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Published on: May 30, 2019
Familial Mediterranean fever in Syrian children: phenotype-genotype correlation
Rami A Jarjour1, Sumaya Al-Berrawi
1Clinical Genetics Unit, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Department, Atomic Energy Commission of Syria (AECS), P.O.Box 6091, Damascus, Syria, ascientific@aec.org.sy.
Abstract:
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by recurrent attacks of serosal membranes. In this study, 103 unrelated Syrian children were included. Mutation screening of the MEditerranean FeVer gene was performed for 12 mutations. Abdominal pain was observed in 91 (88.3 %) of the patients, fever in 82 (79.6 %), arthritis in 27 (26.2 %), pleuritis in 7 (6.7.5 %), rash and erysipelas-like erythema in 5 (4.8 %), myalgia in 5 (4.8 %), headache in 5 (4.8 %) and Henoch-Schonlein purpura in 1 (0.97 %). The most frequent mutation was M694V. In order to determine the association between M694V and clinical features of FMF, we compared the disease features between patients with and without this mutation. The presence of M694V was found to be associated with more severe course of FMF, earlier age of onset and more frequent arthritis in the Syrian children with FMF compared to other FMF patients who do not have this mutation.
Insights
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) in Syrian children is linked to the M694V mutation. This mutation is associated with more severe FMF, earlier onset, and increased arthritis compared to other FMF patients.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive autoinflammatory disease.
- FMF is characterized by recurrent episodes affecting serosal membranes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of FMF mutations in Syrian children.
- To determine the association between the M694V mutation and clinical manifestations of FMF in this population.
Main Methods:
- Mutation screening for 12 common mutations in the Mediterranean Fever gene (MEFV).
- Analysis of clinical features, including abdominal pain, fever, and arthritis, in 103 unrelated Syrian children.
- Comparison of disease characteristics between patients with and without the M694V mutation.
Main Results:
- Abdominal pain (88.3%) and fever (79.6%) were the most common symptoms.
- The M694V mutation was the most frequently identified.
- M694V carriers exhibited a more severe FMF course, earlier age of onset, and higher incidence of arthritis.
Conclusions:
- The M694V mutation is a significant genetic factor associated with severe FMF in Syrian children.
- Genetic screening for M694V is crucial for understanding disease severity and prognosis in FMF patients.
- This study highlights the importance of genotype-phenotype correlations in managing FMF.
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