Factors affecting patient-acceptable symptom states and treatment decision in familial Mediterranean fever.

BACKGROUND

Familial Mediterranean fever [FMF] is the most common autoinflammatory disease characterized by inflammatory attacks of fever and polyserositis. Patients' quality of life is significantly affected due to recurrent excruciating pain attacks and complications. This study is performed to evaluate the parameters most affecting patients' satisfaction from treatment.

METHODS

: Three hundred and forty-six consecutive patients diagnosed with FMF were enrolled in this study. Current treatment, acute phase proteins, number, type, and severity of predominant attacks, absenteeism from work/school in the last three months were recorded, and the participants were asked whether they needed additional treatment to evaluate Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) status.

RESULTS

Mean age of the overall group was 38.2 ± 11.7 years (62.4% female, 37.6% male). Two hundred and twenty-seven patients were treated with colchicine, 97 patients with colchicine plus Interleukin-1 (IL-1) antagonist, and 22 only with IL-1 antagonist (67.1%, 26.3%, 6.64% in order). Of the overall group, 33.8% (n = 117) believed to need additional treatment options. Additional treatment need of patients was significantly affected by work impairment due to attacks, absent days from work, disease activity, the discomfort of patients during attacks, the number of attacks, and treatment options; but not by the level of acute-phase proteins between attacks.

DISCUSSION: PASS score is significantly related to clinical parameters and quality of life. Patients' PASS scores and treatment choices are notably affected by the severity and frequency of attacks and absenteeism from work/school. Clinical activity and quality of life should be evaluated at every visit to provide patients' satisfaction with treatment.