PFAPA) is a recurrent condition usually seen in children under five, characterized by episodes of high fever occurring roughly every three to four weeks. The fever rapidly rises to 103-106 degrees and lasts three to six days. The child is healthy otherwise in between fevers - no runny nose, cough, vomiting, rashes, or diarrhea.

PFAPA may be accompanied by mouth sores, a red and inflamed throat, and swollen glands. The fever spontaneously resolves. The strep test is usually negative as well as blood culture.

There is no treatment. However, some children get better with tonsillectomy. Oral steroids have been used too.

Primary care physicians should be familiar with this syndrome so extensive tests can be reduced.

My last patient with PFAPA is a two year old boy. His recurrent fevers lasted about nine months.

Leo Leonidas, MD, Bangor, ME

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