Periodic disease, also known as periodic fever syndrome, refers to a group of rare genetic conditions characterized by recurring episodes of fever and inflammation. These diseases are typically considered to be autoinflammatory disorders, meaning that they involve an inflammation of the body's tissues without an identifiable autoimmune cause. The hallmark of periodic diseases is the presence of regular and unpredictable episodes of fever, which may last from several days to a few weeks.
In addition to fever, individuals with periodic diseases may experience other symptoms during these episodes, such as abdominal pain, muscle and joint aches, headache, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. The severity and duration of each episode can vary between individuals and even within the same person over time. The frequency of episodes may also vary, with some individuals experiencing them several times a year and others having longer gaps between episodes.
The most common types of periodic diseases include familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), which primarily affects people of Mediterranean descent, and the cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), such as familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome (FCAS) and Muckle-Wells syndrome (MWS). Other less common types include tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS), hyper-IgD syndrome (HIDS), and Schnitzler syndrome.
Although there is currently no cure for periodic diseases, management typically involves controlling symptoms and reducing inflammation during episodes through the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and other medications. Genetic testing is often performed to confirm the diagnosis. With proper treatment, individuals with periodic diseases can achieve a better quality of life and reduced frequency and severity of episodes.
