Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF)

What is FMF?

FMF is an autoinflammatory disease linked to changes in MEFV, a gene involved in controlling inflammation. It is more common in people with Mediterranean or Middle Eastern ancestry, but ancestry does not determine who can have it. Symptoms often start in childhood; some people are diagnosed as adults.

Episodes commonly last one to three days and may include fever, abdominal or chest pain, and joint pain or swelling. A red, painful rash can occur, often on the lower legs. Not everyone has every feature.

How is it diagnosed?

A clinician puts together the episode pattern, examination, inflammatory tests, family history and genetic results. A genetic report is one piece of that assessment: a variant does not automatically explain symptoms, and testing may not give a simple yes-or-no answer. Learn how genetic results are interpreted.

Treatment and follow-up

Colchicine is the usual long-term treatment. Taken as prescribed, it helps prevent episodes and complications; it is not simply a medicine to take when a fever begins. Persistent inflammation can lead to AA amyloidosis, which can damage the kidneys.

If attacks or inflammation continue, the care team checks adherence, tolerance and the treatment plan. Some people need an IL-1–blocking medicine. Do not stop, increase or combine medicines without advice: colchicine has important drug interactions and can be harmful in excess.

The treatment goal includes feeling well and controlling inflammation between attacks. Ask which blood and urine tests you need, how often, and how side effects will be monitored.

Questions to take to your appointment

• What supports FMF in my case, and what remains uncertain?
• What should I do if I miss a dose or develop side effects?
• Does my monitoring include kidney health and inflammation between episodes?
• What is the plan for a fever that differs from my usual pattern?

Bring a medication list and fever and symptom diary. A new severe abdominal pain, chest pain or breathing problem should not automatically be assumed to be an FMF attack; seek prompt medical assessment.