Prevalence of juvenile chronic arthritis and familial Mediterranean fever in Turkey: a field study.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA), familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), and Behçet's disease in Turkish children through a field survey.

METHODS

The field survey was based on cluster centering with 2 level strata. A total of 46,813 children were screened. For the diagnosis of chronic arthritis and Behçet's previously suggested criteria were used. We have developed criteria for the diagnosis of probable FMF. Children previously diagnosed to have these diseases were also defined and included.

RESULTS

JCA was found in 6.4/10,000. 2.8/10,000 children were previously diagnosed as FMF (minimum phenotype frequency). Together with the probable diagnosis of FMF, the prevalence increased to 9.3/10,000. The findings were also compared with those of our center. None of the 46,813 children had Behçet's disease.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of chronic arthritis is similar to the other childhood populations reported. However, FMF has a very high prevalence.