What type of doctor treats Familial Mediterranean Fever

If you have signs and symptoms of familial Mediterranean fever, you may begin by seeing your family health care provider. Your health care provider may refer you to a specialist in inflammatory diseases (rheumatologist).

Who treats FMF?

A mutation of the MEFV gene on chromosome 16, which codes for protein pyrin, is associated with the disease pathogenesis. Colchicine, which has been prescribed to treat FMF since 1972, remains the mainstay for treatment although its use has been complicated by resistance and intolerance in a minority of patients.

Is 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.

Who can diagnose FMF?

A diagnosis of FMF can be confirmed by molecular genetic testing, which can identify the characteristic MEFV gene mutations that cause the disorder. Molecular genetic testing is available through commercial and academic diagnostic laboratories.

What triggers FMF attacks?

The attacks of Familial Mediterranean Fever can have a trigger, as infections, stress, menses, exposure to cold, fat-rich food, drugs. The diagnosis needs a clinical definition of the disease and a genetic confirmation.

Does colchicine stop FMF?

Colchicine is so effective in preventing attacks of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and preventing the development of amyloidosis that the most important aspects of medical care are to make the correct diagnosis and to institute therapy.

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.

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 treatable?

There’s no cure for familial Mediterranean fever. However, treatment can help relieve symptoms, prevent attacks and prevent complications caused by inflammation. Medications used to relieve symptoms and prevent attacks of FMF include: Colchicine.

Is FMF a rare disease?

It’s rare, but some children with FMF can develop these serious complications: Myositis, or muscle inflammation. Pericarditis, an inflammation of tissue around the outside of the heart.

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How do you get FMF?

Familial Mediterranean fever is caused by a gene change (mutation) that’s passed from parents to children. The gene change affects the function of an immune system protein called pyrin, causing problems in regulating inflammation in the body. In people with FMF , change occurs in a gene called MEFV.

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.

Does FMF get worse with age?

However the frequency of FMF attacks as well as daily colchicine dose decrease as the patients get older. With well designed trials stopping colchicine treatment may be considered in a subgroup of patients after 50 years of age.

Does FMF cause headaches?

During FMF attacks, neurological complications are also reported. In various studies, the prevalence of headache has been reported as approximately 5% to 20% among FMF patients. Gedalia et al34 reported that of 101 patients, ten experienced headaches during FMF attacks.

How does FMF cause amyloidosis?

CONCLUSIONS Amyloidosis is highly associated with the 694 substitution in the MEFV gene causing FMF. It seems that genetic predisposition plays a part in the development of this complication of FMF.

Does colchicine have a shelf life?

Do not take this medicine after the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack. If you take this medicine after the expiry date has passed, it may not work as well. Do not take this medicine if the bottle shows signs of having been tampered with.

What are the side effects of colchicine?

Diarrhea, nausea, cramping, abdominal pain, and vomiting may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

How do you control FMF?

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.

Does FMF cause fatigue?

This study has shown that fatigue in FMF is associated with a number of psychological, sleep, quality of life and disease-related factors. FMF group had increased pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance and decreased quality of life compared to control group.

What is Mediterranean fever syndrome?

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an inherited disease, characterized by recurrent attacks of fever, inflammation of the abdominal lining (peritonitis), inflammation of the lining surrounding the lungs , painful, swollen joints, and a characteristic ankle rash.

Why was colchicine taken off the market?

As part of its Unapproved Drugs Initiative designed to remove unapproved drugs from the market by means of a “risk-based enforcement program” that concentrates on products that “pose the highest threat to public health and without imposing undue burdens on consumers, or unnecessarily disrupting the market,” the FDA in …

Is it OK to take colchicine every day?

Type of medicineAn anti-inflammatory medicine for goutAvailable asTablets

Is colchicine bad for kidneys?

Colchicine is excreted renally and can accumulate to toxic levels in renal impairment. Colchicine is not contraindicated, but dose adjustment and close monitoring is suggested. Signs of toxicity include leukopenia, elevation of aspartate aminotransferase, and neuropathy.

At what age is FMF diagnosed?

The disease is usually diagnosed before 20 years of age. Symptoms related to FMF are noted when children become more verbal, usually after 2 years of age.

Is Familial Mediterranean Fever Contagious?

A: The “full” name for this condition is Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), and it is an inherited condition which is not contagious. FMF has an autosomal recessive inheritance, so both parents must be carriers for a patient to have the disease.