Clinical Study of Recurrent Parotitis in Children

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 followsWBC 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.