Clinical Study of Recurrent Parotitis in Children

Yim, Sam Hwa; Yoon, Kye Nam; Lee, Kyung Yil; Cha, Sang Won; Han, Ji Whan; Lee, Dong Jun; Kang, Jin Han; Whang, Kyung Tai

Abstract

PURPOSE: Recurrent parotitis is defined as a recurrent parotid inflammation, generally associated with sialectasis of the parotid gland. It can often be misdiagnosed as recurrent mumps. We studied the clinical and laboratory features of recurrent parotitis.
METHODS
Outpatient clinical records of 23 cases were analyzed retrospectively between April 1993 and March 1999. Follow-up after the last outpatient clinic visit was carried out by telephone interview.
RESULTS
Mean age of onset was 3.7+/-2.1 yr with 16 cases (69.6%) of 2-4 yr being predominant. Males (56.5%) were affected more than females. Mean number of recurrence per year for patients who recurred more than 3 times was 1.8/yr. Most parotid swellings subsided within 3-7 days. Laboratory findings at first visits were as follows:WBC 14,100+/-7,660/mm3 (neutrophil 56.6+/-18.9%, lymphocyte 35.5+/-17.6%), ESR 19.3+/-7.6mm/hr in males and 24.7+/-6.8 mm/hr in females and amylase 407.4+/-391.8IU/L. An eosinophil count over 250/mm3 was found in 6 out of 23 cases and IgE levels over 150IU/ml was found in 3 out of 14 cases. Anti-mumps IgG was positive in 10 out of 16 cases but anti-mumps IgM was all negative.
CONCLUSION
Recurrent parotitis is not uncommon in childhood. Careful history taking and follow-up observation are important for the diagnosis of recurrent parotitis. The clinicians should reassure patients and their parents of the benign disease process.