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Urinary glycosaminoglycans in the course of familial Mediterranean fever

Esra Baskin1, Umit Saatçi, Gönenç Ciliv

  • 1Baskent University Hospital, Department of Paediatric Nephrology, 6. Cadde, 72/3 Bahcelievler, 06490, Ankara, Turkey. esrabaskin@hotmail.com

European Journal of Pediatrics
|April 15, 2003
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Urinary glycosaminoglycans (GAG) may predict amyloidosis in Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) patients. Monitoring urinary GAG can also help optimize colchicine dosage for FMF treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Nephrology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory disease characterized by recurrent fever and serositis.
  • Amyloidosis is a serious complication of FMF, leading to organ damage.
  • Early detection and prediction of amyloidosis are crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of urinary glycosaminoglycans (GAG) as potential biomarkers for predicting amyloidosis in FMF patients.
  • To explore the correlation between urinary GAG levels and disease duration in FMF.
  • To assess the impact of colchicine dosage adjustments on urinary GAG excretion.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 123 FMF patients without active attacks and 11 FMF patients with amyloidosis.
  • Inclusion of healthy children and patients with primary nephrotic syndrome as control groups.
  • Measurement of urinary GAG levels and correlation analysis with disease duration and colchicine treatment.

Main Results:

  • Urinary GAG levels were significantly lower in FMF patients with amyloidosis compared to FMF patients without amyloidosis, nephrotic syndrome patients, and healthy controls.
  • A significant negative correlation was observed between the duration of FMF and urinary GAG levels.
  • In FMF patients with initially low urinary GAG, levels increased significantly after an increase in colchicine dose.

Conclusions:

  • Urinary GAG levels show potential as predictive biomarkers for amyloidosis in Familial Mediterranean Fever.
  • Urinary GAG excretion can serve as an indicator for monitoring the effectiveness of colchicine therapy in FMF.

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