Increased frequency of MEFV gene mutations in patients with primary dysmenorrhea

Sukran Erten1, A Altunoglu, H L Keskin

  • 1Department of Rheumatology, Romatoloji Poliklinigi, Ataturk Egitim ve Arastirma Hastanesi, 06800, Ankara, Turkey, sukranerten@yahoo.com.

Modern Rheumatology
|October 12, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) gene mutations are more common in women with primary dysmenorrhea. This suggests a potential link between FMF and painful menstruation, warranting further investigation by healthcare providers.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Immunology
  • Gynecology

Background:

  • Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory disease with recurrent fever and polyserositis.
  • Approximately 15% of FMF patients experience perimenstrual attacks.
  • Primary dysmenorrhea may represent an FMF attack or be associated with MEFV gene mutations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the frequency of MEFV gene mutations in patients with primary dysmenorrhea.
  • To explore the potential association between MEFV gene mutations and dysmenorrhea.

Main Methods:

  • Study included 84 female patients with primary dysmenorrhea and 73 healthy female controls.
  • MEFV gene mutations were analyzed in all participants.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of total allelic variants was significantly higher in dysmenorrhea patients (p=0.015).
  • A significant increase in the frequency of MEFV gene mutations was observed in dysmenorrhea patients compared to controls (p=0.036).

Conclusions:

  • Gynecologists should consider FMF in the differential diagnosis of dysmenorrhea.
  • Increased awareness of FMF is crucial for managing patients with dysmenorrhea.

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