Streptococcus Salivarius K12 Probiotic in Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, and Adenitis syndrome

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis (PFAPA) is the most common syndrome in children. This complication is characterized by the sudden onset of fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis, as well as less common signs, such as headache, rash, and changes in the digestive system. 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. The highest fever temperature of the children in the control and intervention groups upon admission to the clinic were 38.88±0.53^ºC and 39.96±0.85^ºC, respectively. According to the results, 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 that in the control group. In the fourth month, the disease symptom percentages were reduced in the intervention group, compared to the control group. Conclusion: The results show that the use of probiotics (Streptococcus Salivarius K12) can be effective in reducing the consumption of corticosteroids and minimizing the complications caused by conventional treatments.