How do you treat 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.
What is familial Mediterranean fever?
Overview. Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a genetic autoinflammatory disorder that causes recurrent fevers and painful inflammation of your abdomen, chest and joints.
How do you test for familial Mediterranean fever?
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.
Can you outgrow FMF?
These may include abdominal pain, chest pain, joint pain and skin rashes, among others. It is a life-long disease and there is no known cure. Fortunately, however, it can be controlled with treatment.
Can familial Mediterranean fever be cured?
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.
Who gets 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.
How common 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 quickly does colchicine work for FMF?
The way that colchicine works for familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is complicated. Colchicine can affect the way your white blood cells work. This helps to reduce the inflammation that can cause symptoms. Colchicine starts to work after around 30 minutes to 2 hours.
What are the symptoms of Mediterranean Fever?
Familial Mediterranean fever is an inherited condition characterized by recurrent episodes of painful inflammation in the abdomen, chest, or joints. These episodes are often accompanied by fever and sometimes a rash or headache.