Relation Between Familial Mediterranean Fever and QT Markers (QTc, QTd, and QTcd): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The aim of this study is to perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the possible association betweenQT markers and familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). PUBMED, Web of Science, OVID, and SCOPUS databases were searched. Inclusion criteria were randomized control trials or observational studies that compared measurement of the QT markers in FMF patients and healthy controls in both males and females without any age restriction or other comorbidities. RevMan software (5.4) was used to perform the analysis. A total of 14 studies with 1,154 individuals were included in the study. The pooled effect estimate showed a statistically significant association between FMF group and prolonged corrected QT (QTc) and QT dispersion (QTd) (MD= 7.06, 95% CI = 2.68 to 11.43, p-value = 0.002) and (MD= 6.08, 95% CI = 0.84 to 11.32, p-value= 0.02), respectively. No statistically significant difference between FMF group and QT interval and corrected QT dispersion (QTcd) (MD= 2.34, 95% CI = -1.21 to 5.89, p-value = 0.20) and (MD= 4.82, 95% CI = -0.57 to 10.20, p-value = 0.08), respectively. Our findings revealed a statistically significant relationship between FMF and extended QTc and QTd. More randomized multicenter trials are required to confirm our findings.