Homeopathic Treatment of Children Suffering from PFAPA: A Retrospective Case Series

Introduction: Periodic Fever, Aphthous stomatitis, Pharyngitis, cervical Adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome is an acquired auto inflammatory disorder, frequently diagnosed in young children.Fevers recurring every three to eight weeks are the signature symptom.The aim of this retrospective case series is to present the course of disease during individualized homeopathic treatment in children suffering from PFAPA. Case presentations:We collected the history and symptoms from 10 out of 13 (76.9%)consecutively treated PFAPA patients (5 girls) with a median age of 3.5 years [Q1-Q3: 3.1-4.4].Clinical outcome was assessed using the "Modified NARanjo Criteria for Homeopathy-causal attribution inventory" (MONARCH range: -3 to 13 points: 8 points = presumable correlation between homeopathic therapy and improved symptoms or cure).We also described the individually chosen Homeopathic Medicinal Products (HMPs: n=21) used.Results: All but one patient (MONARCH 8 points in 90%: 8 points: n=5; 9 points: n=3; 10 points: n=1; -2 points: n=1) recovered within one to five months of treatment.Median Follow up was 35.5 months [33.3-41.8].A median of 4 HMPs [3][4][5] were applied to treat PFAPA (median fever 40C [40.0-40.8])mostly using Atropa Belladonna CH200 (100%), Calcium carbonicum CH200 (50%), Mercurius solubilis LM6/12 (40%), Phosphorus CH12/200 (40%) and Pulsatilla pratensis LM6/12 (30%).There was a time-dependent improvement with regard to frequency of flares, as well as intensity of symptoms, up to complete disappearance of disease.Some parents reported that physical improvement seemed to be accompanied by developmental behavioural leap. Conclusions:This case series suggests that individualized homeopathy is a potential therapy option in patients with PFAPA.