SAGE Open Medical Case Reports (Aug 2023)

A private hospital’s approach to treating acute familial Mediterranean fever in Dar es Salaam

  • Willbroad Kyejo,
  • Musa Machibya,
  • Faisal Hooda,
  • Waziri Gahhu,
  • Shivangi Mandania,
  • Neelam Ismail,
  • Nancy Matillya,
  • Kilalo Mjema,
  • Kamran Hameed

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/2050313X231195964
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11

Abstract

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Familial Mediterranean fever is a rare autosomal recessive autoinflammatory disorder prevalent in Middle Eastern populations, characterized by episodic abdominal pain. This case report presents a 34-year-old Egyptian man with severe lower abdominal pain, chest discomfort, and joint pain, along with a positive family history of familial Mediterranean fever but had no previous personal history of this condition. Blood work revealed leukocytosis with neutrophilia and elevated C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The patient received intravenous fluids, antiemetics, and analgesics before further evaluation. Diagnosis of familial Mediterranean fever relies on clinical symptoms, ethnic origin, and family history, supported by specific criteria. Typical familial Mediterranean fever attacks involve serositis-induced pain, recurrent episodes, short-duration fever (12 h to 3 days), and arthritis. Familial Mediterranean fever may mimic other acute abdominal conditions, warranting consideration, particularly in individuals from Mediterranean regions. Genetic testing is valuable in confirming familial Mediterranean fever diagnosis.