Familial Mediterranean Fever
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is the most common inherited autoinflammatory syndrome in the world. It causes short, recurring bouts of fever together with abdominal pain, chest pain or joint swelling. The disease is caused by mutations in the MEFV gene, which disrupt production of the protein pyrin and allow the immune system to launch uncontrolled inflammatory attacks.
Despite its name, FMF can affect people of any ethnic background. At Haute-Derma, we help patients keep painful flares well controlled and prevent the most serious complication, kidney failure from amyloid deposits, so they can lead long and healthy lives.
Our Approach to Treating FMF
Our doctors approach FMF with a simple goal: no more attacks and no complications. We understand that living with recurrent abdominal pain or fever takes a heavy toll on your work and quality of life.
We combine accurate genetic diagnosis with personalized immunomodulating therapy. At Haute-Derma, each patient has an individual treatment plan focused on blocking the production of harmful inflammatory proteins and protecting the internal organs from silent damage over time.
Our comprehensive FMF care includes:
- Genetic testing to identify variants in the MEFV gene.
- Preventive therapy to stop recurrent attacks of fever and pain.
- Regular screening for systemic amyloidosis to protect kidney function.
How We Diagnose FMF at Haute-Derma
Because FMF abdominal pain is easily mistaken for appendicitis or other surgical emergencies, Haute-Derma follows a careful diagnostic process to avoid unnecessary surgery:
- Attack pattern: we look for episodes of fever with abdominal pain, chest pain (pleuritis) or arthritis that last 12–72 hours and resolve on their own.
- Skin findings: we watch for the characteristic erysipelas-like erythema, red patches that usually appear around the ankle or on the top of the foot during an attack.
- Inflammatory markers during attacks: we track sharp rises in CRP, neutrophils and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) during flares and their return to normal between episodes.
- MEFV gene sequencing: an important test for identifying mutation carriers, which helps support the diagnosis even when symptoms are atypical (the diagnosis still rests mainly on clinical criteria).
- Response to colchicine: a clear improvement in symptoms after starting the drug is an important supporting clue to the diagnosis.
How Is Familial Mediterranean Fever Treated at Haute-Derma?
Our treatment targets the inflammasome to stop the production of harmful cytokines:
- Standard colchicine therapy: the cornerstone of treatment. At Haute-Derma, we fine-tune the dose to prevent or minimize attacks and, above all, to prevent renal amyloidosis.
- Anti-IL-1 biologic therapy: for patients who do not respond to or cannot tolerate colchicine, we use biologics such as anakinra or canakinumab, which offer effective control in difficult cases.
- Managing joint and peritoneal complications: supportive treatment for chronic arthritis or peritoneal adhesions after repeated attacks.
- Monitoring serum amyloid A (SAA): we check SAA levels regularly to make sure inflammation stays below the level that can lead to amyloid deposits and kidney failure.
- Premarital and genetic counseling: helping families understand the risk of recessive inheritance and plan pregnancies safely.
