Measures of juvenile fibromyalgia: Functional Disability Inventory (FDI), Modified Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire–Child Version (MFIQ‐C), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) 3.0 Rheumatology Module Pain and Hurt Scale

Abstract

Juvenile fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic noninflammatory musculoskeletal pain condition typically diagnosed in adolescence. Juvenile FM is characterized by diffuse widespread pain, multiple painful tender points, sleep difficulty, fatigue, and other associated symptoms (1). Juvenile FM is also associated with considerable difficulty in physical, social, and emotional functioning (2–9). At present, there are no specific medical tests or disease markers to diagnose this condition, and assessment of symptoms and their impact is primarily by patient report. As noted by the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials Fibromyalgia Syndrome Workgroup (10), a multidimensional assessment of FM syndrome is essential. Such an assessment should include measures of pain, fatigue, sleep, overall functioning, and quality of life. In patients with juvenile FM, research studies have traditionally utilized more generic pediatric measures that are applicable for many pain conditions. Only one measure has been specifically modified for use in juvenile FM: the Modified Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire– child version. In the following sections, we discuss 3 measures that can be used for assessment in juvenile FM, i.e., the Functional Disability Inventory (FDI), the Modified Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire– child version, and the Pediatric Quality of Life 3.0 Rheumatology Module Pain and Hurt scale. Measures used to assess pain characteristics, fatigue, and sleep used in pediatric pain disorders, including juvenile FM, are discussed in detail in the Measures of Pathology and Symptoms section in this issue.