Colchicine prophylaxis for frequent periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and adenitis episodes

Abstract

AIM: To review our experience with colchicine for the prophylaxis of PFAPA (periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, adenitis). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prophylaxis with colchicine was offered to patients with frequent PFAPA episodes defined as episodes occurring every < or =14 days. Nine patients, aged 3.5-11.0 years, were treated with colchicine at a daily dosage of 0.5-1.0 mg and were followed up for 6-48 months (mean 2 years). RESULTS: Colchicine treatment increased the interval between the episodes in eight out of the nine patients. The interval between the episodes was significantly increased following colchicine treatment from an average of 1.7 weeks to 8.4 weeks (p < 0.006). Only one patient had an abdominal pain that responded to dose adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: Colchicine prophylaxis may be beneficial for frequent PFAPA episodes.