Mobile App-Based Infection Monitoring in Familial Mediterranean Fever

Infections are well-recognized triggers of FMF attacks; however, the precise relationship between infection episodes and disease flares remains incompletely understood. Most available data on triggering factors have been derived from retrospective chart reviews or patient recall, both of which are prone to incomplete, biased, or delayed reporting. As a result, the temporal dynamics between infection onset and subsequent FMF flares remain insufficiently characterized.

Recent advances in mobile health technologies have created new opportunities to capture disease-related data in real time. Mobile application-based symptom tracking enables patients or caregivers to record clinical events promptly, minimizing recall bias and improving the accuracy and completeness of data collection. This approach facilitates more precise monitoring of the interplay between infections and FMF flares, supports personalized management strategies, and may reduce unnecessary interventions such as unwarranted antibiotic use or hospitalization.

The present study aims to prospectively evaluate the relationship between infections and disease flares in FMF patients using a dedicated mobile application. By systematically recording infection-related symptoms and attack characteristics in real time, the study seeks to: clarify the temporal association between infections and FMF flares; assess the clinical impact of infection-triggered flares on disease course; and evaluate the feasibility and usability of mobile application-based symptom tracking in routine FMF care.

This study is expected to provide more robust evidence on the infection-flare relationship in FMF, refine clinical decision-making during febrile episodes, and contribute to the integration of digital health tools into the routine management of autoinflammatory diseases.

Inclusion criteria

Children and adolescents aged 8-18 years

FMF diagnosis established by Tel Hashomer and/or Eurofever criteria

Regular follow-up at the participating pediatric rheumatology clinic

Stable treatment regimen, defined as:

Colchicine use for ≥ 4 weeks

Biologic or other anti-inflammatory agents stable for ≥ 8 weeks (if applicable)

Access to a smartphone or tablet (iOS/Android) with internet and ability to use the study mobile application (caregiver assistance allowed)

Language proficiency (patient and/or caregiver) sufficient to use the app and respond to prompts

Informed consent from a parent/guardian and assent from the child, as appropriate

Exclusion criteria

Co-existing chronic inflammatory or autoimmune disorders that may confound flare/infection assessment (e.g., JIA, IBD, Behçet disease) other than FMF

Known primary or secondary immunodeficiency or ongoing immunosuppressive chemotherapy outside standard FMF care

Chronic active infection (e.g., TB, HBV, HCV, HIV) or acute febrile illness at enrollment precluding baseline assessment

Cognitive, visual, or motor limitations preventing app use without caregiver support

No reliable access to a compatible device or internet connection

Concurrent participation in another clinical study likely to affect outcomes or reporting

Anticipated non-adherence (e.g., inability to complete app entries) as judged by the investigator

Refusal or withdrawal of consent/assent