A novel tumour necrosis factor receptor mutation in a Finnish family with periodic fever syndrome.

<bold>Objective: </bold>To report a novel mutation of the TNF receptor type 1 gene (TNFRSF1A) in a Finnish patient and her mother, both suffering from periodic fever.<bold>Methods: </bold>Soluble TNFRSF1A in serum was measured by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbancy, and induced TNFRSF1A shedding from monocyte cell surfaces was determined using fluorescence-activated cell sorter. Mutation detection was performed using PCR amplification and sequencing of the ten exons of TNFRSF1A.<bold>Results: </bold>Low levels of soluble TNFRSF1A were detected in both patients between attacks. Sequencing revealed a missense mutation in exon 3 in the second extracellular domain of TNFRSF1A, resulting in a substitution of cysteine with arginine at residue 73 (C73R), confirming the diagnosis of TNF receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS). We were unable to demonstrate a distinct TNFRSF1A shedding defect.<bold>Conclusion: </bold>In patients of Nordic descent, affected by dominantly inherited recurrent fever, TRAPS is a diagnosis worthy of attention. All TNFRSF1A mutations hitherto described in the Nordic countries have been different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]