THE EFFECTS OF MICROALBUMINURIA AND INFLAMMATORY MARKERS ON CAROTIS INTIMA MEDIA THICKNESS IN FAMILIAL MEDITERRANEAN FEVER

Aim:This study aimed to investigate the presence of early atherosclerosis due to inflammation and its relationship with microalbuminuria in newly diagnosed Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients. Material and Methods:Seventy-seven FMF patients who were newly diagnosed and 34 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. In all study groups, microalbuminuria in 24 hours urine sample, C-reactive protein (CRP), hemogram, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), fibrinogen, routine biochemistry, and lipid panels were performed. Carotid intima media thickness (IMT) was measured in both groups using the same ultrasonography device using a 12 MHz linear probe. To minimize technical errors, patients were also evaluated by the same radiologist. In all patients, both the main carotid arteries and internal carotid arteries were examined for morphology. Results:IMT, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and cholesterol levels did not differ significantly between the groups (p>0.05). The fibrinogen levels of the FMF group were significantly higher (p<0.01). The CRP levels of the FMF group were significantly higher (p<0.05). On the other hand, ESR, red blood cell, hematocrit, hemoglobin, platelet, and microalbumin measurements did not show statistically significant difference according to the groups (p>0.05). The positive 15.2% correlation between IMT and fibrinogen levels was not statistically significant (r=0.152; p=0.109; p>0.05). There was no statistically significant relationship between IMT and CRP and ESR levels. The negative 10.2% difference between IMT and microalbumin values was not statistically significant (r=-0.102; p=0.289; p>0.05). Conclusion:The significant difference between the inflammatory markers, such as fibrinogen and CRP between FMF patients and the healthy controls demonstrates that subclinical inflammation continued in the patient group, even if the patient did not develop FMF attack. Although microalbuminuria is known to be an early diagnostic criterion of atherosclerosis, no correlation was detected between microalbuminuria and inflammatory markers and carotid IMT. In summary, since no remarkable correlation was found between FMF-related inflammation and carotid IMT, we do not recommend clinical follow-up with carotid Doppler ultrasound in addition to routine outpatient controls.