Colchicine resistance and intolerance in familial mediterranean fever: Definition, causes, and alternative treatments

Abstract

Background: Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is a hereditary autoinflammatory syndrome characterized by recurrent serositis or arthritis attacks and, in some patients, chronic subclinical inflammation that predisposes to secondary amyloidosis. Colchicine is the gold standard of treatment, which reduces attack frequency and amyloidosis risk. However, up to 5% of patients are considered resistant or inadequately respond to colchicine, and some others cannot tolerate the side effects of effective doses of colchicine (colchicine intolerant).