Periodic fever syndrome, also called recurrent fever syndrome, is a rare set of genetic problems where people have repeated bouts of fever. These fevers do not occur due to viruses or bacteria, as is typically the case. Instead, they happen because the body’s immune system is ineffective. The main types are familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis (PFAPA).
What are the symptoms of periodic fever syndrome?
Periodic fever syndrome brings symptoms like fever episodes that keep coming back, a rash, joint pain, mouth sores, and stomach pain. These fevers don’t happen because of infections and can range from not too bad to bad. Each person might have different symptoms depending on the syndrome type and their genes.
Who gets periodic fever syndrome?
It can happen to anyone, but usually, it shows up in kids, teens, and sometimes even babies. Some types, like familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), are more likely to affect people from certain backgrounds. Since it runs in families, if someone in your family has it, you might be more likely to get it too. Talking to a genetic counselor can help you understand the risk and what to do about it. Early diagnosis and recognizing the signs can help in better management.
Is there a cure for periodic fever syndrome?
There is currently no cure for the underlying genetic abnormalities that cause this disorder. However, various treatment options are available to help alleviate symptoms and reduce the frequency and severity of fever episodes.
How is it usually treated?
Treating periodic fever syndrome is all about calming down the inflammation and fixing the immune system problems that cause fever episodes and other symptoms. The treatment can vary depending on the type of syndrome and the person, but here are some common ways that help:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs: These medicines are super important for treating periodic fever syndrome. They work by calming down the swelling in the body, which helps with things like fever, joint pain, and swelling. Drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen, known as NSAIDs, are often used to ease symptoms during fever episodes. Sometimes, doctors might also give steroids to quickly ease inflammation in severe cases.
- Colchicine: This medicine is often used to treat familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), one of the main types of periodic fever syndrome. Colchicine helps by stopping the body’s inflammatory response, which reduces how often fevers happen and how bad they get. It can also prevent long-term problems like amyloidosis.
- Biologic treatments: These newer medicines are a big help for people with severe or hard-to-treat periodic fever syndromes. Biologics target specific proteins that cause inflammation, which helps calm down the immune system and reduce symptoms. They’re usually given as shots or through an IV. Biologics are great at controlling symptoms and making life better for people with periodic fever syndrome.
- Supportive care: Along with medicines, people with periodic fever syndrome might also benefit from other ways to feel better. This could include making lifestyle changes like managing stress, staying active, and eating well. Physical therapy or occupational therapy can also help with joint pain and movement problems.
Overall, treating periodic fever syndrome needs a team effort. Doctors, geneticists, and other healthcare professionals work together to find the best treatments for each person. Paying close attention to symptoms and using the right treatments will manage periodic fever syndrome and make life better for those affected by it.
Can periodic fever syndrome be avoided?
Periodic fever syndrome is a condition caused by gene problems passed down from parents, meaning it can’t be completely avoided. But if someone’s family has a history of the syndrome, there are things they can do to understand their risk and make smart choices about their health.
Genetic counseling is a helpful way for people with a family history of periodic fever syndrome to get information and support. In these sessions, a genetic counselor talks about how the condition is passed down, the chances of inheriting it, and ways to plan for the future. They can help people figure out their risks and talk about options like family planning.
It’s important to know how the syndrome is inherited in the family. Some types, like familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), need two messed-up genes (one from each parent) to show up. Others, like tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS), only need one messed-up gene to cause the syndrome.
For people worried about passing the syndrome on to their kids, there’s a thing called preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). This fancy term means doctors test embryos made through in vitro fertilization (IVF) to see if they have the messed-up gene before putting them in the uterus. It helps people pick embryos that don’t have the gene problem, lowering the chance of passing on the syndrome.
Prenatal testing is another option for people who are already expecting a baby and worried about the syndrome. Tests like chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis can check the baby’s DNA to see if they’ve got the gene issue. Knowing this information helps parents make choices about their pregnancy and get ready for any challenges that might come with having a child with the syndrome.
While genetic factors make it impossible to prevent periodic fever syndrome, individuals can still take steps to manage the condition. Genetic counseling and understanding inheritance help people make informed health and family planning decisions.
There are ways to deal with periodic fever syndrome
Living with periodic fever syndrome can be tough, but getting the right help and support makes a big difference. People with this condition need to team up with doctors who specialize in treating it. Together, they can make a plan to manage the symptoms and make life easier. Even though there’s no cure for periodic fever syndrome, there are ways to treat it and feel better. Working with healthcare experts and connecting with others in similar situations, people with periodic fever syndrome can learn how to handle their condition and live happy lives.