It is also sometimes called familial paroxysmal polyserositis or recurrent polyserositis.
FMF is a recessiveautosomal disorder, meaning that it is inherited from ones parents.
Even then, having two copies doesnt always confer illness.
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Of the 30-plus variations of the MEFV mutation, there are four that are closely linked to symptomatic disease.
Symptoms
FMF primarily causes inflammation of the skin, internal organs, and joints.
The frequency of the attacks can also vary from every few days to every few years.
While the signs of FMF can develop as early as infancy, it more commonly starts in ones 20s.
Complications
Depending on the severity and frequency of attacks, FMF can cause long-term health complications.
Kidney failureis, in fact, the most serious complication of FMF.
It is only when a person has two recessive genes that FMF can occur.
In some cases, having two MEFV mutations can confer severe and frequent bouts of FMF.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of FMF is largely based on the history and pattern of the attacks.
Blood tests may be ordered to evaluate the bang out and level of inflammation being experienced.
Based on these results, the healthcare provider may order agenetic testto confirm the MEFV mutation.
A positive result can provide the healthcare provider with a high level of confidence in making the FMF diagnosis.
Treatment
There is no cure for FMF.
The dose is decreased for liver and kidney disease.
No matter your condition, your healthcare provider will work to find the lowest effective dose.
So effective is Colcrys in treating FMF that 90 percent of sufferers report marked improvement.
Caution must be taken when using Colcrys in the presence of liver or kidney disease.
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