BACKGROUND: The majority of individuals with joint hypermobility remain asymptomatic. However, those associated with Benign Joint Hypermobility Syndrome (BJHS), develop a number of systemic manifestations. Our objective was to determine the relationship between joint hypermobility and musculoskeletal problems, and frequency of BJHS in children and adolescents. METHOD: This cross-sectional observational descriptive study was conducted at Outpatient Department, The Children's Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 872 individuals (4-18 year) were examined for hypermobile joints using Beighton score > or = 4. A questionnaire was implied to get data regarding demographic profile, musculoskeletal and extra-articular complaints, family history of joint problems and daily activity. Brighton's criteria were implied for diagnosis of BJHS. RESULTS: The frequency of joint hypermobility was 37.0%; male 39.5%, and female 34.2% (p = 0.1). There was a gradual decline in mean Beighton score with age. The female population showed increase in mean Beighton score around 16-17 year age. Arthralgias and back pains 7.7% vs. 1.6%, (p < 0.001), and hernias 2.5% (p = 0.03) were significantly higher in individuals with joint hypermobility. History of joint problems in the family was also significantly higher in children with joint hypermobility (p = 0.01). BJHS was detected in 4.8% children (male 3.6% and female 6.3%, p = 0.06). Arthralgias (51.0%), hernias (16.3%), joint dislocations (8.2%) and varicose veins (8.2%) were the most common presentations. CONCLUSION: BJHS is common among children. Arthralgias, back pains and hernias are significantly higher in these individuals.
BACKGROUND: The majority of individuals with joint hypermobility remain asymptomatic. However, those associated with Benign Joint Hypermobility Syndrome (BJHS), develop a number of systemic manifestations. Our objective was to determine the relationship between joint hypermobility and musculoskeletal problems, and frequency of BJHS in children and adolescents. METHOD: This cross-sectional observational descriptive study was conducted at Outpatient Department, The Children's Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 872 individuals (4-18 year) were examined for hypermobile joints using Beighton score > or = 4. A questionnaire was implied to get data regarding demographic profile, musculoskeletal and extra-articular complaints, family history of joint problems and daily activity. Brighton's criteria were implied for diagnosis of BJHS. RESULTS: The frequency of joint hypermobility was 37.0%; male 39.5%, and female 34.2% (p = 0.1). There was a gradual decline in mean Beighton score with age. The female population showed increase in mean Beighton score around 16-17 year age. Arthralgias and back pains 7.7% vs. 1.6%, (p < 0.001), and hernias 2.5% (p = 0.03) were significantly higher in individuals with joint hypermobility. History of joint problems in the family was also significantly higher in children with joint hypermobility (p = 0.01). BJHS was detected in 4.8% children (male 3.6% and female 6.3%, p = 0.06). Arthralgias (51.0%), hernias (16.3%), joint dislocations (8.2%) and varicose veins (8.2%) were the most common presentations. CONCLUSION: BJHS is common among children. Arthralgias, back pains and hernias are significantly higher in these individuals.
Authors: Peter Bale; Vicky Easton; Holly Bacon; Emma Jerman; Laura Watts; Garry Barton; Allan Clark; Kate Armon; Alex J MacGregor Journal: Pediatr Rheumatol Online J Date: 2019-01-08 Impact factor: 3.054