Question
I have a 14yr old son with FMF diagnosed when he was 4yrs old, He also has RA with multiple joint involvement, especially toes. He takes Naprosyn 375mg -3/day for the pain and Colchicine 0.6mg- 3/day for the FMF to control the attacks. As he gets older, I notice the joints in his toes seem to stay red and hot to touch- his Dr. says this is normal, But if we treat with a 10day Prednisone course he gets normal color and temp. any suggestions? and also do you know of any other FMF cases in the US? His father is of Italian heritage and I am Southern. Thanks!
Melissa Gullotta

Answer
I have zero experience with FMF, I will study up on it though. As long as the Medrol dose pack or other steroids control the relapses, keep doing what your doing.

I would definitely read up on everything available on both topics, analyze what is researched and works, then get multiple opinions from various health care practitioners to make an educated decision on what course to take. I wish I had an easy answer for you, but this is out of my scope of practice. I will try to find and filter additional information for you. When I find some viable alternatives that are safe and effective, I will share them with you ASAP.

Don't be surprised if they find a cure for many congenital autoimmune disorders in the next decade. it's only a matter of time until embryonic stem cell research is mainstream and federally funded, we just have to wait until a better educated leader takes office.


Thanks for asking,
Dr. Timothy Durnin
drs.chiroweb.com


Update: 10/10/07

Someone wrote to me by adding to my answer with the following information.


FMF in Oregon writes on 2007-10-10 06:42:56
I encourage you to find a physician with FMF experience. I have FMF myself, and am searching for one, but it is important to keep your son on colchicine, and also to have him see a nephrologist regularly to check kidney function as untreated FMF can lead to kidney failure in those with FMF who have amyloidosis.

I hope this adds to your understanding and results.

Good Luck!

Dr. Tim