Frequency of rheumatic diseases in patients with familial Mediterranean fever; [Ailesel Akdeniz ateşi hastalarında romatizmal hastalıkların sıklığı]
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Date
2023
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Abstract
Purpose: Mutations in the Mediterranean FeVer (MEFV) gene, which causes familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), may also cause the emergence of other specific rheumatic diseases. This study aims to determine the frequency of other rheumatologic diseases in paediatric FMF patients, evaluate whether there are clinical and genetic differences between those with and without concomitant rheumatologic diseases, and compare the data with previous studies. Materials and methods: The files of FMF patients who were followed up at the paediatric rheumatology department were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic data, MEFV mutations, treatment, disease severity scores, and concomitant rheumatic diseases were recorded from the files. Results: There were 303 FMF patients (154 female/149 male). The mean age at diagnosis was 7.04±3.9 years. The mean disease duration was 5.33±3.13 years. In the cohort, 41 FMF patients (13.5%) were diagnosed with another rheumatic disease. There were 22 cases of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (53.6%), seven cases of vasculitis (17%), six cases of periodic fever aphthous stomatitis and adenitis syndrome (14.6%), three cases of Behçet's disease (7.3%), two cases of acute rheumatic fever (4.8%), and one case of systemic lupus erythematosus (2.4%). Thirty-two of these of these 41 FMF patients (78%) had the M694V mutation (homozygous in 11, heterozygous in 21). Disease activity scores Pras and ISSF scores were higher in FMF patients with rheumatic diseases (p=0.002 and p<0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Other rheumatologic diseases should be evaluated in FMF patients. Regarding other accompanying rheumatic diseases, the M694V mutation and disease severity scores are notable factors. © 2023, Pamukkale University. All rights reserved.