The relationship between red cell distribution width and homozygous M694V mutation in familial Mediterranean fever patients

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVEFamilial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is characterized by recurrent and self-limiting attacks with peritonitis, pleuritis, arthritis, and erysipelas-like erythema. We aimed to investigate the red cell distribution width (RDW) level as an inflammatory marker in FMF patients compared with normal subjects.DESIGN AND SETTINGSA retrospective study of FMF patients at the Department of Gastroenterology, Cumhuriyet University, between November 2011-February 2013.METHODSA total of 249 FMF patients and 131 age- and sex-matched control participants were included in the currrent study. RDW levels were also analyzed by standard methods. Each patient was given 2 mL of blood sample to obtain genomic DNA.RESULTSStatistically significant differences were observed in RDW values between the FMF patients and the control group. Also, RDW levels were higher in the FMF patients with the homozygous M94V mutation compared with those with other mutations. The receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis suggested that the optimum RDW cutoff point for the FMF patients was 13.95, with a sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of 70%, 64%, 68%, and 66%, respectively (area under the curve: 0.711, 95% confidence interval 0.627–0.795, P<.0001).CONCLUSIONWe suggest that RDW may show subclinical inflammation in FMF patients. RDW may be a promising marker in predicting the homozygous M694V mutation in FMF patients.

The evaluation of renal hemodynamics changes in Familial Mediterranean fever with color Doppler sonography

“…Attacks usually last 12-72 h and are self-restrictive. [1][2][3] Mediterranean fever (MEFV) gene mutation is responsible for the pathogenesis of FMF disease. This mutation may a key role of inflammation in FMF patients.…”

Red cell distribution width is associated with albuminuria in adults with familial Mediterranean fever

“…Presence of systematic inflammation, enhanced oxidative stress, and a high level of serum amyloid A may cause evolution and progression of renal damage and development of amyloidosis [6,18,24]. At the same time, as a result of the effects of cytokines on erythroid precursors, production of erythropoietin, and the effects of enhanced hepcidin levels on iron metabolism, an increase in RDW may be observed [12,21,25]. Özer et al [13] showed that RDW values were higher in patients with FMF during symptom‐free periods.…”

Red Cell Distribution Width and Coronary Artery Calcification

“…Recently, a number of studies have reported that RDW levels, which may be related to subclinical inflammation, are increased in many inflammatory diseases. 5) Furthermore, some studies reported that RDW levels were independently associated with mortality in both the general population and in patients with certain diseases. However, some conditions should be considered when RDW levels are evaluated.…”