MEDITERRANEAN FEVER Meaning and
Definition
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Mediterranean fever, also referred to as familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), is a hereditary autoinflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of fever and inflammation affecting different body systems. This condition predominantly affects individuals from Mediterranean descent, hence its name.
The episodes of Mediterranean fever typically last one to three days and can occur periodically. Symptoms commonly include high fever, abdominal pain, chest pain, joint swelling, and a rash. The fever attacks may be triggered by factors such as stress, infection, or physical exertion. These episodes tend to become less severe and frequent over time, although long-lasting complications can occur, such as amyloidosis - a condition where abnormal protein buildup affects various organs, including the kidneys.
The underlying cause of Mediterranean fever is mutations in the MEFV gene, responsible for producing a protein called pyrin. Pyrin is involved in regulating inflammation within the body. The specific mutations in the MEFV gene interfere with pyrin's normal function, leading to exaggerated inflammatory responses.
Diagnosis of Mediterranean fever involves evaluating symptoms, family history, and genetic testing to confirm mutations in the MEFV gene. Treatment aims at managing symptoms and preventing complications. Medications such as colchicine are commonly prescribed to diminish the severity and frequency of fever attacks. In some cases, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also be used to control inflammation and relieve symptoms.
Overall, Mediterranean fever is a hereditary autoinflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent fever attacks, often affecting individuals of Mediterranean descent. While there is no cure, understanding the condition's genetic basis allows for effective management strategies to control symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MEDITERRANEAN FEVER
- nediterranean fever
- kediterranean fever
- jediterranean fever
- mwditerranean fever
- msditerranean fever
- mdditerranean fever
- mrditerranean fever
- m4diterranean fever
- m3diterranean fever
- mesiterranean fever
- mexiterranean fever
- meciterranean fever
- mefiterranean fever
- meriterranean fever
- meeiterranean fever
- meduterranean fever
- medjterranean fever
- medkterranean fever
- medoterranean fever
Etymology of MEDITERRANEAN FEVER
The word "Mediterranean Fever" derives from the region it is associated with, the Mediterranean. The term was originally coined to describe a group of hereditary autoinflammatory diseases that are prevalent in this region. The primary condition referred to as Mediterranean Fever is Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), which was first recognized and described among people of Sephardic Jewish and Armenian descent living around the Mediterranean basin.
The term "Mediterranean" itself originates from the Latin term "Mediterraneus", which means "in the middle of the earth" or "in the middle of the lands". This is because the Mediterranean Sea is located in the middle of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The name reflects the historical importance of this region as a crossroads for different cultures, trade routes, and civilizations.
