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Chronic inflammation in FMF: markers, risk factors, outcomes and therapy

Ilan Ben-Zvi1, Avi Livneh

  • 1Department of Medicine F, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer 52621, Israel.

Nature Reviews. Rheumatology
|November 10, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) involves persistent subclinical inflammation even between attacks. This chronic inflammation increases the risk of serious complications, necessitating new treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Genetics
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a common hereditary periodic fever syndrome.
  • Clinical FMF attacks are only a part of the disease; subclinical inflammation persists between attacks.
  • This persistent inflammation is indicated by elevated acute-phase proteins, cytokines, and inflammation-induced proteins.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review data on inflammation markers and factors during FMF attack-free periods.
  • To examine risk factors for subclinical inflammation in FMF.
  • To summarize chronic inflammation complications and propose new treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of published data on FMF inflammation.
  • Analysis of markers and factors contributing to persistent inflammation.
  • Synthesis of information on risk factors and complications.

Main Results:

  • Subclinical inflammation is common in FMF patients between attacks.
  • Persistent inflammation is linked to elevated inflammatory markers.
  • Complications include anemia, splenomegaly, bone density loss, heart disease, and amyloidosis.

Conclusions:

  • Subclinical inflammation in FMF is a significant concern, leading to severe complications.
  • Understanding risk factors and markers is crucial for managing chronic inflammation.
  • A novel treatment strategy targeting persistent inflammation is proposed.

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