Abstract
BackgroundSevere pain and impairments in functioning are commonly reported for youth with juvenile fibromyalgia. The prevalence and impact of pain in other diseases commonly managed in pediatric rheumatology comparatively have been rarely systematically studied. The objective of the current study was to determine the extent to which high levels of pain and functional limitations, and the strength of their association, are unique to youth with juvenile primary fibromyalgia syndrome/JPFS) relative to other pediatric rheumatic diseases.MethodsUsing data from 7753 patients enrolled in the multinational Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Legacy Registry, we compared the levels and association of pain and functional limitations between youth with JPFS and those with other rheumatic diseases.ResultsPain levels were rated highest among youth with JPFS (M = 6.4/10, SD = 2.4) and lowest for juvenile dermatomyositis (M = 1.7/10, SD = 2.2), with pain significantly higher in the JPFS group than any other pediatric rheumatic disease (effect sizes = .22 to 1.05). Ratings on measures of functioning and well-being also were significantly worse for patients with JPFS than patients with any other rheumatic disease (effect sizes = .62 to 1.06). The magnitude of association between pain intensity and functional disability, however, generally was higher in other rheumatic diseases than in JPFS. Pain was most strongly associated with functional limitations in juvenile dermatomyositis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and mixed connective tissue disease.ConclusionsJPFS is unique among conditions seen in pediatric rheumatology with regard to ratings of pain and disability. However, pain appears to be comparably or more highly associated with level of functional impairment in other pediatric rheumatic diseases. Pain in childhood rheumatic disease thus would benefit from increased prioritization for research and treatment.
Highlights
Severe pain and impairments in functioning are commonly reported for youth with juvenile fibromyalgia
The patients with Juvenile primary fibromyalgia syndrome (JPFS) on average were significantly older than other patients with rheumatic diseases at the time of the index visit (M = 15.5 versus 13.0), at the time of reported symptom onset (M = 12.1 versus 8.3), and at the time of the first visit to a rheumatologist (M = 13.7 versus 9.2)
This study further confirms that severe pain and impairment in functioning is typical in youth with JPFS who are seen in pediatric rheumatology clinics
Summary
Severe pain and impairments in functioning are commonly reported for youth with juvenile fibromyalgia. The prevalence and impact of pain in other diseases commonly managed in pediatric rheumatology comparatively have been rarely systematically studied. The objective of the current study was to determine the extent to which high levels of pain and functional limitations, and the strength of their association, are unique to youth with juvenile primary fibromyalgia syndrome/JPFS) relative to other pediatric rheumatic diseases. Juvenile primary fibromyalgia syndrome (JPFS) affects up to 6% of otherwise healthy children and commonly leads to subspecialty evaluation with a pediatric rheumatology provider [1,2,3]. The prevalence and severity of pain in most pediatric rheumatic diseases, rarely has been systematically studied [13]. The extent to which pain is associated with indices of functioning across pediatric rheumatic diseases is largely unknown. Determining this would help inform the conceptualization and comprehensive treatment of JPFS and other pediatric rheumatic diseases
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
