Periodic fever syndrome

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Periodic Fever Syndrome is a group of autoinflammatory diseases characterized by recurrent episodes of fever and inflammation with no known cause. These syndromes are often genetic and typically manifest in childhood. The most common types of periodic fever syndromes include Familial Mediterranean Fever, Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Associated Periodic Syndrome (TRAPS), Hyperimmunoglobulin D Syndrome (HIDS), and Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS).

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The primary symptom of periodic fever syndromes is recurrent episodes of fever that last from a few hours to a few days. Other symptoms can include abdominal pain, chest pain, joint pain, rashes, and swelling in the affected areas. The severity and duration of these symptoms can vary greatly from person to person.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Periodic fever syndromes are usually caused by mutations in certain genes that regulate the body's immune response. These mutations can lead to uncontrolled inflammation, resulting in the characteristic symptoms of the disease. Most of these syndromes are inherited in an autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive manner.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of periodic fever syndromes can be challenging due to the intermittent nature of the symptoms and the lack of specific diagnostic tests. Diagnosis is usually based on the patient's medical history, physical examination, and the exclusion of other conditions. Genetic testing can confirm the diagnosis in some cases.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for periodic fever syndromes primarily involves managing the symptoms and preventing complications. This can include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and biologic therapies such as interleukin-1 inhibitors. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove affected organs.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Template:Autoinflammatory diseases

Template:Immune system disorders

Periodic fever syndrome Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD, Dr.T