Livneh et al developed criteria for the diagnosis of Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) in a patient based on clinical findings. Distinction of complete from incomplete attacks is important in the diagnosis. The authors are from Sheba Medical Center and Tel Aviv University in Israel.
Features of complete attacks - all of the following:
(1) recurrent (>= 3 painful episodes of the same type)
(2) fever to >= 38°C
(3) last from 12 hours to 3 days (72 hours)
(4) may (but need not) show:
(4a) abdominal attacks with generalized peritonitis
(4b) monoarthritis of hip, knee or ankle
Features of incomplete attacks:
(1) recurrent (>= 3 painful episodes of the same type)
(2) differ from complete attacks in 1 or 2 of the following:
(2a) body temperature normal or < 38°C
(2b) last from 6 to 12 hours OR from 4 to 7 days
(2c) no signs of peritonitis during an abdominal attack
(2d) abdominal attacks are localized
(2e) monoarthritis involving a joint other than hip, knee or ankle
I am assuming that an incomplete attack should not have 3 or more of the features that differ from a complete attack.
