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Familial Mediterranean fever in Arab children: the high prevalence and gene frequency

M O Rawashdeh1, H A Majeed

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.

European Journal of Pediatrics
|July 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is prevalent in Arab children, with a gene frequency of 1:50. Early symptoms include abdominal pain, pleurisy, and arthritis, with potential for renal failure and amyloidosis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Genetics
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a genetic autoinflammatory disorder.
  • Understanding FMF prevalence and characteristics in diverse populations is crucial for early diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prospectively investigate the prevalence, clinical manifestations, and genetic frequency of familial Mediterranean fever in Arab children.
  • To compare findings with previously reported data in Jewish and American populations.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 192 children diagnosed with familial Mediterranean fever over 3 years.
  • Data collection included demographics, age at onset, clinical symptoms, family history, and specific complications like renal failure and amyloidosis.

Main Results:

  • Prevalence of FMF was 1:2600 children, with a gene frequency of 1:50.
  • Common symptoms included recurrent abdominal pain (82%), pleurisy (43%), and arthritis (37%).
  • A positive family history was noted in 62% of cases, with 19 members across 12 families experiencing renal failure and 7 confirmed amyloidosis cases.

Conclusions:

  • Familial Mediterranean fever exhibits a high prevalence and gene frequency in Arab children.
  • The clinical presentation and genetic burden are comparable to findings in Jewish and American populations, highlighting the need for awareness in this demographic.
Abstract

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