Familial Mediterranean fever successfully treated with etanercept

J Clin Rheumatol. 2007 Feb;13(1):38-40. doi: 10.1097/01.rhu.0000255772.25658.7c.

Abstract

Colchicine is the only drug known to effectively prevent familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) attacks, as well as FMF-associated amyloidosis. Unfortunately, colchicine is neither always effective nor always well tolerated, leaving some patients and their physicians with inadequate weaponry to fight this hazardous disease. We present a patient with recurrent episodes of abdominal, scrotal, and joint attacks, who was diagnosed with FMF and advised to take colchicine. Diarrhea prevented optimal treatment with this drug and led to a trial of etanercept, with resolution of FMF manifestations. This case adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockade may result in resolution and prevention of further FMF attacks.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Etanercept
  • Familial Mediterranean Fever / diagnosis
  • Familial Mediterranean Fever / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / therapeutic use*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
  • Etanercept