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Increased frequency of familial Mediterranean fever in northern Turkey: a population-based study
Bunyamin Kisacik1, Beytullah Yildirim, Turker Tasliyurt
1Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziosmanpasa University, Tokat, Turkey. bunyamin_k@hotmail.com
Abstract:
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a systemic relapsing autoinflammatory disorder occurring in populations originating from the Mediterranean basin, mainly Turks, Levantine Arabs, Sephardic Jews, Druze, and Armenians. The prevalence of FMF shows considerable geographical variation. In Turkey, the prevalence rates were reported as 0.0027-0.25%. This field survey was conducted in different regions to investigate the frequency of FMF in a northern province of Turkey. This study was conducted in 70 areas (12 urban and 58 rural) in the province of Tokat, which is in northern Turkey. The population of Tokat was reported to be 828,000 at the last census in Turkey in 2000, about 530,000 for individuals aged >18 years ( http://www.die.gov.tr ). Mean age of 1,095 (541 male and 554 female; urban 555 and rural 540) subjects was 41 +/- 17 (range 18-95 years). FMF frequency in this study was 1/123 (0.82%, 95 CI: 0.40-1.61). Mean age of patients were 27 years (20-41) and mean age of symptoms were 16.3 years (11-23). In conclusion, the frequency of FMF in this study was 1/123 (0.82%) which was higher than expected. This rate is the highest frequency of FMF reported from Turkey. Further large sample studies are needed to define to true prevalence of FMF in Turkey.
Insights
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory disorder. This study found a higher-than-expected FMF frequency of 0.82% in northern Turkey, suggesting a need for further prevalence research.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Epidemiology
- Autoinflammatory Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a systemic, relapsing autoinflammatory disorder prevalent in Mediterranean populations.
- Previous FMF prevalence estimates in Turkey range from 0.0027% to 0.25%.
- Geographical variations in FMF prevalence necessitate regional studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency of FMF in the northern Turkish province of Tokat.
- To determine if FMF prevalence in this region aligns with or deviates from national estimates.
Main Methods:
- A field survey was conducted across 70 areas (12 urban, 58 rural) in Tokat province.
- Data collected from 1,095 subjects (mean age 41 years) including 530,000 individuals over 18 years old.
- FMF diagnosis and frequency calculation based on collected data.
Main Results:
- The study identified an FMF frequency of 1/123 (0.82%) in the surveyed population.
- The mean age of FMF patients was 27 years, with symptom onset at a mean age of 16.3 years.
- This reported frequency represents the highest FMF prevalence documented in Turkey to date.
Conclusions:
- The FMF frequency in Tokat province (0.82%) is significantly higher than previously reported rates in Turkey.
- This finding highlights potential underestimation of FMF prevalence in the country.
- Further large-scale studies are recommended to establish the true prevalence of FMF across Turkey.
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