Detailed contribution information
| Contribution title | Evaluation of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Symptoms in School-Aged Children with a History of PFAPA(periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis) Syndrome Diagnosis - Preliminary Results |
|---|---|
| Contribution code | D2.068 |
| Authors | |
| Form of presentation | Poster |
| Topic |
|
| Abstract |
Aim: PFAPA(periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis) syndrome is an auto-inflammatory disease, usually seen under the age of 5. Attacks often begin in the first few years of life and resolve spontaneously in late childhood. Although it’s etiology is not fully understood, immunological and genetic mechanisms are thought to play a role. Especially, irregular IL-1 response has an important place in it’s etiology. TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma and IL-6 levels are also increased during attacks. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in childhood associated with genetic factors, inflammation, and environmental influences. In the literature, it is suggested that early inflammatory processes contribute to the development of neuropsychiatric disorders, including ADHD. This study aimed to investigate whether ADHD symptoms are more frequently observed in children who were diagnosed with PFAPA syndrome during the preschool period, compared to physically healthy controls. Methods: The preliminary research included 48 children aged 6-12 years, who were diagnosed with PFAPA during preschool years at the Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic of Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty. 38 physically healthy children were included as the control group. Data collection tools included a sociodemographic information form and the Revised Conners' Parent Rating Scale. Results: There were no significant differences between the PFAPA group and the control group in terms of age (mean ages of 9.63 and 9.11, respectively; p = 0.062 ) or gender (PFAPA group 47.9% male, 52.1% female; Control group: 52.6% male, 47.4% female; p = 0.664). The PFAPA group exhibited higher mean scores on subscales (oppositional behaviour, cognitive problems/inattention, hyperactivity and ADHD Index) and total scores. However, no significant differences were found between the PFAPA and control groups in terms of scores on total score and subscales (for all, p > 0.05). Conclusion: PFAPA syndrome offers an important model for understanding the role of early inflammatory mechanisms in the development of ADHD symptoms. Although no significant differences were observed with the current sample size, the preliminary results |