From the Research
Light beige-colored stool in patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is typically related to bile duct inflammation during acute flares of the disease, and management focuses on controlling FMF with colchicine. The relationship between light beige-colored stool and FMF can be understood by the fact that during FMF attacks, systemic inflammation can affect the hepatobiliary system, potentially causing temporary cholestasis (reduced bile flow) 1. When bile secretion is diminished, stools may appear lighter in color since bile pigments are what give stool its normal brown color. This symptom is usually transient and resolves as the FMF attack subsides. Some key points to consider in the management of FMF include:
- Controlling FMF with colchicine (typically 0.5-2 mg daily depending on age and severity), which reduces inflammation throughout the body, including the hepatobiliary system 1.
- Patients experiencing persistent light-colored stools should be evaluated for other potential causes, as this could indicate more serious liver or gallbladder issues.
- If light-colored stools persist despite adequate FMF control, further hepatobiliary workup including liver function tests and imaging may be necessary to rule out complications or concurrent conditions. It's also important to note that the mainstay of treatment for FMF is life-long colchicine given daily to prevent the recurrence of febrile attacks and the development of amyloidosis, and patients with insufficient response to colchicine may be treated with anti IL-1 agents 1.