What is familial Mediterranean fever?

What is familial Mediterranean fever?

Familial Mediterranean fever is a genetic autoinflammatory disorder that causes recurrent fevers and painful inflammation of your abdomen, lungs and joints.

Is Familial Mediterranean Fever an autoimmune disease?

Overview. 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.

Is familial Mediterranean fever fatal?

Familial Mediterranean fever is an inherited autoinflammatory syndrome characterised by recurrent short episodes of high fever associated with abdominal pain, inflammation of joints and other body sites and skin rash. If untreated, amyloidosis commonly develops and may have a fatal outcome.

Is Familial Mediterranean Fever a disability?

It causes disability and worsens patients quality of life. Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is a hereditary autoinflammatory disease characterized by recurrent episodes of fever and serositis. Mutations in the MEFV gene that encodes pyrin protein are responsible for the disease.

Is Familial Mediterranean Fever a rare disease?

What is Familial Mediterranean Fever? 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 does familial Mediterranean fever affect the immune system?

FMF is caused by mutation in the MEFV gene, which encodes a protein called pyrin found in white blood cells. The mutated protein disrupts the immune system and causes inflammation. Researchers think that MEFV gene mutations may be a factor in other autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis.

How long does it take for colchicine to work for FMF?

Colchicine starts to work after around 30 minutes to 2 hours. However, it may take a day or two before you notice your inflammation and pain starts to get better. If you’re taking it to prevent flare-ups of FMF, you may not feel any different.

How many people does Familial Mediterranean Fever affect?

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.

How long do FMF attacks last?

The classic form of FMF is characterized by short, recurrent episodes (attacks) of inflammation. These episodes often occur without warning and can last anywhere from 1 to 4 days. The duration and severity of episodes (both in different people and even the same person) are not consistent.