Association Between Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 and Folate Levels and Persistent Subclinical Inflammation in Pediatric Familial Mediterranean Fever

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is the most common periodic fever syndrome worldwide, and persistent subclinical inflammation has been reported in 10-20% of cases during attack-free periods. Although the immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D, vitamin B12 and folate have been investigated in various conditions, data on their relationship with subclinical inflammation in FMF patients remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the association between micronutrient levels and subclinical inflammation in pediatric FMF. <b>Methods</b>: Children aged 2-18 years with an FMF diagnosis of more than two years, receiving regular colchicine therapy, and attack-free for at least two months were included. Patients with other autoinflammatory diseases, colchicine resistance, concomitant renal disease, active infection, or inadequate follow-up were excluded. Demographic, clinical, genetic, and biochemical data were analyzed. <b>Results</b>: A total of 253 patients were included, with a median age of 14 years (range, 3-18), and 133 (52.6%) were female. Persistent subclinical inflammation was observed in 31 patients (12.3%). Genetic analysis revealed homozygous M694V mutations in 71 patients (28%). Median vitamin levels were as follows: vitamin D 17.3 ng/mL (IQR 10.6-27.1), vitamin B12 288 pg/mL (IQR 214-367), and folate 6.4 ng/mL (IQR 4.8-7.6). Comparison between patients with and without subclinical inflammation showed no significant differences in micronutrient levels. <b>Conclusions</b>: Although micronutrients have been reported to play immunomodulatory roles, we did not observe significant association between vitamin levels and subclinical inflammation in pediatric FMF patients in our study.

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Journal
Children
Published
2026-03-05
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/children13030371
Primary Topic
Inflammasome and immune disorders
Type
article
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article

Association Between Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 and Folate Levels and Persistent Subclinical Inflammation in Pediatric Familial Mediterranean Fever

G Oztelik, Esma Akboğa, Büşra Tetik Dinçer, Fazilet Melikoğlu
Children
Inflammasome and immune disorders
article

Association Between Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 and Folate Levels and Persistent Subclinical Inflammation in Pediatric Familial Mediterranean Fever

G Oztelik, Esma Akboğa, Büşra Tetik Dinçer, Fazilet Melikoğlu
article en

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is the most common periodic fever syndrome worldwide, and persistent subclinical inflammation has been reported in 10-20% of cases during attack-free periods. Although the immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D, vitamin B12 and folate have been investigated in various conditions, data on their relationship with subclinical inflammation in FMF patients remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the association between micronutrient levels and subclinical inflammation in pediatric FMF. <b>Methods</b>: Children aged 2-18 years with an FMF diagnosis of more than two years, receiving regular colchicine therapy, and attack-free for at least two months were included. Patients with other autoinflammatory diseases, colchicine resistance, concomitant renal disease, active infection, or inadequate follow-up were excluded. Demographic, clinical, genetic, and biochemical data were analyzed. <b>Results</b>: A total of 253 patients were included, with a median age of 14 years (range, 3-18), and 133 (52.6%) were female. Persistent subclinical inflammation was observed in 31 patients (12.3%). Genetic analysis revealed homozygous M694V mutations in 71 patients (28%). Median vitamin levels were as follows: vitamin D 17.3 ng/mL (IQR 10.6-27.1), vitamin B12 288 pg/mL (IQR 214-367), and folate 6.4 ng/mL (IQR 4.8-7.6). Comparison between patients with and without subclinical inflammation showed no significant differences in micronutrient levels. <b>Conclusions</b>: Although micronutrients have been reported to play immunomodulatory roles, we did not observe significant association between vitamin levels and subclinical inflammation in pediatric FMF patients in our study.

ChildrenVol. 13(3)
Memorial Ankara Hospital (TR), Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi (TR), Şişli Etfal Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi (TR), University of Health Sciences Antigua (AG)
Zero hunger
Openalex Percentile: Top 32%
Inflammasome and immune disorders
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