Diseases
familial mediterranean fever
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a genetic autoinflammatory disorder that causes recurrent fevers and painful inflammation of your abdomen, chest and joints. FMF is an inherited disorder that usually occurs in people of Mediterranean origin — including those of Jewish, Arab, Armenian, Turkish, North African, Greek or Italian ancestry. But it can affect people in any ethnic group.
Symptoms
- abdominal pain
- fever
- chest pain, which can make it hard to breathe deeply
- painful, swollen joints, usually in the knees, ankles and hips
- a red rash on your legs, especially below your knees
Causes
- 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
Risk factors
- family history of the disorder.
- mediterranean ancestry.
Diagnosis
- physical exam
- lab tests.
- review of your family medical history
- genetic testing
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is familial mediterranean fever?
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a genetic autoinflammatory disorder that causes recurrent fevers and painful inflammation of your abdomen, chest and joints. FMF is an inherited disorder that usually occurs in people of Mediterranean origin — including those of Jewish, Arab, Armenian, Turkish, North African, Greek or Italian ancestry. But it can affect people in any ethnic group.
What are the symptoms of familial mediterranean fever?
abdominal pain, fever, chest pain, which can make it hard to breathe deeply, painful, swollen joints, usually in the knees, ankles and hips, a red rash on your legs, especially below your knees
What causes familial mediterranean fever?
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
Which medicines are used for familial mediterranean fever?
colchicine
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