Yao syndrome (formerly called NOD2-associated autoinflammatory disease) is a disorder involving episodes of fever and abnormal inflammation affecting many parts of the body, particularly the skin, joints, and gastrointestinal system. Inflammation is a normal immune system response to injury and foreign invaders (such as bacteria). In people with Yao syndrome, part of the immune system called the innate immune response is turned on (activated) abnormally, which causes fevers and inflammation-related damage to tissues and organs. Based on this process, Yao syndrome is classified as an autoinflammatory disease. Autoinflammatory diseases are distinct from autoimmune diseases; these two groups of diseases involve abnormalities in different parts of the immune system.

The episodes of fever and inflammation associated with Yao syndrome can last for several days and occur weeks to months apart. During these episodes, most affected individuals develop reddened, inflamed areas on the skin called erythematous patches or plaques. This reddening occurs most commonly on the face, chest, and back but can also affect the arms and legs. Episodes of joint pain and inflammation similar to arthritis are common, particularly in the legs, as is swelling of the ankles and feet. Inflammation also affects the gastrointestinal system, causing attacks of abdominal pain, bloating, and cramping with diarrhea in more than half of affected individuals. Dry eyes and dry mouth (described as "sicca-like" symptoms, which refers to dryness) are reported in about half of people with this disease. Other potential signs and symptoms of Yao syndrome include mouth sores, chest pain, and enlargement of various glands.

Yao syndrome is usually diagnosed in adulthood. It is a long-lasting (chronic) disease, and episodes can recur for many years.

Yao syndrome has an estimated prevalence of 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 100,000 people worldwide. Studies suggest that it is among the most common systemic (affecting the whole body) autoinflammatory diseases in adults. For unknown reasons, Yao syndrome appears to affect women more frequently than men.

The causes of Yao syndrome are complex. This condition likely results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, many of which are unknown.

Certain variations in the NOD2 gene increase the risk of developing Yao syndrome. The NOD2 protein plays several essential roles in the immune system's response to foreign invaders, including inflammatory reactions. Studies suggest that most people with Yao syndrome have at least one variation in the NOD2 gene, and some have two or more. It is unclear what effect these variations have on the amount or function of the NOD2 protein, or how they might contribute to abnormal inflammation in people with Yao syndrome. Researchers suspect that environmental factors such as infections may also play a role in triggering the disease in people with genetic variants that increase their risk.

Genetic Testing Information

• Genetic Testing Registry: Yao syndrome

Patient Support and Advocacy Resources

• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)

Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM

• YAO SYNDROME; YAOS

Scientific Articles on PubMed

• PubMed

• Estephan M, Yao Q, Springer J. Case of NOD2-Associated Autoinflammatory Disease Successfully Treated With Sulfasalazine. J Clin Rheumatol. 2017 Jan;23(1):58-59. doi: 10.1097/RHU.0000000000000468. No abstract available. Citation on PubMed
• Yao Q, Lacbawan F, Li J. Adult autoinflammatory disease frequency and our diagnostic experience in an adult autoinflammatory clinic. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2016 Apr;45(5):633-7. doi: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2015.10.012. Epub 2015 Oct 29. Citation on PubMed
• Yao Q, Myles J, Shen B, McDonald C. NOD2-associated autoinflammatory disease: an exploratory study of its pathogenesis. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2014 May;53(5):958-60. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/ket384. Epub 2013 Nov 19. No abstract available. Citation on PubMed
• Yao Q, Shen B. A Systematic Analysis of Treatment and Outcomes of NOD2-Associated Autoinflammatory Disease. Am J Med. 2017 Mar;130(3):365.e13-365.e18. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2016.09.028. Epub 2016 Oct 28. Citation on PubMed
• Yao Q, Shen M, McDonald C, Lacbawan F, Moran R, Shen B. NOD2-associated autoinflammatory disease: a large cohort study. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2015 Oct;54(10):1904-12. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/kev207. Epub 2015 Jun 11. Citation on PubMed
• Yao Q, Su LC, Tomecki KJ, Zhou L, Jayakar B, Shen B. Dermatitis as a characteristic phenotype of a new autoinflammatory disease associated with NOD2 mutations. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2013 Apr;68(4):624-631. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2012.09.025. Epub 2012 Oct 24. Citation on PubMed
• Yao Q, Zhou L, Cusumano P, Bose N, Piliang M, Jayakar B, Su LC, Shen B. A new category of autoinflammatory disease associated with NOD2 gene mutations. Arthritis Res Ther. 2011;13(5):R148. doi: 10.1186/ar3462. Epub 2011 Sep 14. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central