P wave and QT dispersion in familial mediterranean fever.

OBJECTIVE: Familial mediterranean fever (FMF) is the most common auto-inflammatory disease that is characterized by recurrent, self-limited attacks of fever and serous membrane inflammation. Patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases are considered to have a raised cardiovascular diseases risk. The aim of this study was to investigate; by means of P wave dispersion (Pd) and QT dispersion (QTd) parameters detected by simple standard electrocardiogram (ECG), atrial and ventricular repolarization changes in pregnant women with and without FMF.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this case-control study including 37 pregnant women with FMF who already put on colchicine treatment and 40 healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy cases, were prospectively assessed using 12-lead ECG and echocardiography.

RESULTS: No differences in Pd and corrected QT values were found between the groups. Epicardial fat thickness values were significantly higher in the FMF group compared with the control group (p = 0.015). A positive correlation was found between FMF duration and epicardial fat thickness (r = 0.350, p = 0.042).

CONCLUSIONS: Pd, a non-invasive marker of potential atrial arrhythmia and QT-d, a non-invasive marker of potentially lethal ventricular tachyarrhythmia, constitute a recent contribution to the field of noninvasive electrocardiology. Pd and QT-d values were not altered in pregnant women with FMF who already put on colchicine treatment, with no increased risk of atrial or ventricular arrhythmias indicated. Colchicine may have a cardio-protective effect beyond the effect mediated through suppression of inflammation.