Familial Mediterranean Fever

Clinical characteristics.

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is divided into two phenotypes: type 1 and type 2.

• FMF type 1 is characterized by recurrent short episodes of inflammation and serositis including fever, peritonitis, synovitis, pleuritis, and, rarely, pericarditis and meningitis. The symptoms and severity vary among affected individuals, sometimes even among members of the same family. Amyloidosis, which can lead to kidney failure, is the most severe complication, if untreated.
• FMF type 2 is characterized by amyloidosis as the first clinical manifestation of FMF in an otherwise asymptomatic individual.

Diagnosis/testing.

The diagnosis of FMF is established in a proband with Tel Hashomer clinical criteria of major and minor features. Major features include fever, abdominal pain, chest pain, joint pain, and skin eruption. Minor features include increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), leukocytosis, and elevated serum fibrinogen. Identification of biallelic MEFV pathogenic variants on molecular genetic testing confirms the diagnosis. Up to 25% of individuals with FMF have only one MEFV pathogenic variant identified. A six-month trial of colchicine therapy can establish the diagnosis if molecular testing is inconclusive.

Management.

Treatment of manifestations: Treatment of an acute episode is mainly supportive, including administration of intravenous saline for hydration and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol, or dipyrone for pain relief; treatment of febrile and inflammatory episodes with NSAIDs; routine treatment of end-stage kidney disease, including kidney transplantation.

Prevention of primary manifestations: Homozygotes for the p.Met694Val pathogenic variant or compound heterozygotes for p.Met694Val and another disease-causing allele require lifelong treatment with colchicine (1-2 mg/day orally in adults and 0.5-1 mg/day in children according to age and weight). Colchicine prevents the inflammatory attacks and the deposition of amyloid. Individuals who do not have the p.Met694Val pathogenic variant and who are only mildly affected (those with infrequent inflammatory attacks) should either be treated with colchicine or monitored every six months for the presence of proteinuria. Individuals who are homozygous or compound heterozygous for p.Glu148Gln should only be treated with colchicine if they develop severe inflammatory episodes and/or proteinuria as a result of amyloidosis. Symptomatic individuals with a heterozygous MEFV pathogenic variant may benefit from a trial of colchicine. Individuals who are unresponsive to colchicine may respond to intravenous colchicine or one of several other medications.

Surveillance: Annual physical examination, urine spot test for protein, and evaluation for hematuria for all affected individuals including those treated with colchicine; consider monitoring of acute-phase reactants (ESR and fibrinogen levels) at regular intervals during attack-free periods, particularly in those with the p.Met694Val pathogenic variant.

Agents/circumstances to avoid: Possible worsening of symptoms with cisplatin; possible adverse effect on kidney transplant graft survival with cyclosporin A.

Evaluation of relatives at risk: Offer molecular genetic testing to all first-degree relatives and other family members (regardless of symptoms) especially when the p.Met694Val allele is present because renal amyloidosis can be prevented with colchicine treatment.

Genetic counseling.

FMF is usually inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, although recent studies have suggested that some heterozygotes manifest a spectrum of findings from classic FMF to mild FMF. For autosomal recessive FMF: In general, both parents of an affected individual with biallelic MEFV pathogenic variants are unaffected heterozygotes. However, in populations with a high carrier rate and/or a high rate of consanguineous marriages, it is possible that one or both parents have biallelic pathogenic variants and are affected. Symptomatic heterozygotes have also been reported. Thus, it is appropriate to consider molecular genetic testing of the parents of the proband to establish their genetic status. If both parents are heterozygotes, the risk to sibs of inheriting two pathogenic variants and being affected is 25%. Carrier testing for at-risk relatives and prenatal testing for pregnancies at increased risk are possible if the MEFV pathogenic variants in the family are known.

Suggestive Findings

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) should be suspected in individuals with the following:

• Recurrent febrile episodes accompanied by peritonitis, synovitis, or pleuritis
• Recurrent erysipelas-like erythema
• Repeated laparotomies for "acute abdomen" with no pathology found
• Amyloidosis of the AA type that characteristically develops after age 15 years in untreated individuals, even in those who do not have a history of recurrent inflammatory attacks
• Favorable response to continuous colchicine treatment
• A first-degree relative with FMF
• Membership in an at-risk ethnic group

Establishing the Diagnosis

The minimal (and most current) clinical criteria used to establish the diagnosis of FMF are the Tel Hashomer clinical criteria [Livneh et al 1997, Pras 1998]. Identification of biallelic MEFV pathogenic (or likely pathogenic) variants on molecular testing confirms the diagnosis if clinical features are inconclusive. A colchicine six-month therapy trial can be used to confirm the diagnosis if MEFV molecular testing is inconclusive.

Note: (1) Per ACMG/AMP variant interpretation guidelines, the terms "pathogenic variants" and "likely pathogenic variants" are synonymous in a clinical setting, meaning that both are considered diagnostic and both can be used for clinical decision making [Richards et al 2015]. Reference to "pathogenic variants" in this section is understood to include any likely pathogenic variants. (2) Identification of biallelic MEFV variants of uncertain significance (or of one known MEFV pathogenic variant and one MEFV variant of uncertain significance) does not establish or rule out the diagnosis.

Molecular Genetic Testing

Molecular genetic testing approaches can include single-gene testing, use of a multigene panel, and more comprehensive genomic testing.

Single-gene testing. Sequence analysis of MEFV is performed first.

Note: Up to 25% of individuals with FMF have only one MEFV pathogenic variant identified; this appears to be sufficient to initiate a trial of colchicine [Booty et al 2009, Marek-Yagel et al 2009, Moradian et al 2010].

Targeted analysis for pathogenic variants can be performed first in individuals of Armenian, Turkish, Arab, North African Jewish, Iraqi Jewish, or Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. Targeted analysis may include:

• Exon 2. c.442G>C (p.Glu148Gln)
• Exon 3
  • c.1105C>T (p.Pro369Ser)
  • c.1223G>A (p.Arg408Gln)
  Note: These two variants in exon 3 have been shown to be in linkage disequilibrium [Ryan et al 2010].
• Exon 10
  • c.1958G>A (p.Arg653His)
  • c.2040G>C (p.Met680Ile)
  • c.2076_2078del (p.Ile692del)
  • c.2080A>G (p.Met694Val)
  • c.2082G>A (p.Met694Ile)
  • c.2084A>G (p.Lys695Arg)
  • c.2177T>C (p.Val726Ala)
  • c.2230G>T (p.Ala744Ser)
  • c.2282G>A (p.Arg761His)
  Note: (1) Other variants with exons 2, 3, and 10 are also among the most common. (2) The exons included and pathogenic variants detected may vary by laboratory and over time.

In individuals with suspected autosomal dominant inheritance, in addition to the above pathogenic variants, targeted testing for a few additional pathogenic variants may be considered:

• Exon 10
  • c.1730C>A (p.Thr577Asn)
  • c.2064C>G (p.Tyr688Ter)
  • c.2076_2078delAAT (p.Ile692del)
  • c.2081_2083delTGA (p.Met694del)

A multigene panel that includes MEFV and other genes of interest (see Differential Diagnosis) may also be considered. Note: (1) The genes included in the panel and the diagnostic sensitivity of the testing used for each gene vary by laboratory and are likely to change over time. (2) Some multigene panels may include genes not associated with the condition discussed in this GeneReview; thus, clinicians need to determine which multigene panel is most likely to identify the genetic cause of the condition while limiting identification of variants of uncertain significance and pathogenic variants in genes that do not explain the underlying phenotype. (3) In some laboratories, panel options may include a custom laboratory-designed panel and/or custom phenotype-focused exome analysis that includes genes specified by the clinician. (4) Methods used in a panel may include sequence analysis, deletion/duplication analysis, and/or other non-sequencing-based tests.

For an introduction to multigene panels click here. More detailed information for clinicians ordering genetic tests can be found here.

More comprehensive genomic testing (when available) including exome sequencing and genome sequencing may be considered if single-gene testing (and/or use of a multigene panel that includes MEFV) fails to confirm a diagnosis in an individual with features of FMF. Such testing may provide or suggest a diagnosis not previously considered (e.g., mutation of a different gene or genes that results in a similar clinical presentation). For an introduction to comprehensive genomic testing click here. More detailed information for clinicians ordering genomic testing can be found here.

Table 1.

Molecular Genetic Testing Used in Familial Mediterranean Fever

Clinical Description

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is divided into two phenotypes (types 1 and 2):

• FMF type 1 is characterized by recurrent short episodes of inflammation and serositis including fever, peritonitis, synovitis, pleuritis, and (rarely) pericarditis and meningitis. The symptoms vary among affected individuals, sometimes even among members of the same family. Amyloidosis, which can lead to kidney failure, is the most severe complication of untreated FMF type 1.
• FMF type 2 is characterized by amyloidosis as the first clinical manifestation of disease in an otherwise asymptomatic individual.

Common manifestations of FMF include the following:

• Recurrent fever during early childhood may be the only manifestation of FMF.
• Abdominal attacks. Experienced by 90% of individuals, abdominal attacks start with the sudden onset of fever and pain affecting the entire abdomen. Physical examination reveals board-like rigidity of the abdominal muscles, rebound tenderness, abdominal distention, and loss of peristaltic sounds. Radiographs reveal multiple small air-fluid levels in the small bowel. The diagnosis of "acute abdomen" usually results in laparotomy, but if not, the signs and symptoms resolve without sequelae over 24-48 hours.
• Articular attacks. Experienced by about 75% of individuals with FMF, articular attacks occur suddenly, and may be precipitated by minor trauma or effort, such as prolonged walking. The three characteristic features are (1) a very high fever in the first 24 hours, (2) involvement of one of the large joints of the leg, and (3) gradual resolution of the signs and symptoms after peaking in 24-48 hours. Often a sterile synovial effusion is present.
  The attacks are commonly in the hip or knee, but may occur in the ankle, shoulder, temporomandibular joint, or sternoclavicular joint. The joint remains swollen and painful, as in chronic monoarthritis. Recurrent monoarthritis can be the sole manifestation of FMF; in individuals with monoarthritis the true diagnosis may not be established for some time and only after extensive investigations.
  Attacks subside spontaneously only after several weeks or months; severe damage to the joint can result, and permanent deformity may require joint replacement. Approximately 5% of affected individuals have protracted arthritic attacks. There is evidence that arthritis, arthralgia, myalgia, and erysipelas-like erythema occur significantly more often among individuals with disease onset before age 18 years than in those with onset after age 18 years.
• Prodrome (pre-attack symptoms) are experienced by about 50% of persons with FMF. The prodrome recurs in most attacks, lasts a mean of 20 hours, and manifests with either a mildly unpleasant sensation at the site of the forthcoming spell (discomfort prodrome), or with a spectrum of physical, emotional, and neuropsychological complaints (variant prodrome) [Lidar et al 2006].
• Pleural attacks, experienced by about 45% of those with FMF, are the sudden onset of an acute, febrile, unilateral pleuritis. The individual complains of painful breathing, and breath sounds are diminished on the affected side. Radiographs may reveal a small exudate in the costophrenic angle. Attacks resolve within 48 hours. Pleuritis can rarely be the sole manifestation of FMF [Lega et al 2010, Ruiz & Gadea 2011].
• Pericarditis, a rare occurrence, is characterized by retrosternal pain. Electrocardiogram shows an elevated ST segment. Radiographs may reveal transient enlargement of the cardiac silhouette, and echocardiography may show evidence of pericardial effusion. Rare though it is, recurrent pericarditis can be the sole manifestation of FMF [Okutur et al 2008].
• Amyloidosis. Type AA amyloidosis is common in untreated individuals, especially in Jews of North African origin. It presents with persistent, heavy proteinuria leading to nephrotic syndrome and progressive nephropathy leading to end-stage kidney disease. Affected individuals who are otherwise asymptomatic can develop renal amyloidosis as the first and only manifestation of FMF type 2. With increased longevity of individuals with kidney failure through dialysis and/or kidney transplantation, amyloid deposits are being found in other organs as well. The prevalence of amyloidosis varies by ethnicity, genotype, and sex. In untreated individuals, amyloidosis can occur in 60% of individuals of Turkish descent and in up to 75% of North African Jews [Livneh et al 1999, Shohat et al 1999].
  The age of onset of FMF attacks appears to be earlier in persons with amyloidosis than in those without amyloidosis. FMF-related manifestations of chest pain, arthritis, and erysipelas-like erythema are more common in those with amyloidosis. Long periods between disease onset and diagnosis are associated with a high risk of developing amyloidosis.
  Clinically detectable pulmonary amyloidosis secondary to FMF is rare; only a few cases have been reported to date [Koksal et al 2012].

Less common manifestations of FMF include the following:

• Protracted febrile myalgia is a severe debilitating myalgia with prolonged low-grade fever, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (~100 mm/h), leukocytosis, and hyperglobulinemia. The symptoms may also include high fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, arthritis/arthralgia, and transient vasculitic rashes mimicking Henoch-Schönlein purpura. Protracted febrile myalgia usually lasts six to eight weeks and responds to treatment with prednisone. Streptococci could be one of the agents triggering this syndrome [Senel et al 2010, Tufan & Demir 2010].
• Erysipelas-like erythema (ELE) is characterized by fever and hot, tender, swollen, sharply bordered red lesions that are typically 10-35 cm² in area and occur mainly on the legs, between the ankle and the knee, or on the dorsum of the foot. The lesions usually last one to two days. Isolated temperature elevation lasting a few hours can occur without any pain or inflammation [Kavukcu et al 2009]. Rarely ELE can be the first disease manifestation of FMF [Lidar et al 2013].
• Vasculitides are rare and include Henoch-Schönlein purpura (in ~5% of individuals with FMF) and polyarteritis nodosa [Cattan 2005, Girisgen et al 2012].
• Recurrent urticaria has been reported as a rare manifestation of FMF [Alonso et al 2002].
• Aseptic meningitis was considered to occur rarely in FMF [Karachaliou et al 2005]. Capron et al [2013] performed a systematic review of the literature and concluded that the finding of recurrent aseptic meningitis resulting from FMF was poorly supported; only one case report – in which the affected individual did not meet the current clinical diagnostic criteria of FMF – suggested a possible causal relationship between the two.
• Reduced fertility. Untreated individuals with FMF, especially those with multiple attacks and/or amyloidosis, are at higher risk for infertility. Colchicine treatment increases fertility, but in some instances may induce oligospermia/azoospermia [Sarica et al 1995, Ozturk et al 2011, Dotters-Katz et al 2012]. However, two studies found that males undergoing long-term colchicine therapy had normal sperm counts and normal levels of testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and prolactin [Bremner & Paulsen 1976, Levy & Yaffe 1978]. It is important to continue colchicine treatment even when planning a pregnancy.

Decreased atopy. Several studies have shown that FMF may have a protective effect against development of asthma, atopic sensitization, and allergic rhinitis (7% in individuals with FMF compared to 20% in the general population) [Sackesen et al 2004, Yazici et al 2013].

Chronic ascites. A few reports have suggested that individuals with molecularly confirmed FMF have developed chronic ascites that responded to a dose adjustment of colchicine [Bektaş et al 2008, Sengul et al 2008, Ureten et al 2009, Cakir et al 2010, Aslan et al 2012]. This may be a rare manifestation of FMF; However, investigation for other causes of ascites is always recommended.

Psychological features. Depression is more common in individuals with FMF [Makay et al 2010, Deger et al 2011]. Anxiety is more frequent in persons with FMF than in healthy individuals [Deger et al 2011].

Clinical findings in individuals with FMF in whom only one MEFV pathogenic variant is identified. The majority of MEFV heterozygotes are asymptomatic throughout life. Most of the reported families with autosomal dominant FMF have pseudodominant transmission (i.e., the children of an individual with two pathogenic variants in MEFV and a carrier partner are at 50% risk of having FMF). In geographic regions where FMF is common, pseudodominant transmission is frequently seen and some families have been described through five generations.

However, heterozygotes with a severe pathogenic variant can be symptomatic, and autosomal dominant transmission can occur. Three severe variants in exon 10 (2 in-frame deletions and 1 nonsense variant) have been identified: p.Met694del (common in northern European, Iranian, and Azari Turkish populations [Bonyadi et al 2009, Rowczenio et al 2017]), p.Ile692del, and p.Tyr688Ter. Autosomal dominant transmission has also been described in a few families with heterozygous missense variants including p.Met694Val (the most common Mediterranean variant) and p.Thr577Asn [Stoffels et al 2014].

Heterozygotes typically have a later age of onset (mean age 18 years) and milder disease (manifest mainly by fever and abdominal symptoms) than persons with biallelic pathogenic variants. Most of the heterozygotes described by Booty et al [2009] had an incomplete abdominal attack (abdominal pain without frank peritonitis) as the major criterion of the disease; in most individuals the response to colchicine therapy was either complete or partial. Hentgen et al [2013a] have shown that the clinical signs of FMF completely disappeared at puberty in five of 18 individuals with a heterozygous MEFV pathogenic variant, allowing them to discontinue colchicine without recurrence of symptoms.

Rowczenio et al [2017] characterized the phenotype in 21 individuals heterozygous for the p.Met694del variant. These individuals shared an identical disease haplotype that appeared to have arisen about 550 years ago. The SAA1.1 allele was found in four affected individuals, including two with AA amyloidosis. The median age at onset was 18 years. Three individuals presented with AA amyloidosis, two of whom had a history of unrecognized symptoms of FMF. Fifteen individuals received colchicine treatment, all with excellent responses. The 14% incidence of AA amyloidosis may reflect delay in diagnosis associated with extreme rarity of FMF in this population.

Rarely reported associations that are not considered part of the FMF phenotype

• Peritoneal malignant mesothelioma was reported in two persons with FMF who had recurrent peritoneal involvement during childhood. Both were homozygous for the pathogenic variant p.Met694Val [Hershcovici et al 2006].
• Possible association with stroke, multiple sclerosis, and other demyelinating disorders was reported by Feld et al [2012].
• Lower bone mineral density was reported by Yildirim et al [2010].
• Increased serum homocysteine and lipoprotein(a) concentrations have been reported during attack-free periods [Karatay et al 2010].
• Moderate to severe periodontitis was more common in individuals with amyloidosis. Serum levels of acute-phase reactants in people with FMF were reduced significantly following nonsurgical periodontal therapy [Cengiz et al 2009].

Genotype-Phenotype Correlations

c.2080A>G (p.Met694Val). Persons who are homozygous for the pathogenic variant p.Met694Val have an earlier age of onset and higher frequencies of arthritis and arthralgia than persons who are homozygous or compound heterozygous for other pathogenic variants [Tunca et al 2005]. Individuals with the p.Met694Val pathogenic variant, particularly homozygous individuals, are at increased risk for amyloidosis [Duşunsel et al 2008] and have a decreased response to colchicine [Soylemezoglu et al 2010].

Other pathogenic variants. Amyloidosis occurs less frequently in the presence of pathogenic variants other than p.Met694Val [Shohat et al 1999, Shinar et al 2000, Ben-Chetrit & Backenroth 2001, Ben-Chetrit 2003].

Other possible modifiers. Intra- and interfamilial clinical differences independent of MEFV genotype suggest genetic and/or environmental modifiers. Suggested modifiers:

• Sex, serum amyloid A concentration, and genes involved in predisposition to arthritis [Akar et al 2003, Gershoni-Baruch et al 2003, Yilmaz et al 2003]
• Major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related gene A (MICA) potential modifiers including the following:
  • The A5 allele had a protective effect against amyloidosis in some p.Met694Val homozygotes [Turkcapar et al 2007].
  • The A9 allele exacerbated the age of onset in p.Met694Val homozygotes [Medlej-Hashim et al 2004].
  • The A4 allele dramatically reduced the frequency of attacks [Touitou et al 2001].
• SAA1-13T genotype on the development of amyloidosis [Akar et al 2006]

Nomenclature

Previously used names no longer in common use for the disease that is now generally known as familial Mediterranean fever are "familial paroxysmal polyserositis" and "periodic disease."

Prevalence

FMF predominantly affects populations living in the Mediterranean region, especially North African Jews, Armenians, Turks, and Arabs. The pathogenic variant p.Met694Val is found in more than 90% of affected Jewish persons of North African origin.

FMF occurs less frequently in many other countries, where it shows considerable clinical variability [Ben-Chetrit & Touitou 2009]; the variability may be attributable to the type of variant or to environmental factors. The limited number of individuals diagnosed with FMF in certain areas of the world is probably attributable to lack of awareness of the disorder [Ben-Chetrit & Touitou 2009].

Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis

To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), the following evaluations are recommended:

• Physical examination to assess joint problems
• Urinalysis for the presence of protein. If proteinuria is found, further evaluation is required including measurement of 24-hour urinary protein, kidney function tests, and consider a rectal biopsy for the presence of amyloid.
• Consultation with a clinical geneticist and/or genetic counselor

Treatment of Manifestations

For information on treatment with colchicine see Prevention of Primary Manifestations. Colchicine is not effective as treatment for an acute FMF attack.

During an acute episode, the therapeutic approach should be mainly supportive, including administration of intravenous saline for hydration and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol or dipyrone for pain relief [Ozturk et al 2011].

Febrile and inflammatory episodes are usually treated with NSAIDs.

End-stage kidney disease caused by renal amyloidosis should be treated as for other causes of kidney failure. The long-term outcome of live related-donor kidney transplantation in individuals with FMF-related amyloidosis is similar to that in the general transplant population [Sherif et al 2003].

Prevention of Primary Manifestations

Colchicine

• Homozygotes/compound heterozygotes. Individuals who are homozygous for the pathogenic variant p.Met694Val or compound heterozygous for p.Met694Val and another disease-causing allele should be treated with colchicine as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed to prevent both the inflammatory attacks and the deposition of amyloid. Colchicine is given orally, 1-2 mg/day in adults. Children may need 0.5-1 mg/day according to age and weight. Affected individuals should receive colchicine for life.
  Individuals who do not have the p.Met694Val pathogenic variant and who are only mildly affected (those with infrequent inflammatory attacks) should either be treated with colchicine or be monitored every six months for the presence of proteinuria.
  Continuous treatment with colchicine appears to be less indicated for individuals who are homozygous or compound heterozygous for the pathogenic variant p.Glu148Gln. Colchicine should only be given to these individuals if they develop severe inflammatory episodes and/or proteinuria as a result of amyloidosis.
• Heterozygotes. The presence of a single MEFV pathogenic variant together with clinical symptoms is sufficient to warrant the initiation of a trial of colchicine; therefore, manifesting heterozygotes should be treated [Booty et al 2009]. However, for asymptomatic heterozygotes there is no indication for treatment.

Complications of colchicine use occasionally include myopathy and toxic epidermal necrolysis-like reaction.

Treatment of affected individuals who are unresponsive to colchicine. Some individuals appear to be unresponsive to colchicine treatment. In one study this was associated with inadequate colchicine concentration in mononuclear cells, possibly resulting from a genetic defect underlying FMF [Lidar et al 2004] or from poor compliance.

• Canakinumab is an anti-IL-1β monoclonal antibody that binds human IL-1β and neutralizes its pro-inflammatory effects. Canakinumab has been recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of CAPS. Canakinumab differs from anakinra and rilonacept in that it has high specificity for IL-1β, it has a longer half-life than anakinra (26 days), it can be administered every two months, and its effectiveness lasts longer. In one individual with FMF with longstanding destructive arthritis, canakinumab, given as a first-line agent, induced a complete clinical remission [Mitroulis et al 2010, Meinzer et al 2011, Mitroulis et al 2011, Ozgocmen & Akgul 2011]. Canakinumab was effective in an individual with FMF who was unresponsive to colchicine and anakinra [Hacihamdioglu & Ozen 2012]. Alpa & Roccatello [2015] reported continued efficacy after two years of treatment.
• Rilonacept, an IL-1 receptor fusion protein, reduced the fever episodes by 76%, and improved quality of life [Hashkes et al 2012], but failed to reduce the duration of the attacks. Results were confirmed in a subsequent study extended to 14 colchicine-resistant individuals [Hashkes et al 2014]. Hentgen et al [2013b] recommended that rilonacept, which is a long half-life molecule, should be considered only if anakinra, a short half-life molecule, has been proven to be effective.
• Anakinra, an IL-1-receptor inhibitor with a short half-life, has been shown to have a therapeutic advantage in persons with FMF who are resistant to colchicine. Several reports indicate that this offers a relatively safe and effective treatment (100 mg daily or every other day) for persons who do not respond to colchicine [Belkhir et al 2007, Bhat et al 2007, Gattringer et al 2007, Kuijk et al 2007, Calligaris et al 2008, Roldan et al 2008, Moser et al 2009, Petropoulou et al 2010, Meinzer et al 2011, Ozen et al 2011, Ozturk et al 2011, Hentgen et al 2013b]. Anakinra has been found to stop the attacks in 75% of individuals who did not respond to colchicine. Anakinra is expensive and has mild side effects, such as painful local reactions at the site of injections and possible risk of bronchopulmonary infection, especially in persons with other risk factors for pulmonary infections. Further studies are needed to investigate the long-term effects of this drug if it is to be taken continuously as required in severely affected individuals with FMF. Anakinra treatment should be considered in the presence of secondary amyloidosis, in candidates for kidney transplantation due to end-stage renal amyloidosis, individuals who are unresponsive to colchicine, and individuals developing major side effects from colchicine.
• Infliximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody against tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), was studied in a few individuals and found to be effective in the treatment of one individual with FMF who was resistant to colchicine, resulting in the complete remission of febrile abdominal episodes [Ozgocmen et al 2006]. In another individual, infliximab ameliorated the proteinuria and nephrotic syndrome secondary to amyloidosis and the recurrent attacks of arthritis and abdominal pain [Metyas et al 2004].
• Weekly intravenous colchicine (1.0 mg) to supplement oral colchicine resulted in a 50% reduction (except joint attacks) in attack frequency in one study of 13 individuals [Lidar et al 2003]. This is not a long-term solution.
• Thalidomide has been used successfully in sporadic cases [Seyahi et al 2002, Seyahi et al 2006] but is not frequently used.
• Etanercept, a TNF dimeric fusion protein, has been shown to decrease the disease severity in colchicine-resistant individuals; three of the 14 individuals included in the study had adverse effects and switched to IL-1-receptor inhibitor [Sakallioglu et al 2006, Seyahi et al 2006, Mor et al 2007].
• Interferon alpha is another therapeutic agent that has shown signs of promise in a few reports for affected individuals who are unresponsive to colchicine [Tunca et al 2004, Tweezer-Zaks et al 2008, Vandecasteele et al 2011]. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study that included 34 individuals given interferon alpha or placebo, the authors could not demonstrate a definitive effect. Interferon alpha was effective in suppressing the acute inflammation of FMF only if administered at the earliest phase [Tunca et al 2004]. The possibility of interferon alpha side effects (e.g., chills and fatigue) should also be considered.
• Sulphasalazine. The use of sulphasalazine has been reported in a girl age eight years with a five-year history of typical FMF attacks. She was homozygous for the pathogenic variant p.Met694Val and for several months had had arthritis of one knee that was unresponsive to NSAIDs or colchicine. Resolution was achieved after the addition of sulphasalazine at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day [Bakkaloglu et al 2009].

Prevention of Secondary Complications

Treatment with colchicine 1.0 mg/day prevents renal amyloidosis even if the FMF attacks do not respond to the medication.

Surveillance

All individuals with FMF including those not currently being treated, those being treated with colchicine, and those receiving medication other than colchicine should undergo an annual physical examination, a urine spot test for protein, and an evaluation for hematuria [Twig et al 2014]. Kosan et al [2013] additionally recommended monitoring acute-phase reactants (ESR and fibrinogen levels) at regular intervals during attack-free periods, particularly in those with the p.Met694Val pathogenic variant.

Agents/Circumstances to Avoid

Cisplatin. One report suggests that cisplatin worsens symptoms of FMF [Toubi et al 2003].

Cyclosporin A appears to adversely affect kidney transplant graft survival in individuals with FMF [Shabtai et al 2002]. It has also been reported to trigger FMF attacks, which responded well to colchicine in a previously asymptomatic individual with myelodysplastic syndrome who was heterozygous for the MEFV pathogenic variant p.Met694Ile [Sasaki et al 2009].

Evaluation of Relatives at Risk

Molecular genetic testing should be offered to all first-degree relatives and other at-risk family members as early as possible whether or not they have symptoms. This is especially important when the p.Met694Val allele is present because other affected family members may not have inflammatory attacks, but nevertheless remain at risk for amyloidosis (FMF type 2) and thus need to be treated with colchicine (1.0 mg/day) to prevent the development of renal amyloidosis. Note: About 15% of individuals with autosomal dominant FMF develop amyloidosis and end-stage kidney failure if untreated.

See Genetic Counseling for issues related to testing of at-risk relatives for genetic counseling purposes.

Pregnancy Management

Ben-Chetrit et al [2010] conducted a survey to evaluate the outcome of 179 pregnancies of women taking colchicine to treat FMF. No differences were found between the treated group and the control group regarding early abortions, late abortions, or congenital malformations. Similar findings were reported by Diav-Citrin et al [2010]. Nevertheless, it is still important to discuss the option of amniocentesis for every pregnancy in mothers treated with colchicine.

Therapies Under Investigation

The decrease of blood nitric oxide (NO) levels in individuals with FMF may trigger fever by initiating the production of IL-6. Plasma NO levels in those with FMF were significantly increased during attack-free periods following treatment with ImmunoGuard^®, which has a normalizing effect both on NO and IL-6 blood levels in persons with FMF during attacks [Panossian et al 2003]. However, further studies are needed to confirm a single report of successful treatment of FMF with ImmunoGuard^® (Andrographis paniculata Nees) [Amaryan et al 2003].

The role of biologics such as other anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents (adalimumab and golimumab) in the treatment of FMF has recently been investigated [Ozgocmen & Akgul 2011]. Anti-TNF agents have shown efficacy in rheumatic diseases, and there are many reports of persons with FMF responding favorably to treatment with these agents [Ozgocmen & Akgul 2011].

One study showed that the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) paroxetine significantly decreased the number of acute attacks in individuals with colchicine-resistant FMF, several of whom also suffered from depression. The authors suggested that the depression may have triggered the attacks, and that treatment of the depression had the effect of suppressing the attacks [Onat et al 2007].

Search ClinicalTrials.gov in the US and EU Clinical Trials Register in Europe for access to information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions.

Mode of Inheritance

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is generally inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.

For some affected individuals, the family history of FMF is consistent with an autosomal dominant manner of inheritance. In these families, presumed heterozygotes manifest FMF within a phenotypic spectrum from mild to classic findings.

• True autosomal dominant inheritance of FMF has been reported in individuals with severe pathogenic variants, including the in-frame deletion p.Met694del and two missense variants (p.Met694Val and p.Thr577Asn). Although the clinical severity of autosomal dominant FMF is typically reduced compared to autosomal recessive FMF, it is important to identify individuals with autosomal dominant FMF as about 15% of them develop amyloidosis and end-stage kidney failure if untreated.
• The appearance of autosomal dominant inheritance may alternatively be the result of failure to detect a second, existing pathogenic variant. Identification of the second variant may require non-routine testing such as sequencing of the entire gene or sequencing of non-coding regions of the gene.
• Other possible explanations for the appearance of autosomal dominant inheritance include: digenic inheritance with a pathogenic variant in another recurrent fever-related gene, the presence of modifying alleles in related genes, the presence of certain environmental factors, or coexistence of another autoinflammatory disease [Ozen 2009].

Autosomal Recessive Inheritance – Risk to Family Members

Parents of a proband

• The parents of an individual with biallelic MEFV pathogenic variants are typically heterozygous for a single copy of an MEFV pathogenic variant.
• Heterozygotes are usually asymptomatic; however, a parent who is heterozygous for a severe MEFV pathogenic variant may have mild clinical features (see Clinical Characteristics).
• In populations with a high carrier rate and/or a high rate of consanguinity, it is possible that affected children may be born to an affected individual and a carrier, or even to two affected individuals resulting in pseudodominant inheritance (i.e., an autosomal recessive condition present in individuals in two or more generations). Thus, it is appropriate to consider molecular genetic testing of the parents of the proband.

Sibs of a proband

• If both parents are heterozygous for an MEFV pathogenic variant:
  • At conception, each sib of an affected individual has a 25% chance of inheriting two MEFV pathogenic variants and being affected, a 50% chance of being heterozygous, and a 25% chance of being unaffected and not a carrier.
  • Heterozygotes are usually asymptomatic (see Clinical Characteristics).
• If one parent has two MEFV pathogenic variants and one parent is heterozygous:
  • At conception, each sib of an individual with two pathogenic variants has a 50% chance of inheriting two pathogenic variants and being affected and a 50% chance of being heterozygous.
  • Heterozygotes are usually asymptomatic (see Clinical Characteristics).

Offspring of a proband

• Offspring inherit one MEFV pathogenic variant from a parent with two MEFV pathogenic variants.
• In populations with a high carrier rate and/or a high rate of consanguinity, it is possible that the reproductive partner of the proband may have two MEFV pathogenic variants or be heterozygous. Thus, the risk to offspring is most accurately determined after molecular genetic testing of the proband's reproductive partner.

Other family members. The risk to other family members depends on the genetic status of the parents of the proband: if the parents of the proband are heterozygotes, each sib of the proband's parents is at a 50% risk for being a carrier of an MEFV pathogenic variant.

Carrier (heterozygote) detection. Carrier testing for at-risk relatives requires prior identification of the MEFV pathogenic variants in the family.

Autosomal Dominant Inheritance – Risk to Family Members

Autosomal dominant inheritance of FMF has been reported in individuals with severe pathogenic variants, including frameshift variant p.Met694del, and two missense variants, p.Met694Val and p.Thr577Asn. The penetrance of autosomal dominant FMF is incomplete and the clinical severity is less than in autosomal recessive FMF. It is important to identify individuals with autosomal dominant FMF as about 15% of them develop amyloidosis and end-stage kidney failure if untreated.

Parents of a proband

• To date, all individuals diagnosed with autosomal dominant FMF inherited an MEFV pathogenic variant from an affected parent.
• Recommendations for the evaluation of parents of a proband with autosomal dominant FMF include molecular genetic testing.

Sibs of a proband

• The risk to the sibs of the proband depends on the genetic status of the proband's parents: if one parent of the proband is heterozygous for an MEFV pathogenic variant, the risk to the sibs of inheriting the variant is 50%.
• The actual risk to sibs of being affected may be lower than 50% because the penetrance of autosomal dominant FMF is incomplete.

Offspring of a proband. Each child of an individual with autosomal dominant FMF has a 50% chance of inheriting the MEFV pathogenic variant from their affected parent.

Other family members. The risk to other family members depends on the genetic status of the parents of the proband: if a parent of the proband is heterozygous, each sib of this parent is at a 50% risk of also being heterozygous for the MEFV pathogenic variant.

Related Genetic Counseling Issues

Testing of at-risk asymptomatic family members. Given the ready availability of effective treatment for FMF, it is appropriate to test asymptomatic at-risk family members (particularly sibs of an affected individual). See Management, Evaluation of Relatives at Risk for information on evaluating at-risk relatives for the purpose of early diagnosis and treatment.

Family planning

• The optimal time for determination of genetic risk, clarification of carrier status, and discussion of the availability of prenatal/preimplantation genetic testing is before pregnancy.
• It is appropriate to offer genetic counseling (including discussion of potential risks to offspring and reproductive options) to young adults who are affected, are carriers, or are at risk of being carriers.

DNA banking. Because it is likely that testing methodology and our understanding of genes, allelic variants, and diseases will improve in the future, consideration should be given to banking DNA from probands in whom a molecular diagnosis has not been confirmed (i.e., the causative genetic alteration/s are unknown). For more information, see Huang et al [2022].

Prenatal Testing and Preimplantation Genetic Testing

Once the MEFV pathogenic variant(s) have been identified in an affected family member, prenatal and preimplantation genetic testing for FMF are possible.

Differences in perspective may exist among medical professionals and within families regarding the use of prenatal testing. While most centers would consider use of prenatal testing to be a personal decision, discussion of these issues may be helpful.

Author Notes

Professor Mordechai Shohat, MD has been involved with research into familial Mediterranean fever, including the molecular analysis of MEFV and phenotype-genotype correlation studies, for more than twenty years.

For further information about familial Mediterranean fever, contact Professor Shohat:

Phone: +972-3-937-7659

Fax: +972-3-937-7660

Email: li.ca.uat.tsop@tahohsm

Author History

Gabrielle J Halpern, MB, ChB; Rabin Medical Center (2000-2016)

Mordechai Shohat, MD (2000-present)

Revision History

• 15 December 2016 (sw) Comprehensive update posted live
• 19 June 2014 (me) Comprehensive update posted live
• 26 April 2012 (me) Comprehensive update posted live
• 30 April 2009 (me) Comprehensive update posted live
• 25 February 2008 (ms) Revision: clarification of PFAPA in Differential Diagnosis
• 2 January 2008 (ms) Revision: Molecular Genetics, Pathologic allelic variants
• 28 February 2007 (me) Comprehensive update posted live
• 5 November 2004 (me) Comprehensive update posted live
• 13 November 2002 (me) Comprehensive update posted live
• 8 August 2000 (me) Review posted live
• 4 April 2000 (ms) Original submission

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