MWS: An Overview
MWS stands for Muckle-Wells Syndrome.
MWS was first recognized in a family in the early 1960s by 2 doctors named Thomas James Muckle and Michael Vernon Wells. Since then, doctors have learned much more about MWS.
MWS is a more severe type of CAPS than FCAS. The symptoms of FCAS may also be experienced in patients suffering from MWS, but these symptoms occur more often and episodes may be more severe and last longer. In addition, someone with MWS may also have:
- Protein buildup in the kidneys (amyloidosis), which can affect how the kidneys work and may lead to kidney failure in serious cases
- Gradual loss of hearing starting in adolescence
