Background:
Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) is the most common periodic fever syndrome of childhood. Symptoms can include swelling of the glands in the throat, mouth ulcers, and tonsillitis. Removal of the tonsils can stop the periodic flareups. But researchers do not know how PFAPA develops. In this natural history study, researchers will collect specimens and data from people with PFAPA to see what they might have in common.
Objective:
To collect blood and other specimens from people with PFAPA to learn more about the illness.
Eligibility:
People aged 1 month or older with symptoms of PFAPA or another tonsil disorder.
Design:
Participants will be screened. Their medical records will be reviewed. Researchers will ask about a family history of PFAPA.
The following specimens may be collected:
Blood. Blood will be drawn either from a needle inserted into a vein or from a prick in the finger or heel.
Mucus and cells. A stick with soft padding on the tip may be rubbed inside the nostrils or mouth.
Stool.
Saliva.
Tissue samples may be taken if participants are having surgery to remove the tonsils or adenoids. Participants having surgery may also have a nasopharyngeal wash; salt water will be squirted into the back of the throat and then sucked back out with a syringe.
Most participants will provide specimens only once. They can do this in person at the clinic; they can also have their local health providers send specimens to the researchers. Some participants may have optional follow-up visits over 10 years.
Aged >=1 month. To be seen at the NIH CC, participants must be >=3 years of age.
Diagnosed with PFAPA or another tonsil disorder, or has symptoms consistent with these conditions, as determined by the investigator.
Able to provide informed consent (for ages >=18 years) or has a parent or guardian who can provide informed consent on their behalf (for ages <18 years).
Willing to allow specimens and data to be stored for future research.
None
Patients diagnosed with PFAPA and other tonsil disorders.
Cohort
Prospective
Not listed
Identify genetic risk variants for PFAPA and other tonsil disorders
To collect samples to understand the immunologic mechanisms and genetic and microbial risk factors for PFAPA and other tonsil disorders
Characterize clinical outcomes following tonsillectomy and other clinically indicated treatments.
To collect samples to understand the immunologic mechanisms and genetic and microbial risk factors for PFAPA and other tonsil disorders
Characterize the tonsillar/adenoid, oral, nasal and/or stool microbiota in people with PFAPA and other tonsil disorders
To collect samples to understand the immunologic mechanisms and genetic and microbial risk factors for PFAPA and other tonsil disorders
Characterize immune cell populations, gene expression including at the single cell level, epigenetic features, and protein expression ex vivo in blood, tissue, washes, or swabs from people with PFAPA and other tonsil disorders
To collect samples to understand the immunologic mechanisms and genetic and microbial risk factors for PFAPA and other tonsil disorders
Characterize immunologic and molecular pathways in the tissue cells.
To understand the characteristics and function of unique cell populations in the pharyngeal lymphoid tissues (tonsils and adenoids) and how immune responses to antigens are generated in these tissues
Study responses to antigens and infection in the mucosal lymphoid tissue and peripheral blood.
To understand the characteristics and function of unique cell populations in the pharyngeal lymphoid tissues(tonsils and adenoids) and how immune responses to antigens are generated in these tissues
Characterize unique cell populations and the immunologic and molecular pathways in the tissue cells
To understand the characteristics and function of unique cell populations in the pharyngeal lymphoid tissues (tonsils and adenoids) and how immune responses to antigens are generated in these tissues
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