Covid-19 Progress in Patients With Familial Mediterranean Fever

Abstract

Background Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is a genetic auto-inflammatory disease. Mutations in the MEFV gene cause inappropriate immune system triggering, leading to inflammatory episodes in the peritoneum, pleura, and joints. In the severe COVID-19 picture, the hyperimmune response and inflammatory process develop and the clinic worsens. The FMF disease, the drugs used for its treatment, and the situation that different genetic mutations will display in the course of COVID-19 arouse interest. Methods In this study, common and different points in COVID-19 follow-up processes were evaluated by online questionnaire method according to different gene mutations in 158 FMF patients who had gene analysis. Participants were asked 21 questions and the data provided were compared between FMF MEFV gene mutations Results 104 out of 158 cases did not get COVID-19. 8 of 54 cases who get COVID-19 were hospitalized. No statistically significant difference was found between gene mutations when evaluated and compared in terms of susceptibility to COVID-19, vaccination status and presence of additional chronic diseases. Conclusion The present study provides guidance on the role of FMF genetic mutations in the course of COVID-19. Our study may suggest that FMF MEFV gene mutations do not have a protective role against COVID-19. The results also suggest that, as an inverse effect, MEFV gene mutations do not increase the risk of hyper-immune response and SARS, which play a role in the severe course of COVID-19.