Abstract
Aim of the workThis study aimed to determine the prevalence of juvenile fibromyalgia syndrome (JFMS) among school children in Kalubia.Patients and methodsThis is a cross-sectional study conducted on school children in Kalubia governorate in January 2012 to determine the prevalence of fibromyalgia syndrome among school children. A total of 2000 children attending on the days of our visits were recruited from (a) primary and (b) preparatory schools. JFMS was diagnosed according to American College of Rheumatology (ACR) revised criteria 2010.ResultsWe found that the prevalence of fibromyalgia among students in Kalubia governorate was 1.25%. Widespread pain and fatigue were found in all JFMS cases (100%), muscle stiffness was found in 14 cases (56%), and decreased physical activity in 12 cases (48%). Migraine was detected in 13 cases (52%), whereas sleep disturbance was present in 10 cases (40%). Also, depression was found in 10 cases (40%) and anxiety in two cases (8%). Irritable bowel symptom was detected in five cases (20%), but both weight fluctuation and atypical chest pain were recorded in one case (4%).ConclusionPediatricians and other health providers should suspect JFMS in children suffering from pain, fatigue, and heat and exercise intolerance.
Highlights
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a form of nonarticular rheumatism characterized by musculoskeletal ache and tenderness on palpation of certain musculoskeletal sites [1]
136 Egyptian Rheumatology & Rehabilitation. Patients and methods This is a cross-sectional study conducted on school children in Kalubia governorate in January 2012 to determine the prevalence of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) among school children
We found that the prevalence of juvenile fibromyalgia syndrome (JFMS) among students in Kalubia governorate was 1.25%, and this was consistent with the result of Anglo et al [5], who found that the prevalence of FM was 1.3% among Mexican school children
Summary
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a form of nonarticular rheumatism characterized by musculoskeletal ache and tenderness on palpation of certain musculoskeletal sites [1]. The average age of diagnosis in adults is around 40–50 years and 13–15 years for children. Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) remains undiagnosed for years before being accurately identified, and patients see an average of three to five doctors before proper diagnosis [2]. Most adults with FMS can trace their symptoms to their childhood and one is more likely to develop FMS if he/she has a family member with it [3]. It is possible that several phenomena such as microtrauma to the muscles or the tendons with referred pain, central nervous system pain-processing pathway dysfunction, disordered stress response, endocrine or hormonal factors, and sleep disturbance may play an overlapping role in the development of this syndrome [5]
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