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Ency. home > Disease > F > Familial Mediterranean fever

Familial Mediterranean fever   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Familial paroxysmal polyserositis; Periodic peritonitis; Recurrent polyserositis; Benign paroxysmal peritonitis; Periodic disease; Periodic fever

Definition:

Familial Mediterranean fever is an inherited disorder that is characterized by recurrent fever and inflammation, often involving the abdomen or the lung.

Causes and Risks

The cause of the disease is unknown. It usually affects people of Mediterranean ancestry, especially non-Ashkenazi (Sephardic) Jews, Armenians, and Arabs. It can be seen in other patients as well.

Symptoms usually begin between 5 and 15 years old. Inflammation in the lining of the abdominal cavity, chest cavity, skin, or joints occurs along with high fevers that usually peak in 12 to 24 hours. Attacks may vary in severity of symptoms, and people are usually symptom free between attacks.

The incidence is very rare, and risk factors for the disease include a family history of Familial Mediterranean Fever or being of Mediterranean ancestry.

Ency. home > Disease > F > Familial Mediterranean fever

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