Is there any difference regarding atopy between children with familial Mediterranean fever and healthy controls?

INTRODUCTION: There are only a few studies regarding the prevalence of atopy in Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients, and their results are conflicting.

METHODS: In this study children with the diagnosis of FMF were evaluated for the presence of atopy by comparing with controls. One hundred and eighteen children diagnosed as FMF and 50 healthy age and sex matched controls were enrolled. They were evaluated for the presence of rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, urticaria and asthma. Laboratory assessment was done by measuring IgA, IgM, IgG, IgE levels, total eosinophil count and by performing skin prick test (SPT) panels for common allergens to children with FMF and healthy controls.

RESULTS: One hundred and eighteen children (61girls and 57 boys) diagnosed as FMF with a median age of 120±47 months (range 36-204 months) were compared with 50 healthy controls (31 girls and 19 boys) having a median age of 126±37 (range 48-192 months). The mean percentage of total eosinophil count of patients was similar to that of the control group. The mean level of IgE was significantly higher in children with FMF than controls (136±268, 87±201, respectively; p values <0.05). The percentage of skin prick test positivity was similar for both patients and controls (13% and 8.2%, respectively; p>0.05). The prevalences of atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma in the patient group were 5.08%, 28.8%, and 15.25%, respectively, while the control group had the prevalences of 0%, 36%, and 14% respectively.

CONCLUSION: Children with FMF did not show an increase of atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and asthma with respect to controls.