International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology
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Int. J. Pediatr. Otorhinolaryngol. · Mar 2020
ReviewThe immunology of the periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis syndrome; what can the tonsils reveal. A literature review.
Tonsillectomy (TE) or adenotonsillectomy (ATE) may have a beneficial effect on the clinical course in children with the periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome. However, an immunological reason for this effect remains unknown. This literature review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the immunological role of the tonsils in the PFAPA syndrome. ⋯ A uniform immunological or microbiological pattern explaining the clinical effect of TE in children with PFAPA has not been revealed. Future targeted immunological studies of tonsils in PFAPA patients could possibly illuminate the understanding of the immunology in this disease.