Evaluation of Dry Eye Syndrome in Patients With Familial Mediterranean Fever: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Objective. It has been reported that some autoimmune diseases are associated with dry eye syndrome. There are limited studies that relates dry eye syndrome in patients with Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between dry eye syndrome in patients with FMF comparing with healthy controls. Methods. Prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in departments of physical medicine and rehabilitation and ophthalmology clinics in a tertiary public institution with a sample of 46 participants including 23 FMF patients and 23 healthy controls. Detailed eye examination was performed in all cases and indicators of xerophthalmia were assessed by Schirmer-I test, tear break-up time (TBUT) and ocular surface disease index (OSDI). In patient group; results of FMF gene analysis, acute phase reactants, concomitant diseases and number of FMF attacks were noted. Results. The average Schirmer-I test results for right-eye were recorded as 14.74 +/- 8.38 for the FMF group and 13.09 +/- 10.54 for the healthy group; the TBUT scores were 14.69 +/- 5.32 in FMF group and 15 +/- 6.45 in the healthy group; and OSDI scores were 9.04 +/- 2.75 and 10.86 +/- 1.77 in the FMF group and the healthy control, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between FMF and control groups in terms of Schirmer-I, TBUT, and OSDI scores (all p>0.05). No correlation was identified between acute phase reactants and the OSDI, TBUT and Schirmer-I tests for right-eye (all p>0.05). Conclusion. This study identified no correlation between dry eye and FMF. Ocular pathology is rare and infrequently reported in FMF.