[Periodic fever syndrome/autoinflammatory syndrome]

Z Rheumatol. 2009 Mar;68(2):137-48; quiz 149. doi: 10.1007/s00393-009-0449-z.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Hereditary periodic fever syndromes (autoinflammatory syndromes) are characterised by relapsing fevers and additional manifestations such as skin rashes, mucosal manifestations, and joint pain. Some of these disorders only present with organ manifestations and serological signs of inflammation without obvious fever (e.g. PAPA and Blau syndrome). There is a strong serological inflammatory response with an elevation of serum amyloid A (risk of secondary amyloidosis). There are monogenic disorders for which the mode of inheritance and gene mutation are known, but probably also polygenic diseases which present with similar symptoms to the classic autoinflammatory syndromes. Gene mutations have been described for the monogenic disorders (FMF, HIDS, CAPS, PAPA and Blau syndrome), which lead to an induction of the production of IL-1ss. Therapeutically, the IL-1-receptor antagonist anakinra is mainly used. In the case of TRAPS and Blau syndrome, TNF antagonists may also be used. PFAPA syndrome, the Schnitzler syndrome, Still's disease of adult and pediatric onset, Behçet's disaese and Crohn's disease also are mentioned as additional possible autoinflammatory syndromes.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autoimmune Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / therapy*
  • Familial Mediterranean Fever / diagnosis*
  • Familial Mediterranean Fever / immunology
  • Familial Mediterranean Fever / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / diagnosis*
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / therapy*