Fevers. They're as common in young children as scraped knees and runny noses. But some children have fevers that occur routinely each month like a woman's monthly period. A description of the syndrome, known as Periodic Fever, Aphthous stomatitis, Pharyngitis, and cervical Adenitis (PFAPA) is a chronic condition usually seen in children under five, characterized by periodic episodes of high fever occurring roughly every four weeks. The fever rapidly rises to 103-106 degrees and lasts three to six days. The child is healthy otherwise - no runny nose or respiratory symptoms. The syndrome may be accompanied by mouth sores, a red and inflamed throat, and swollen glands. The fever spontaneously resolves.

Dr. Kathryn M. Edwards, professor of Pediatrics first described PFAPA with Dr. Alexander R. Lawton, professor of Pediatrics and Dr. Gary Marshall Jr. from the University of Louisville.

Fevers may persist for several years but seems to have no detrimental long-term health consequences.

We hope networking & research will help physicians properly diagnose PFAPA. It's more common than people think! Many physicians are unaware of the syndrome.

Nothing can cure PFAPA but a small dose of prednisone has shown promise in alleviating the symptoms in some children. However, in some children it has been shown to increase the frequency of the episodes - from 28 days to 14-21 days.

It's very difficult to have a child who is sick every month like our children are. When it hits they are run down, lethargic and fatigued.

This group is medically oriented and run by a RN Mom of a Child with PFAPA. Parents, grandparents, and all significant others including healthcare professionals are welcomed and encouraged to join this list. There is little research regarding Periodic Fever and I hope this list encourages support and knowledge along with leading the way for further research. Topics guided toward medical treatments and creating a support network.