Hereditary periodic fever syndromes are hereditary disorders that periodically cause episodes of fever and other symptoms that are not due to usual childhood infections or any other obvious disorder.
The most common hereditary periodic fever syndrome across all age groups is
A similar disorder that causes episodes of fever but is not thought to be hereditary is
PFAPA syndrome (periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis)
Other less common syndromes include the following:
Hereditary cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (cryopyrinopathies): These syndromes include familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome (FCAS), Muckle-Wells syndrome (MWS), and neonatal-onset multisystem autoinflammatory disease (NOMID). Episodes of fever, a rash, and joint pain are periodically triggered by cold temperatures. The medications anakinra, rilonacept, or canakinumab, which modify how the immune system functions, may help.
Hyper-IgD syndrome: This syndrome causes fever, abdominal pain, headache, joint pain, a rash, and swollen lymph nodes. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and anakinra may help relieve symptoms during attacks. Anakinra or canakinumab is given to prevent attacks.
Tumor necrosis factor receptor–associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS): This syndrome causes periodic attacks of muscle pain and swelling in the arms and legs, abdominal pain, joint pain, and rash in addition to fever. NSAIDs are sometimes used for mild attacks. However, people usually require prednisone, a corticosteroid, for typical attacks. Anakinra and canakinumab may be given to prevent attacks.
PAPA syndrome (pyogenic arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum, and acne): This syndrome causes fever, inflamed joints, skin ulcers, and acne. By puberty, the arthritis tends to subside and the skin problems are the main symptoms. Anakinra or etanercept, adalimumab, or infliximab may help. Acne is treated with the antibiotic tetracycline or with isotretinoin.
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Symptoms of hereditary periodic fever syndromes usually begin during childhood. Fewer than 10% of people develop symptoms after age 18. People periodically have attacks of fever and inflammation but feel well between attacks.
