Co-existence of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) and the effect of Helicobacter pylori on the frequency and severity of FMF attacks.
BACKGROUND
The inflammatory reactions both in Familial Mediterranean Fever and in Helicobacter pylori infection have similarities. Whether there is interactions in case of co-existence of both diseases has not been evaluated. AIM.: To evaluate, if there is a significant relation between H. pylori infection and Familial Mediterranean Fever; if H. pylori has an effect on the frequency and severity of Familial Mediterranean Fever attacks; and if eradication treatment has any affects.


METHODS
Thirty-two Familial Mediterranean Fever patients were tested for H. pylori infection. Acute phase responses were evaluated and attack frequency and severity were determined in both H. pylori-positive and H. pylori-negative groups. Same determinations were done after the eradication treatment in H. pylori-positive patients. Levels of acute phase determinants as well as frequency and severity of attacks were compared in H. pylori-positive and -negative groups.


RESULTS
C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, white blood count and fibrinogen levels were significantly (p<0.01) higher during the attacks than before the attacks in all patients. However, there was no difference between the groups. H. pylori-positive patients have a higher frequency and a longer duration of attacks when compared to H. pylori-negative patients before treatment (p<0.05). The frequency was also significantly lower and duration was shorter in patients whose infections were eradicated (p<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
H. pylori infection was not significantly frequent in our group of Familial Mediterranean Fever patients. H. pylori can decrease both the frequency and the duration of the attacks. Studies that will evaluate the relationship of H. pylori and MEFV gene along with the roles of yet unknown cytokines, which can presumably play a role in the pathogenesis of both diseases, are needed to reach better conclusions.
Demirtürk
L
L
Department of Gastroenterology, Gülhane Military Medical Academy Haydarpaşa Training Hospital, 81327 Istanbul, Turkey.
Ozel
A M
AM
Cekem
K
K
Yazgan
Y
Y
Gultepe
M
M
D000328:Adult; D001799:Blood Sedimentation; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D015897:Comorbidity; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood; D010505:Familial Mediterranean Fever / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005340:Fibrinogen / Q000032:analysis; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D014421:Turkey / Q000453:epidemiology
D016207:Cytokines; D005340:Fibrinogen; D002097:C-Reactive Protein