Possible effect of subclinical inflammation on daily life in familial Mediterranean fever

Abstract

This study was performed to investigate the attack-free complaints of patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and the impact of colchicine on these symptoms and on subclinical inflammation. A questionnaire that includes information about the disease course and symptoms during the attack-free period was administered to the parents of 50 FMF patients. For evaluation of the attack-free period, questions were asked about four items concerning daily activities of the children—weakness, lack of appetite, sleep problems, and decreased activity. The respondents rated the items and the total score was taken as the sum of all of the specific items. The laboratory values were noted from the patients’ files. During the attack-free period, patients with mild disease had higher total scores, higher weakness, and decreased activity scores than patients with moderate disease. When we compared the daily activity scores before and after colchicine therapy, a statistically significant increase was observed in the total scores and in all of the specific item scores. Also a significant decrease was seen in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and white blood cell counts, and a significant increase was seen in the hemoglobin levels during the attack-free period after colchicine usage. Regression of inflammation together with improvement in daily activities were observed. FMF patients seem to have complaints during the attack-free period that may be related to subclinical inflammation. Moreover, colchicine besides preventing the FMF attacks and the dangerous complication ol amyloidosis also seems to hinder the symptoms of the attack-free period in children with FMF.