THU0220 An estimation of the prevalence of hypermobility

Abstract

Background Hypermobility is associated with several rheumatic manifestations. The association with SLE is controversial. Objectives To determine the prevalence of hypermobility in two different populations: a general practitioner (GP) office and out-patients clinic of a referral rheumatology hospital. Methods 280 patients (193 females, 87 males); mean age 44.7 ± 11.2 were consecutively reviewed in a GP office. 370 patients (233 females, 84 males); mean age 50.5 ± 16.8 were consecutively visited at the out-patients rheumatology clinic. Hypermobility was evaluated following the criteria of Carter-Beighton (hypermobility > 4 points). Results Hypermobility was present in 42/280 (15%) at the GP office and in 81/317 (25%) in the out patients rheumatology clinic. Conclusion The prevalence of hypermobility at the GP office and a rheumatology clinic is high. Furthermore it is close to the prevalence of hypermobility in the general population.