\ud83c\udfaf \u201cHe has the same fever almost every month, but nothing clear comes up in any tests\u2026\u201d<\/p>
This phrase, frequently uttered by parents, is one of the distinguishing signs of relapsing fever syndromes. Especially in children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years, these conditions, which start like an infection but are actually related to the overwork of the immune system, fall into the group of auto-inflammatory diseases.<\/p>
In this article, we share what you need to know about the most common syndromes, PFAPA, Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) and other periodic fever syndromes.<\/p>
PFAPA is the most common periodic fever syndrome in children. It stands for:<\/p>
\u2022 P: Periodic (at certain intervals)<\/p>
\u2022 F: Fever<\/p>
\u2022 A: Aphthous stomatitis (sores in the mouth)<\/p>
\u2022 P: Pharyngitis (inflammation of the throat)<\/p>
\u2022 A: Adenitis (swelling in neck lymph nodes)<\/p>
\u2705 High fever attacks that recur every 3-6 weeks<\/p>
\u2705 Usually, each attack starts in the same way and passes spontaneously within 3-5 days.<\/p>
\u2705 Other than fever, the child is generally healthy<\/p>
\u2705 Completely fine between attacks<\/p>
\u2705 No improvement with antibiotics<\/p>
\u2022 Sudden onset of high fever<\/p>
\u2022 Sore throat, swollen lymph nodes<\/p>
\u2022 Canker sores in the mouth<\/p>
\u2022 Weakness, loss of appetite<\/p>
Although the cause of PFAPA is not known for certain, it is the periodic triggering of the inflammatory response in the body as a result of the irregular functioning of the immune system. There is no infection or microbial cause.<\/p>
There is often no genetic transmission, in this respect it differs from hereditary syndromes such as Familial Mediterranean Fever.<\/p>
\u2705 There is no specific test for the diagnosis of PFAPA syndrome. Diagnosis is usually made by clinical history.<\/p>
\u2705 However, diseases such as recurrent infections, immune deficiency and FMF should be excluded.<\/p>
\u2705 Your doctor may request the following tests:<\/p>
\u2022 Complete blood count<\/p>
\u2022 CRP, Sedim (inflammation markers)<\/p>
\u2022 Throat culture<\/p>
\u2022 FMF genetic test if necessary<\/p>
\ud83d\udd04<\/p>
\ud83d\udccc These syndromes should be followed by pediatric rheumatology.<\/p>
\ud83d\udc68\u200d\u2695\ufe0f When to Consult a Doctor?<\/p>
\u2022 Similar recurring fevers more than once a month<\/p>
\u2022 Fever that does not respond to antibiotics<\/p>
\u2022 Recurrent complaints other than fever, such as sore throat, mouth sores, and swollen lymph nodes.<\/p>
\u2022 If there is a family history of genetic diseases such as FMF<\/p>
\ud83d\udccc Result<\/p>
Not every fever means infection. If your child has fever attacks at regular intervals that start in a similar way and resolve spontaneously, evaluation for recurrent fever syndromes is required.<\/p>
\ud83e\ude7a If your child in Izmir has such recurrent fever attacks, I would be happy to welcome you to my office for detailed evaluation and guidance.<\/p>\n\n