Written by Nada Najid:
Jordanian artist Safaa Sultan suffered a sudden health problem while filming the series “Case 1”. She was subsequently transferred to a hospital to receive treatment.
After examinations, doctors discovered that Al-Safaa was suffering from Mediterranean fever.
In the following report, Al-Consulto reviews information that may interest you about Mediterranean fever, according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and the “Medlineplus” and “Mayoclinic” websites.
What is Mediterranean fever?
A hereditary disease caused by a mutation in the MEFV gene. Most people with it usually suffer from recurrent infections in vital organs.
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Symptoms of Mediterranean fever
Mediterranean fever can be indicated by the following symptoms:
– Recurring fever.
– Abdominal pain.
– Pain in the joints (knee or ankle).
– pain in chest.
– Breathing difficulty.
– A rash on the legs.
– Muscle pain.
It is worth noting that the first attack of Mediterranean fever occurs in childhood or adolescence, then its symptoms appear once a month, and last for a period ranging from 24 to 48 hours.
The occurrence of attacks of Mediterranean fever in infected women coincides with the menstrual cycle or ovulation.
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Methods of diagnosing Mediterranean fever
After evaluating the symptoms and reviewing the family history, the doctor is keen to subject the patient to a genetic test, to look for the mutation in the MEFV gene.
Complications of Mediterranean fever
Mediterranean fever may cause the following complications for some patients:
– Amyloidosis: The body may secrete a protein called amyloid A, and as it accumulates, organs become inflamed and even damaged.
– Arthritis.
– Infertility.
– Pericarditis.
– Meningitis.
– Muscle inflammation.
– Orchitis.
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Treatment of Mediterranean fever
There is no cure for Mediterranean fever, but there are medications that may help relieve symptoms, such as colchicine, which is a medication that prevents seizures, provided that it is taken once or twice a day according to the doctor’s instructions.