Cephalometric evaluation of children with familial Mediterranean fever.

OBJECTIVE

To test the null hypothesis that no differences exist in craniofacial morphology between patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and the healthy population.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Standardized lateral cephalograms of 32 FMF patients (mean age, 11.50 ± 2.72 years) and 32 healthy controls (mean age, 11.86 ± 2.19 years) were obtained. Cranial and dentofacial parameters were measured using a cephalometric analysis program (Nemoceph Imaging Cephalometric and Tracing Software S.L., Spain). All statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 17.0.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Ill). Descriptive statistics were calculated for all measurements, and the independent t-test was used to evaluate intergroup differences.

RESULTS

The ANB angle was significantly greater in the FMF group (P < .05). Differences in SNA and SNB angles were insignificant. Anterior (P < .001) and posterior (P < .05) face heights were significantly shorter in the FMF group. Mandibular body length (P < .001) and condylion to gnathion (P < .05) measurements were significantly shorter in the FMF group. The upper lip was more protrusive in the FMF group (P < .05). U1-NA (mm; P < .001) and L1-NB (mm; P < .05) measurements were significantly shorter in the FMF group.

CONCLUSION

The hypothesis is rejected. Significant differences exist between the craniofacial morphology of patients with FMF and the healthy population.