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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
PubMed

Insights

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.
Keywords:
Familial Mediterranean FeverP-wave dispersionchronic inflammationcolchicine

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