Understanding the genetics and immune response in PFAPA syndrome and tonsil disorders
Official title: Evaluating the Genetics and Immunology of Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, and Cervical Adenitis (PFAPA) Syndrome and Other Tonsil Disorders
Run by National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · NCT05656365 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to understand the genetics and immune responses in people with PFAPA syndrome and tonsil problems by collecting and analyzing blood and other samples.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 1 Month to 99 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 1500 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) NIH |
| Locations | 3 sites (Washington D.C., District of Columbia and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 23, 2023 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2037 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2038 |
| Registry record updated | April 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05656365 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals aged 1 month or older who exhibit symptoms of PFAPA or other tonsil disorders.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with conditions that may pose undue risk or make them unsuitable for participation will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to collect blood and other biological specimens from individuals diagnosed with periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome, as well as other tonsil disorders. Researchers will analyze these samples to investigate genetic, immunologic, and microbial factors that may contribute to the development of these conditions. Participants can be seen in person or remotely, and those undergoing tonsillectomy may provide leftover clinical specimens for research. The study seeks to identify genetic risk variants and characterize immune responses associated with PFAPA and related disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of PFAPA and tonsil disorders, potentially improving diagnosis and treatment options for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: While this study focuses on PFAPA and tonsil disorders, similar genetic and immunological studies have shown promise in understanding other periodic fever syndromes.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* INCLUSION CRITERIA: Participants must meet all the following inclusion criteria to be eligible for this study: 1. Aged \>=1 month. To be seen at the NIH CC, participants must be \>=3 years of age. 2. Diagnosed with PFAPA or another tonsil disorder, or has symptoms consistent with these conditions, as determined by the investigator. 3. Able to provide informed consent (for ages \>=18 years) or has a parent or guardian who can provide informed consent on their behalf (for ages \<18 years). 4. Willing to allow specimens and data to be stored for future research. 5. Willing to allow genetic testing on their biospecimens. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: An individual who has any condition that, in the judgment of the investigator, may put them at undue risk or make them unsuitable for participation in the study will be excluded.
Where it's running
-
Indiana University School of Medicine
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States Recruiting -
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, United States Recruiting -
Children's National Medical Center
Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kalpana Manthiram, M.D. — National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
- Study coordinator: Mary T Bowes
- Email: mbowes@cc.nih.gov
- Phone: (240) 408-0970
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Tonsillectomy Added to Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation for OSA with Lateral Wall Collapse
In adults with obstructive sleep apnea and side-wide airway collapse, this study tests whether adding tonsil removal to hypoglossal nerve stimulation helps more than hypoglossal nerve stimulation alone.
-
Combined upper-airway electrical stimulation with a drug combo for sleep apnea
This study tests whether adding a drug mix called AtoOxy to an existing hypoglossal nerve stimulation device helps people with sleep apnea sleep better.
-
Comparing pain control methods after tonsil surgery in children
This study is testing whether long-lasting pain medicine like methadone works better than short-lasting options like fentanyl and hydromorphone for controlling pain in kids and teens after tonsil surgery.
-
Comparing outcomes of lateral pharyngoplasty with tonsillectomy in children
This study tests if adding a throat surgery called lateral pharyngoplasty to tonsil removal helps children recover better and feel less pain after their operation.
-
Multimodal Deep Learning to Predict Sleep Apnea Severity from SpO2 and Ballistocardiography
Researchers are testing a smart-mattress-based method that uses SpO2 and ballistocardiography data to predict sleep apnea severity in adults undergoing overnight sleep study.
-
Nightly wearable monitoring with at-home submental electrical stimulation for sleep apnea
This pilot test checks whether wearing a ring sensor at night and doing a 4-week at-home submental electrical stimulation is feasible for adults with obstructive sleep apnea and looks at changes in sleep metrics.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.