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Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is a genetic disorder that typically begins in early childhood, characterized by recurrent attacks of painful inflammation and fever affecting the chest, abdomen, and joints. It follows an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern, meaning both parents must contribute a mutated gene copy for the disease to manifest. FMF is more commonly observed in populations of Mediterranean descent.
The disease is characterized by relatively short fever attacks (typically 1 to 3 days), often accompanied by serositis (inflammation of the membranes lining body cavities), synovitis (inflammation of joint membranes), or skin rash. In approximately 80-90% of patients, attacks begin before the age of 20, with initial symptoms usually appearing during childhood. Attacks develop within 2 to 4 hours and can last from 6 hours to 4 days; they may sometimes be accompanied by a rash or headache.
The frequency and type of FMF attacks (abdominal, pleural, or arthritic) can vary significantly among patient groups and for any individual patient over time. The interval between attacks can range from days to years.
As the most common type of periodic fever syndromes, FMF derives its name from primarily affecting people of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern origin. Although first defined only in the second half of the twentieth century, descriptions of periodic fevers can be found dating back to ancient times.
While there is no definitive cure, the signs and symptoms of FMF can be greatly alleviated or entirely prevented with appropriate treatment. If left untreated, FMF can lead to severe secondary amyloidosis damage, particularly in the kidneys, and potentially kidney failure. Therefore, effective management and treatment of Familial Mediterranean Fever are of vital importance.
What is Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF)?
The disease is characterized by relatively short fever attacks (typically 1 to 3 days), often accompanied by serositis (inflammation of the membranes lining body cavities), synovitis (inflammation of joint membranes), or skin rash. In approximately 80-90% of patients, attacks begin before the age of 20, with initial symptoms usually appearing during childhood. Attacks develop within 2 to 4 hours and can last from 6 hours to 4 days; they may sometimes be accompanied by a rash or headache.
The frequency and type of FMF attacks (abdominal, pleural, or arthritic) can vary significantly among patient groups and for any individual patient over time. The interval between attacks can range from days to years.
As the most common type of periodic fever syndromes, FMF derives its name from primarily affecting people of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern origin. Although first defined only in the second half of the twentieth century, descriptions of periodic fevers can be found dating back to ancient times.
While there is no definitive cure, the signs and symptoms of FMF can be greatly alleviated or entirely prevented with appropriate treatment. If left untreated, FMF can lead to severe secondary amyloidosis damage, particularly in the kidneys, and potentially kidney failure. Therefore, effective management and treatment of Familial Mediterranean Fever are of vital importance.