The Effect of Anti-inflammatory Diet and Vitamin D Supplementation on the Amelioration of the Clinical Status and Cognitive functions of Familial Mediterranean Fever Patients.

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disorder, characterized by recurrent attacks of fever, serositis and articular pain. Mutations in the MEFV gene causes inflammation that may trigger cognitive impairment in FMF patients. The objectives were to identify the effect of anti-inflammatory diet containing curcumin, flaxseed and vitamin D supplementation on the clinical presentation and cognitive functions of FMF patients. The study included 73 FMF patients, that followed in addition to their regular colchicine doses an anti-inflammatory diet (rich in fresh vegetables and fruits, low in saturated and unsaturated fats and carbohydrates, low in food additives, sugar, fast foods and processed foods). In addition, to dietary supplementation with vitamin D, curcumin and flax seeds. Results: Statistically significant improvement was observed regarding clinical presentation, cognitive functions, CRP and subjective wellbeing. Conclusion: Our study highlights the importance of anti-inflammatory diet in the amelioration of the clinical presentation, cognitive functions and general wellbeing of FMF patients. We recommend that our findings would be confirmed by a randomized controlled trial.

Diagnostic and treatment concerns in familial Mediterranean fever.

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal, recessively inherited disease, affecting people of Jewish, Arabic, Turkish and Armenian ancestry. The disease is the prototype of the periodic febrile syndromes. Its hallmark is short attacks of fever and painful manifestations in the abdomen, joints, chest, scrotum and skin. Chronic and protracted manifestations, particularly nephropathic amyloidosis, chronic arthritis, and protracted myalgia, may also occur in the disease. The diagnosis of FMF should be considered in individuals of an appropriate ethnic background who present with febrile disease of episodic nature. The differential diagnosis in this case is broad and includes a large number of infectious, inflammatory and genetic diseases. However, in most cases, the very specific general and site-restricted features of the FMF attacks on the one hand, and the absence of manifestations typical of other conditions on the other hand, determine the diagnosis of FMF. This chapter presents clues and tips that help in the diagnosis and treatment of FMF.

Palindromic rheumatism: effect of dietary manipulation.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the contribution of dietary components in triggering the attacks of palindromic rheumatism (PR), and the effect of dietary manipulation on the frequency and severity of PR attacks. METHODS: Sixteen patients (10 males, 6 females) were diagnosed as having PR during 1994-8 in one center. Their mean age was 45 +/- 6, duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis was 4 +/- 1.4 years, and frequency of PR attacks were 3.1 +/- 1.8/month. All patients were instructed to make a list of the food that was consumed daily and to specify the dates of PR episodes. Data were evaluated after a period of 2-4 months in each patient. RESULTS: In 5 patients (31%) there was an association between episodes of PR and certain foods that were consumed within 36 hours prior to PR episodes. These were fish (2 patients), eggs, canned vegetables and processed cheese (each in one case). Elimination of the relevant food from each patient's diet resulted in complete cessation of the PR attacks in two of the cases, while the other three had milder, infrequent attacks. Four patients were rechallenged with the offending food. In all cases it resulted in recurrence of the PR attacks. No association between PR episodes and prior consumption of certain foods could be documented in the other 11 patients. CONCLUSIONS: In some PR patients ingestion of certain foods, specific for each case, can trigger the typical attack. It is suggested that this association should be looked for in any PR patient, as elimination of the offending food from the diet may help in preventing the PR attacks.