Subclinical Atherosclerosis and Oxidized LDL Levels in Familial Mediterranean Fever

Abstract

Objective: To investigate markers of carotid atherosclerosis and oxidized low density lipoprotein (OxLDL) levels in patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) who have no risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Method: It was included 44 patients (25 F/19 M; mean age: 33.5±7.5) with FMF in attack free period and gender and age matched 44 healthy subjects (25 F/19 M; mean age: 33.4±7.0). The patients with clinical coronary artery disease, chronic renal disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, history of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, cerebrovascular disease, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, active infection, those in postmenopausal period, and those using anti-lipid drugs were excluded. Carotid artery intima-media thickness (C-IMT) was measured and investigated atherosclerotic plaques in the carotids by using doppler ultrasound. Serum lipid and OxLDL levels were also assessed. Data were analyzed with the SPSS program and p