Abstract

In this study, we aimed to evaluate renal tubular function in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). Urinary N-acetyl-beta-D glucosaminidase (U-NAG, beta2-microglobulin (U-beta2M) and microalbumin (Ua) levels were measured in children with different clinical stages of FMF (58 patients with FMF, 9 patients with amyloidosis secondary to (FMF). Control groups were healthy children (n=21), children with upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) (n=21) and with steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) (n=18). U-NAG was significantly increased in patients with a recent diagnosis of FMF compared to patients with FMF on colchicine and to healthy controls. In patients with recently diagnosed FMF, a marked decrease in U-NAG, U-beta2M and Ua were determined after three months on colchicine therapy. On the other hand, U-NAG and Ubeta2M levels were increased in patients with FMF during attacks and then decreased in the post-attack period. U-beta2M in patients with FMF during attacks was significantly different from patients with URTI. Finally, U-NAG and U-beta2M were increased significantly in patients with FMF-amyloidosis and SSNS when compared with other FMF groups and healthy controls, respectively. In conclusion, the high U-NAG value in newly diagnosed patients compared to that of patients taking colchicine and the decline of U-NAG and U-beta2M levels after attack to the levels observed in colchicine users (without a significant change in Ua value) suggest that the renal injury early in the course of FMF might be dominantly at the level of the tubuli.

How to cite

1.
Akkuş S, Calişkan S, Kasapçopur O. Tubular functions in familial Mediterranean fever. Turk J Pediatr 2002; 44: 317-320.