Is probiotic (Streptococcus Salivarius K12) useful in Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, and Adenitis syndrome?

Background: The most common periodic fever syndrome in children is Periodic Fever, Aphthous stomatitis, Pharyngitis, and Adenitis (PFAPA). This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the probiotic Streptococcus Salivarius K12 in patients with PFAPA. Materials: and Methods: This randomized clinical trial included PFAPA patients divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group, along with the conventional treatments, received Lactogum containing Probiotic Streptococcus Salivarius K12 for four months. The control group, however, received conventional treatments, including acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (prednisolone), along with a placebo. Results: : This study investigated 40 PFAPA patients. The mean ages of the patients in the control and intervention groups were 6.94±2.21 and 5.71±2.59 years, respectively. In the first month, the mean number of days suffering from fever was fewer in the intervention group, compared to the control group. Moreover, the mean number of pharyngitis days in the first and second months was fewer in the intervention group than other group.There was also a significant difference between the intervention and control groups in terms of corticosteroid use in the fourth month after the onset of probiotic treatment ( P ≤0.05). Conclusion: Our results suggest that, the use of probiotics (Streptococcus Salivarius K12) could be effective in reducing the symptoms of PFAPA syndrome, as well as the consumption of corticosteroids Name of the registry The Use of Streptococcus salivarius K12 in treatment of Periodic fever with aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis (PFAPA) Syndrome Date of registration: 31/08/2021 Trial registration: IRCT20210911052436N1). URL: https://www.irct.ir/trial/58774