Affiliations: [a] Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical Faculty, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey | [b] Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, State Hospital, Erzurum, Turkey | [c] Department of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Doc. Dr. Saliha Karatay, Ataturk University, Medical Faculty, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 25240 Erzurum, Turkey. Tel.: +90 442 236 1212/1625; Fax: +90 442 236 1301; E-mail: skaratay73@hotmail.com
Abstract: Objective:This study investigated the presence of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients and controls. Material and Methods:Forty-nine patients with FMF were enrolled (23 had a history of arthritis during attacks and 26 had no such history). Two control groups were enrolled: 20 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 30 healthy individuals. Clinical and laboratory assessments of the FMF patients were performed during attack-free periods. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), and anti-CCP antibody levels were measured. Results:In RA patients’ ESR and CRP levels, frequency of RF, and anti-CCP antibody levels were significantly higher than in both FMF patients and healthy controls (p ≤ 0.001). Moreover, anti-CCP was negative in all healthy controls as well as in all FMF patients. Conclusion:Our results show that anti-CCP antibodies are not associated with FMF.
