How do I know if I have Familial Mediterranean Fever?
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is characterized by recurrent episodes of fever accompanied by pain in the abdomen, chest, joints, pelvis, and/or muscles. Episodes may also be associated with a skin rash or headache, and rarely, pericarditis and meningitis .
Is Familial Mediterranean Fever fatal?
In FMF, amyloid accumulates in the kidneys (renal amyloidosis) where it can impair kidney function potentially result in life-threatening complications such as kidney failure.
Is Familial Mediterranean Fever an autoimmune disease?
As opposed to an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own cells, FMF is an autoinflammatory disease in which the innate immune system (the body’s first-line defense) simply doesn’t work as it is should.
What causes FMF flare ups?
FMF flares may be triggered by an infection, stress, strenuous exercise, physical trauma, or even getting your period. Between flares, people with FMF often feel normal. They may be symptom-free for years between flares.
How is FMF treated?
Initial treatment of FMF is with colchicine. Colchicine — Colchicine is primarily effective as a prophylactic treatment for the FMF attacks. It is recommended in all patients regardless of the frequency and intensity of attacks.
Is FMF life threatening?
With early and regular treatment, individuals with FMF can live a normal lifespan and may even be free of symptoms. The disease has the potential to be life-threatening if the patient develops kidney failure (which may result when a person is untreated or does not respond to treatment).
Is FMF a rare disease?
FMF is considered a rare disease worldwide. However, it is very common in people of Sephardic (non-Ashkenazi) Jewish, Armenian, Arab and Turkish heritage. Among people with these backgrounds, about 1 in 200 has FMF.
How common is familial Mediterranean fever?
Familial Mediterranean fever primarily affects populations originating in the Mediterranean region, particularly people of Armenian, Arab, Turkish, or Jewish ancestry. The disorder affects 1 in 200 to 1,000 people in these populations. It is less common in other populations.
Does FMF get worse with age?
Similarly, different manifestations of FMF have been observed among populations of various ethnic origins. However, attacks generally tend to decrease with aging in most FMF patients. Each attack lasts 1-4 days on average and resolves spontaneously.