Depression and sleep disturbances in children and adolescents with familial Mediterranean fever: a prospective case-control study
Abstract
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a hereditary autoinflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent febrile episodes and serositis. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of FMF on sleep quality in children and adolescents and to explore the relationship between depressive symptoms and sleep disturbances in this patient population. DESIGN AND SETTING: A prospective case-control study was conducted at a secondary hospital in Istanbul between July 2024 and January 2025. METHODS: Children and adolescents diagnosed with FMF who were followed at a pediatric rheumatology clinic were included. Sleep disturbances were assessed using the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC), and depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Correlations between these scores were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of the patient group (n = 97) was significantly higher than that of the control group (n = 90) (10.6 ± 2.9 years vs. 9.3 ± 2.4 years; p 0.05). Furthermore, no significant correlations were observed between total BDI scores and total SDSC scores or any of the SDSC subscale scores (p > 0.05).. CONCLUSION: Children and adolescents with FMF had significantly higher levels of depressive symptoms and sleep disturbances than controls.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a case-control, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 97 participants or records.
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