Familial Mediterranean Fever

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) an inherited autoinflammatory disorder characterized by repeated episodes of fever and inflammation. While this genetic condition can affect people of any ethnicity, it is most prevalent in those of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern descent (Arab, Armenian, Sephardic Jewish and Turkish descent). FMF is caused by genetic variants of the MEFV gene, which provides instructions to make the pyrin protein involved in regulating inflammation.

Inflammation is necessary for wound healing. It is a normal response directed by the immune system, which sends signaling molecules and white blood cells to a site of injury to promote healing. The pyrin protein found in white blood cells play a role in turning off the inflammatory response once it is no longer necessary. People affected with FMF produce abnormal pyrin proteins, disrupting its normal function. In the absence of pyrin protein inflammation is not appropriately regulated, resulting in the characteristic symptoms of FMF.

Take this test to find out whether you are at risk of developing FMF. Early identification is key, because if left untreated it can lead to organ damage.