Can serum amyloid a level be used to support the Familial Mediterranean Fever diagnosis?

Introduction Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is a periodic fever syndrome characterized by recurrent episodes of fever and serosal inflammation .The diagnosis is still based on clinical criteria. No laboratory test is diagnostic of FMF. During the attacks increased C reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), fibrinogen, beta 2 microglobulin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and leukocytosis is observed. The increased levels of SAA in patients with FMF during the attack free period have been reported as a sign of subclinical inflammation. Also, studies have shown that during the attack the sensitivity of SAA and CRP was similar.