Cryopyrin-associated periodic
syndromes (CAPSs)
CAPS includes
a spectrum of conditions ranging from mild to severe, and includes three
syndromes:
- FCAS.
- MWS.
- CINCA/NOMID.
INCIDENCE/AETIOLOGY:
CAPS is
extremely rare, with an incidence of probably <1 in 500,000.
CAPS is due
to mutations in NLRP3/CIAS1 on chromosome 1q44, that encodes the key component
of IL-1 activation complex: the inflammasome.
A dominant
inheritance occurs in about 75% of patients with FCAS and MWS, whereas CINCA is
usually due to de novo mutations
.
CLINICAL
PRESENTATION:-
Onset is in
early infancy, often from birth; there is no sex bias.
Children
present with a characteristic appearance of flattened nasal bridge and bossing
of the skull.
- FCAS: attacks of fever generally begin 1-3 hr after generalized cold exposure, urticarial rash, arthralgia and conjunctivitis, episodes are self-limited and generally resolve within 24 hr.
- MWS: daily attacks (afternoon/evenings), Acute symptoms include fever, urticarial rash, arthralgia and myalgia, conjunctivitis, headache and fatigue.Rash can be persistent.Deafness occurs later and is often missed in the early stages.
- CINCA/NOMID: continuous inflammation with additional severe chronic aseptic meningitis, raised intracranial pressure, uveitis, deafness and arthropathy.