Approach to Growing Pains in Childhood in a Familial Mediterranean Fever Endemic Region

Abstract

: Growing pain, still preserving its charm, is the most common form of recurrent musculoskeletal pain in childhood. Approach to diagnosis requires significant care in geographical regions with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) endemicity. We discuss data and a current approach to growing pains in children in an FMF endemic region. The symptomatology may be confused with different diseases. Although unnecessary tests may be performed to reach diagnosis, sometimes patients may be misdiagnosed as having growing pain without revealing the primary underlying pathology. Definite algorithms are not developed for diagnosis of growing pains. Diagnosis is mainly based on typical clinical features of the condition. However laboratory tests and imaging methods may be used for diagnosis and differential diagnosis especially in atypical course suggesting diseases such as inflammatory ones or malignancies. Vitamin D deficiency should be investigated to give supplementation if necessary. Some helpful algorithms may be used in evaluation of patients. In order to evaluate myalgia as growing pain in areas where FMF is endemic, fever, abdominal pain, elevated acute phase reactants and history of FMF and/or amyloidosis in family should be carefully excluded. It is important to inform parents about the alarming symptoms of extremity pain and when to urge medical advice again.