Marshall syndrome (PFAPA). Experience of pediatric clinic from Sibiu

Abstract

PFAPA is a chronic condition including recurrent fever episodes, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and adenitis. The authors emphasize peculiarities regarding diagnosis, evolution and cytokinic profile for PFAPA patients. 22 patients with PFAPA were included in study. Patients that fulfilled diagnosis criteria were analyzed regarding symptoms onset age, period of time between episodes and between disease onset and diagnosis and also data about inflammatory status. Authors compared 2 groups: “PFAPA group” including 6 patients (between febrile episodes) and “Non-PFAPA group” including 4 healthy children. Both groups were analyzed regarding serum levels of inflammatory markers and cytokines in order to identify a biological sensitive marker for PFAPA evolution pattern. Data was statistically analyzed using “independent sample t test”. Results. Authors noticed a low suspicion index for PFAPA diagnosis (underdiagnosed disorder) and significant statistical differences between the 2 groups regarding C reactive protein (CRP) serum value. Conclusions. PFAPA diagnosis is established lately, so it’s useful to disseminate information about disease. CRP remains a sensitive marker for disease activity in PFAPA patients, even out of fever attacks.