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Arthritis in familial Mediterranean fever
I Uthman1, R A Hajj-Ali, T Arayssi
1American University of Beirut, Medical Center, Lebanon. iuthman@aub.edu.lb
Rheumatology International
|June 20, 2001
Summary
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) commonly presents with transient, non-damaging arthritis, primarily affecting large lower limb joints. Chronic arthritis is rare, but can lead to joint damage requiring surgical intervention.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Genetics
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a genetic autoinflammatory disorder.
- Rheumatic manifestations, particularly arthritis, are common in FMF.
- Understanding FMF's clinical spectrum is crucial for diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the rheumatic and clinical manifestations of FMF in Lebanon.
- To characterize the patterns and outcomes of arthritis in Lebanese FMF patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 74 FMF patient medical records from 1979-1996.
- Literature review of FMF and arthritis from 1968-2000 using MEDLINE.
Main Results:
- Arthritis presented in 16.2% of patients and occurred in 31% during the disease course.
- The majority of arthritis cases were transient, monoarticular, nonerosive, and affected large lower extremity joints (knees, ankles).
- Chronic arthritis occurred in 5.4% of patients, with one requiring hip replacement.
Conclusions:
- FMF arthritis in Lebanon predominantly manifests as a transient, non-damaging, monoarticular arthritis of large joints.
- While typically benign, chronic arthritis is a possible complication requiring monitoring and intervention.