All issues > Volume 43(5); 2000

Original Article

J Korean Pediatr Soc. 2000;43(5):619-624. Published online May 15, 2000.

Clinical Study of Recurrent Parotitis in Children

Sam-Hwa SH Yim¹, Kye-Nam KN Yoon¹, Kyung-Yil KY Lee¹, Sang-Won SW Cha¹, Dong-Jun DJ Lee¹, Ji-Whan JW Han¹, Jin-Han JH Kang¹, Kyung-Tai KT Whang¹

¹Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea

Correspondence Kyung-Yil KY Lee ,Email: leekyungyil@yahoo.com

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¡¾2.1 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¡¾7,660/mm3(neutrophil 56.6¡¾18.9%, lymphocyte 35.5¡¾17.6%), ESR 19.3¡¾7.6mm/hr in males and 24.7¡¾6.8 mm/hr in females and amylase 407.4¡¾391.8IU/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.

Keywords :Recurrent parotitis, Children, Clinical