Quality of life of school-age children with Familial Mediterranean fever: a preliminary study

Background

Familial Mediterranean fever is a chronic health condition characterized by periodic fever, abdominal and chest pain, arthritis, and rash. The impact of disease and treatment on quality of life (QOL) of patients had been investigated in adults. However, there is no data about the QOL of pediatric FMF patients.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life of school-age children with FMF.

Methods

Thirty patients were evaluated using age-appropriate versions of "Pediatric Quality of Life™ Generic Core Scale". The PedsQL™ assesses: 1. Physical Functioning (8 items), 2. Emotional Functioning (5 items), 3. Social Functioning (5 items), and 4. School Functioning (5 items). The patients were divided into 2 age groups: "8–12 years" (n = 14) and "13–18 years" (n = 16). The control group consisted of 81 healthy children. SPSS version 11.0 was used for statistical analysis.

Results

The total PedsQL score of all FMF patients was significantly lower than that of the controls: 75 ± 16 vs 84 ± 10 (p = 0.001). The patients aged between 8–12 years had significantly lower PedsQL score than controls: 71.5 ± 19 vs 86 ± 8.5 (p < 0.000). However, no statistical significance was found between the total scores of patients aged between 13–18 years and age-matched healthy controls: 78 ± 13 vs 82 ± 11 (p = 0.22).

Conclusion

This preliminary study suggested that FMF may impair the quality of life, particularly in younger children. Further studies with larger group of patients are needed to evaluate the factors affecting the quality of life in patients with FMF.