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Association Between Familial Mediterranean Fever and P-Wave Dispersion Under Colchicine Treatment
Osman Cüre1, Hüseyin Durak2, Mustafa Çetin2
1Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, 53020 Rize, Türkiye.
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 13, 2026
Summary
Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is linked to higher P-wave dispersion (Pd), a marker of atrial electrical issues, even with colchicine treatment. This suggests ongoing subclinical conduction abnormalities in FMF patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Genetics
Background:
- P-wave dispersion (Pd) and its relation to Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) disease status under colchicine treatment remains unclear, with conflicting literature.
- This study investigates Pd in FMF patients on long-term colchicine therapy, comparing them to a control group.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate P-wave dispersion (Pd) in patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) receiving regular colchicine treatment.
- To compare Pd levels in FMF patients with age- and sex-matched healthy individuals.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, observational study involving 97 FMF patients and 97 controls.
- Diagnosis confirmed by Tel-HaShomer criteria; patients evaluated during attack-free periods.
- P-wave parameters (P max, P min, Pd) measured via 12-lead ECG; clinical, lab, and drug data collected. Correlation and multivariable regression analyses performed.
Main Results:
- Pd was significantly higher in FMF patients (47 ms vs. 39 ms, p < 0.001).
- Pd correlated positively with FMF status, colchicine dose, white blood cell count (WBC), and HDL-C; negatively with calcium channel blocker use.
- Multivariate analysis showed FMF increased Pd by 10.17 ms, while calcium channel blockers decreased it by 11.78 ms (p < 0.001). Age, WBC, and HDL-C also independently affected Pd.
Conclusions:
- Familial Mediterranean Fever is associated with increased P-wave dispersion, even with consistent colchicine treatment.
- This indicates persistent subclinical atrial conduction heterogeneity in FMF patients.
- Pd may serve as a marker for subclinical cardiac involvement in FMF.
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