Compared with the general population, patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) are at an elevated risk for stroke, regardless of any known comorbidities, according to study findings published in Rheumatology (Oxford). Study participants were matched with control participants who did not have FMF, based on sex, age, and location of residence. In the FMF vs control group, a significantly higher percentage of participants were from North Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey. Researchers noted higher frequency in the FMF vs control group of amyloidosis (0.7% vs 0.3%); chronic kidney failure (3.8% vs 2.0%); need for dialysis (1.1% vs 0.2%); and kidney transplantation (0.6% vs 0.1%; P <.001 for all). Participants with FMF vs control participants were diagnosed with stroke at a significantly younger age (59.8±15.9 vs 65.3±14.9 years, respectively; P <.001).

Source: The North Africa Journal April 21, 2023 06:18 UTC