PFAPA syndrome (periodic fever, aphthae, pharyngitis and cervical adenopathy) or Marshall syndrome is one of the causes of recurrent or periodic fevers in paediatrics.
It is a chronic condition of unknown aetiology. Although it is unlikely to have a genetic cause, it is usually grouped with the hereditary periodic fever syndromes. The syndrome usually begins between the ages of 2 and 5 and is more common in boys.
The child has an episode of fever about once a month, lasting between 3 and 6 days. The syndrome causes fatigue, chills and sometimes abdominal pain and headache, as well as fever, sore throat, thrush and swollen lymph nodes. The child is healthy between successive episodes and growth is normal.
Diagnosis is based on a medical history and physical examination. Blood tests are done to measure the levels of substances that indicate inflammation (markers).
There is no need for treatment, but corticosteroids may help relieve the child's symptoms.
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