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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffMost complications of familial Mediterranean fever result if the condition isn't treated or if it's treated irregularly. Complications may include:
- Amyloidosis. This is the most common complication arising from untreated familial Mediterranean fever. Amyloidosis refers to a condition in which a protein called amyloid A builds up in your organs. In cases of FMF, amyloidosis often affects the kidneys, which may cause a kidney disorder called nephrotic syndrome.
- Nephrotic syndrome. Nephrotic syndrome, which is usually related to amyloidosis, occurs when your kidneys' filtering systems (glomeruli) are damaged. People with this condition may lose large amounts of protein in their urine. Nephrotic syndrome can lead to blood clots in your kidneys (renal vein thrombosis) or kidney failure.
- Infertility. Inflammation caused by familial Mediterranean fever may also affect your reproductive organs. About one-third of women with this condition are infertile, and about 25 percent of those who become pregnant experience miscarriages.
- Chronic arthritis. Arthritis is common in people with familial Mediterranean fever. The most commonly affected joints are the knee, ankle, hip and elbow. In most cases, the arthritis resolves without joint destruction.
- General discomfort. Familial Mediterranean fever can be a painful condition interfering with the flow of daily life. If your symptoms are intolerable, your doctor might recommend strong pain medication (narcotics) to help make you more comfortable.
References
- Familial Mediterranean fever. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec19/ch297/ch297b.html. Accessed May 28, 2010.
- Kastner DL. Familial Mediterranean fever. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2899961. Accessed May 28, 2010.
- Fonnesu C, et al. Familial Mediterranean fever: A review for clinical management. Joint Bone Spine. 2009;76:227.
- Rosenberg PM, et al. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of familial Mediterranean fever. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 1, 2010.
- Galip G, et al. Current perspectives on familial Mediterranean fever. Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases. 2009;22:309.
- Rosenberg PM, et al. Management of familial Mediterranean fever. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 1, 2010.
- Ben-Chetrit E, et al. Familial Mediterranean fever in the world. Arthritis and Rheumatism. 2009;61:1447.
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