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Evaluating the Genetics and Immunology of Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, and Cervical Adenitis (PFAPA) Syndrome and Other Tonsil Disorders

NCT05656365 · Status: RECRUITING · Type: OBSERVATIONAL · Enrollment: 1500

Last updated 2026-04-08

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

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.

Conditions

  • Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, And Cervical Adenitis (Pfapa)
  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea
  • Tonsillitis
  • Tonsil Disorder
  • Sleep Disordered Breathing

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

    lead NIH

Principal Investigators

  • Kalpana Manthiram, M.D. · National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

Eligibility

Min Age
1 Month
Max Age
99 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2023-05-23
Primary Completion
2037-06-30
Completion
2038-12-31

Countries

  • United States

Study Locations

More Related Trials

Entities

Diseases

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT05656365 on ClinicalTrials.gov