Urine leukotriene B4 in familial Mediterranean fever.

OBJECTIVE: To determine urinary leukotriene B4 (LTB4) levels and their role in FMF: METHODS: Urinary LTB4 levels were studied using a commercial ELISA kit in 12 FMF patients during abdominal attacks, and 20 FMF patients during remission. RESULTS: Urinary LTB4 levels in FMF patients during attacks were comparable to those during remission, but higher than normal levels (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest a persistent activation of the leukotriene pathway in FMF. Whether elevated LTB4 levels are the cause or the effect of inflammation is yet to be determined.