children s health issues
Familial Mediterranean Fever
Symptoms of Familial Mediterranean Fever
Symptoms of familial Mediterranean fever usually begin between the ages of 5 and 15 years. Themost common symptomsare Abdominal pain and fever C). The painful attacks usually last 12 to 72 hours but may last longer. Attacks may occur as often as twice a week or as seldom as once a year. The severity and frequency of the attacks may decrease during pregnancy and in people who develop Amyloidosis . Sometimes the attacks stop completely for a number of years, only to resume afterwards. The abdominal pain is caused by inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity ( Peritonitis ). The pain usually starts in one part of the abdomen then spreads throughout the entire abdomen. The severity of the pain may vary with each attack. Less common symptomsinclude Chest Pain : Arthritis:About 25% of people have inflammation of large joints (arthritis), such as the knees, ankles, and hips. Rash:A painful red rash may appear near the ankles. Scrotum pain:In males, the thick-skinned sac that surrounds and protects the testes (scrotum) may swell and be painful due to inflammation of a testis (testicle). Despite the severity of symptoms during attacks, people rapidly recover and remain free of illness until their next attack. Physical and emotional stress (for example, physical injury, infection, and menstruation) may trigger some attacks. If not treated adequately, some people with familial Mediterranean fever develop Amyloidosis . In amyloidosis, an unusually shaped protein called amyloid is deposited in the kidneys and in many organs and tissues, impairing their function. Amyloid deposits may damage the kidneys, eventually resulting in Overview of Kidney Failure . People may retain fluids, feel weak, and lose their appetite. Up to one third of untreated women with familial Mediterranean fever have infertility or miscarry a pregnancy. The disorder can cause scar tissue to form in the pelvis. The scar tissue can interfere with conception. People with familial Mediterranean fever have an increased risk of developing other inflammatory disorders, such as Ankylosing Spondylitis , 