Role of Tonsillectomy in PFAPA Syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the efficacy of tonsillectomy in ameliorating symptoms and preventing recurrence of episodes in children with PFAPA syndrome (periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis).


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
Tertiary care children's hospital.


METHODS
Patients who presented to a major tertiary teaching hospital in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, between 2000 and 2004 with the diagnosis of PFAPA syndrome or for whom the diagnosis was made on their initial consultation.


METHODS
Tonsillectomy.


METHODS
Resolution of symptoms at 3, 12, and 24 months after tonsillectomy.


RESULTS
Eight of the 9 patients achieved complete remission within 3 months. In the remaining patient, the frequency of episodes decreased from every 2 weeks to once every 3 to 4 months. This patient eventually had resolution of symptoms at 2 years after tonsillectomy. No complications resulted from the tonsillectomy.


CONCLUSIONS
Tonsillectomy is a viable treatment option for patients with PFAPA syndrome.
Wong
Kevin K
KK
Department of Surgery and Infectious , British Columbia's Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Finlay
Jane C
JC
Moxham
J Paul
JP
D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005334:Fever / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008199:Lymphadenitis / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D010507:Periodicity; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013281:Stomatitis, Aphthous / Q000601:surgery*; D013577:Syndrome; D014068:Tonsillectomy; D016896:Treatment Outcome