Course of COVID-19 in patients carrying different MEFV mutations of familial Mediterranean fever

Abstract

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is a genetic auto-inflammatory disease. Mutations in the Mediterranean fever (MEFV) gene cause inappropriate immune system triggering, leading to inflammatory episodes in the peritoneum, pleura, and joints. In the severe Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) picture, the hyperimmune response and inflammatory process develop with exacerbation of the clinical condition. FMF disease, the drugs used in its treatment, and the possible effects of different genetic MEFV mutations on the course of COVID-19 arouse interest. In this study, 158 FMF patients with different MEFV gene mutations were evaluated using an online survey method in terms of COVID-19 course, hospitalization, additional comorbidities, and COVID-19 vaccination status. Participants were asked 21 questions and the data provided were compared between FMF MEFV gene mutations. 104 out of 158 cases did not get COVID-19. 9 of 54 cases who got COVID-19 were hospitalized. No statistically significant difference was found between MEFV gene mutations when evaluated and compared in terms of susceptibility to COVID-19, vaccination status, and presence of additional chronic diseases and comorbidities. The present study provides guidance on the role of FMF genetic mutations in the course of COVID-19. Our study may suggest that FMF MEFV gene mutations do not have a protective role against COVID-19. The results also may suggest that, as an inverse effect, MEFV gene mutations do not increase the risk of hyper-immune response and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), which play a role in the severe course of COVID-19.