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Managing PFAPA (periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis) in children

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Abstract

Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) is an uncommon, often misdiagnosed condition usually affecting children and resolving spontaneously before adolescence. While no long-term adverse effects are known, PFAPA is painful and tiring, causing significant school or work absence for the patient and family. Episodic fevers 3–6 weeks apart that respond within hours to a single corticosteroid dose support the diagnosis. Daily colchicine usually extends the symptom-free interval.

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  1. Springer Nature, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, Auckland, 0754, New Zealand

    Caroline Fenton & Connie Kang

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  1. Caroline Fenton
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  2. Connie Kang
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Correspondence to Connie Kang.

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The preparation of this review was not supported by any external funding.

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C. Fenton and C. Kang are contracted/salaried employees of Adis International Ltd/Springer Nature, and declare no relevant conflicts of interest. All authors contributed to the review and are responsible for the article content.

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Fenton, C., Kang, C. Managing PFAPA (periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis) in children. Drugs Ther Perspect 37, 65–69 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40267-020-00793-z

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