Schönlein-Henoch syndrome in patients with familial Mediterranean fever.

Ten episodes of Schönlein-Henoch purpura (SHP) in 8 patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) were observed. Five episodes developed 3-14 days after penicillin injections, suggesting an etiologic association. FMF and SHP have clear clinical similarities, and if the frequency of association of the 2 diseases is indeed high, perhaps a common etiologic factor should be sought. An immune complex mechanism might be the link between these 2 disease entities.