The prevalance of atopy i̇n fmf

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disease that commonly affects Mediterranean people; mostly Turks, Jews, Armenians and Arabs. Periodic fever, abdominal pain and arthralgia are typical pathognomonic symptoms of FMF. Patients with FMF has low incidence of atopy and allegic disorders when compared with general population. In this study we compared FMF patients with healthy controls to show the prevalence of atopy and allergic diseases by using different parameters. We included 61 FMF patients and 61 controls in this study. In both groups detailed history of atopy and allergic disorders were recorded. From all cases eosinophil percent, serum total IgE level, specific serum IgE of egg's white, wheat flour and cow's milk were analyzed. Atopy was detected in 10 cases (16,4%) in study group and 5 (8,2%) cases in control groups. In study group 5 patients (8,2%) and in control 2 (3,3%) patients had allergic disorder (p=0.272). No statistical difference was seen when compared about atopy and allergic disorder history. White egg specific IgE was positive in study and control group in 3 (5%) and 11 cases (18%) respectively (p=0.044). Specific IgE of wheat flour and cow's milk were similar between in control and study group. Serum total IgE level was higher in controls than study group (p=0.009). In conclusion in this study, we demonstrated that atopy and allergic disorders were seen similar in control and study group. Elevated levels of white egg specific IgE and serum total IgE in controls compared with FMF patients, showed a decreased tendency of atopy and allergic disorder in FMF patients.