PFAFA (Periodic Fvever, Aftous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, Adentitis) Syndrome Represents the Most Common Cause of Periodic Fever in Paediatric Age. The Syndrome is Characterised by Recurrent Fever With at Least One of The PFAFA-Associated Symptoms. The Diagnosis of PFAFA Is Defined According to the Modified Marshall’s Criteria Modified by Thomas Et All.
We Have Evaluated the Recurrence of PFAFA Syndrome During the Italian Lockdown (March-May 2020) in Comparison to Previous Periods, Our Study Shows a Significant Reduction of Recurrence of PFAFA Syndroem Episodes in the 2020, Probabely Determined by Closure of School and by Social Distancing Measures Causing Interruption of Any Trigger Events, Despite the PFAF a Became Seemingly Unprovoked. More Studies are Needed in Order to Explaine the Trigger of PFAFA Syndrome
PFAFA (Periodic Fvever, Aftous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, Adentitis) Syndrome Represents the Most Common Cause of Periodic Fever In Paediatric Age, the Syndrome is Characterised by Recurrent Fever With at Least One of the PFAFA-Associated Symptoms (Aftous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis And Adenitis). The Febrile Episodes Last 3 - 5 Days and Occur Every 3-8 Weeks. The Children are Asymptomatic Between Episodes and Have a Regilar Growth (1). The Diagnosis is Based on Clinical Criteria, According to the Modified Marshall’s Criteria Proposed By Thomas Et All (2).
The Epidemiology of PFAFA is Uncertain, and PFAFA is Included In the Orphanet Disorders. A Norwegian Study (3) Concludes That the Incidence of PFAFA Was 2,3 Per 10000 Children Up to 5 Years of Age. In Most Cases Onset Of Symptoms Occurs in the First Year of Life. There Seems to be a Predominance of the Female Sex.
The PFAFA Syndrome is a Disorder of Immunity and of The Activation (4). Familiary Studies Shows That PFAFA Clusters Within Families. Recent Results Demonstrates Genetic Similiarities Among Recurrent Aphtous Stomatitis, Behcet Syndrome and PFAFA. Based on These Clinical and Genetic Similarities, it Seems Correct Identify The Behcet Syndrome Spectrum Disorders (Bsds), That Include Recurrent Stomatitis at the Mild End, the Behcet Syndrome on the Severe End and PFAFA Intermediate (5, 6).
The PFAFA Became Between 1- 5 Years And Diseappares Spontaneously In The Adolescence; For These Reason The Tonsillectomy Appears A Controverse Therapy (1). Pharmacologic Approach to PFAFA Involves the Use of Drugs That Control Temperature as Acetaminophene. The Use of Cortisone Solves the Individual Episodes but Shortens the Intervals (7).
Aim of the Study
We Have Evaluated the Recurrence Of PFAFA Syndrome During the Italian Lockdown (March-May 2020) in Comparison to Previous Periods (March-May 2019).
Patients and Methods
We Conducted an Observational Study Calculating the Number of PFAFA Events in 2 Periods: March – May 2019 E March – May 2020 (The Italian Lockdown). Covid-19 Pandemic Occurred in the Second Period, with Closure of School and Social Distancing. We Have Evaluated 5 Patients (2 Female, 3 Male) With Median Age of 3,5 Years (Ranging By 12 Months To 5 Years) For All Tests A P-Value < 0.05was Considered Statistically Significant. The Software Package Used for Statistical Analysis Was Stata (Stata Version 4.0 Statistical Analysis Software, Stat Corporation Houston, Tx Usa)
Results
In the First Period the Recurrence of Episodes of PFAFA is 1,7 (+/-0,3) While in the Second Period the Recurrence is 0. Obviously the Difference is Statistically Significative (P˂0.001). In The Second Period None of Children Presented PFAFA Episodes
Under Processing (Review Completed)