Unexplained intermittent fever: PFAPA. Issue 12 (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Simmons, A.; Daniel, M.
• Is Part Of: Paediatrics and child health. Volume 26:Issue 12(2016)
• Page Start: 559
• Page End: 560
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Adenitis -- Aphthous stomatitis -- Fever -- Paediatric -- Pharyngitis -- PFAPA -- Otolaryngology -- Tonsillectomy; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Pédiatrie -- Périodiques; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.paed.2016.08.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-7222

Abstract

Abstract: Periodic fever with aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) is a periodic fever illness found across the world, and is as yet unexplained in its aetiology. This article reports on the diagnosis and management and comments on everyday practice. The incidence of PFAPA in children is documented increasingly, possibly due to misdiagnoses due to poor patient and clinician awareness, or confusion with recurrent tonsillitis justifying tonsillectomy. The diagnosis is important to consider, so that other cyclical fevers are not missed, and parents are offered appropriate counselling and a discussion of conservative, medical, or surgical treatment options.