The relationship between red cell distribution width and homozygous M694V mutation in familial Mediterranean fever
Ali Ugur Uslu, Bahattin Aydin, Santilmis Inal
1Dr. Sevket Balta, Department of Cardiology Gulhane School of Medicine, Tevfik Saglam St., 06018 Etlik-Ankara, Turkey, T: +90-312-3044281;, F: +90-312-3044250, drsevketb@gmail.com.
Background And Objective:
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is characterized by recurrent and self-limiting attacks with peritonitis, pleuritis, arthritis, and erysipelas-like erythema. We aimed to investigate the red cell distribution width (RDW) level as an inflammatory marker in FMF patients compared with normal subjects.
Design And Settings:
A retrospective study of FMF patients at the Department of Gastroenterology, Cumhuriyet University, between November 2011-February 2013.
Methods:
A total of 249 FMF patients and 131 age- and sex-matched control participants were included in the currrent study. RDW levels were also analyzed by standard methods. Each patient was given 2 mL of blood sample to obtain genomic DNA.
Results:
Statistically significant differences were observed in RDW values between the FMF patients and the control group. Also, RDW levels were higher in the FMF patients with the homozygous M94V mutation compared with those with other mutations. The receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis suggested that the optimum RDW cutoff point for the FMF patients was 13.95, with a sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of 70%, 64%, 68%, and 66%, respectively (area under the curve: 0.711, 95% confidence interval 0.627-0.795, P < .0001).
Conclusion:
We suggest that RDW may show subclinical inflammation in FMF patients. RDW may be a promising marker in predicting the homozygous M694V mutation in FMF patients.
Insights
Red cell distribution width (RDW) may indicate subclinical inflammation in Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients. Higher RDW levels were observed in FMF patients, particularly those with the M694V mutation.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Molecular Biology
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a genetic autoinflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent inflammatory attacks.
- Current diagnostic methods may not always detect subclinical inflammation in FMF patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate red cell distribution width (RDW) as a potential inflammatory marker in FMF.
- To compare RDW levels between FMF patients and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study involving 249 FMF patients and 131 age- and sex-matched controls.
- Analysis of RDW levels using standard laboratory methods.
- Genomic DNA was obtained from blood samples for mutation analysis.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in RDW values were found between FMF patients and controls.
- RDW levels were elevated in FMF patients, especially those with the homozygous M694V mutation.
- Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis indicated an optimal RDW cutoff of 13.95 for FMF detection (AUC: 0.711).
Conclusions:
- RDW may serve as a useful marker for detecting subclinical inflammation in FMF.
- RDW shows potential as a predictive marker for the homozygous M694V mutation in FMF patients.
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