Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a Genetic disease causes Recurrent episodes of fever, abdominal pain, and other symptoms, which are widespread in the Mediterranean region, as the name indicates, in particular Arab, Armenian, and Turkish ethnicities, and others, as the rate is estimated Its spread among the Arabs For example One case in every 2,600 child. However, Familial Mediterranean fever can affect any ethnic group or people from different countries. (1)(2)


What are the symptoms of Familial Mediterranean fever?

Symptoms of FMF are characterized by stereotypical or recurrence. Meaning that it recurs in the child every now and then in almost the same pattern, while his health is good without any symptoms between one attack and the next, and it usually includes the following: (3)


  • Fever it is the most common symptom of Familial Mediterranean fever, it may be the only symptom sometimes, and it varies from mild to severe fever, sometimes reaching 40 degrees Celsius.


  • Abdominal pain is also a common symptom of Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and usually resolves on its own within two to three days. Initially, the pain may be localized to a specific area of the abdomen, but it often becomes more generalized later.


At first, the patient may feel pain in a specific place in the abdomen, and then the pain later becomes more widespread in the abdomen.


  • Chest pain usually unilateral, and gets worse with deep breathing or coughing.


  • Joint pain, especially large joints, such as the knee, hip, or elbow, and in rare cases the pain may be in more than one joint.


  • A red rash raised above the surface of the skin, Painful when touched, it usually appears in the lower extremities, such as the legs, ankles, or feet, and May sometimes appear on the face and arms.



Familial Mediterranean fever occurs as a result of Mutation in the MEFV gene, which plays a role in regulating the functioning of the immune system, and if there is a defect in it, the production of some inflammatory signs increases, which causes recurrent episodes of fever, inflammation in the abdomen, chest, or joints, and other symptoms.


How long do symptoms last?

How long Familial Mediterranean fever symptoms last varies from person to person, but in general, they last from one to three days, then they disappear alone. During this period, the person suffers from the characteristic symptoms of the disease, while he is in good health, and does not suffer from any symptoms in the period between one attack and the next. (4)


Familial Mediterranean fever attacks occur frequently, often once a month However, the period between attacks may vary from one person to another, as it may be only a few days, or sometimes several years. (4)


At what age do symptoms of Familial Mediterranean fever begin?

Symptoms of Familial Mediterranean fever appear in most cases (90%) Before the age of 20 years Mostly in children under 10 years old, especially 4-5 years old. (5)


In rare cases, Symptoms may first appear in adults, even after the age of 50 years. This usually occurs when a person suffers from symptoms of Familial Mediterranean fever since his youth, but they may not be noticeable to him until he gets older. (6)


Is it dangerous?

Yes, Familial Mediterranean fever can be serious if it is not treated, as it can recur and become more severe in the long-term Amyloid protein accumulation on body tissues, especially kidney, which may cause its failure. (4)


The solution:

Colchicine medication it is the basic treatment for all patients with Familial Mediterranean fever, it is taken for life, and it has shown successful results in treatment through two ways: (7)


  • Reducing the frequency of attacks and alleviating their severity.
  • Preventing kidney failure, which makes it an important treatment even if it does not reduce the frequency of seizures in some people.





We are proud to have a team of experienced Internal Medicine specialists at Al-Ahli Hospital, well-versed in diagnosing and managing Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF). With our expert care, you or your child can live a healthy, balanced life. Book your appointment today.



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