Evaluation of changes in liver functions during and after FMF attacks

Background: FMF is a recessive genetic condition associated with missense and nonsense mutations in the MEFV gene, located on the short arm of chromosome 16. The serous tissue of numerous organs is the primary target of FMF. Except for hepatic amyloidosis, which can manifest and progress aggressively, the liver was not considered a distinct, commonly involved organ in FMF.Aim: To evaluate changes in liver function during and after FMF attacks.Methods: We enrolled 200 participants in the study, dividing them into 100 patients with FMF (group I) and 100 healthy controls (group II). Laboratory analyses include CBC, CRP, ESR, Creatinine, and blood urea. Liver function tests included international normalized ratio (INR), prothrombin time (PT), liver transaminases (AST and ALT), and levels of bilirubin (direct and total) and albumin in serum.Results: The average of AST, ALT, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin were higher in a statistically significant way in FMF patients during an attack than in healthy controls. Also, Albumin levels are still higher in FMF patients than in healthy controls, but the difference was not statistically significant. There was no significant difference in PT or INR between the two research groups.Conclusion: FMF during attack causes changes in liver function in the form of a significant rise in AST, ALT, and bilirubin (total and direct).