Ankylosing spondylitis of childhood onset.

Ankylosing spondylitis begins in childhood in a significant number of patients. The disease may begin in one of two ways: with early hip girdle and low back complaints, or with peripheral arthritis affecting a few large joints. Ankylosing spondylitis should be suspected in seronegative boys over the age of 8 years who have pauciarticular arthritis, particularly if there is associated hip girdle involvement. Early recognition of ankylosing spondylitis may be helpful in appropriate therapy and followup of patients.