Juvenile primary fibromyalgia syndrome: a clinical study

ABSTRACT

Primary fibromyalgia syndrome [PFS] is a common form of non- articular rheumatism manifested by diffuse musculoskeletal aching and tender points at multiple characteristic sites. The condition is considered primary when no known underlying cause in evident and the usual laboratory tests are normal. In this study, the syndrome is evaluated in Egyptian children in both screening study on 300 school children and 100 rheumatic patients in pediatric rheumatology clinics. Twenty four juvenile PFS were diagnosed. The associated non- musculoskeletal symptoms were common including poor sleep, headaches, irritable colon and numbness. Routine laboratory tests were negative. Physical examination revealed multiple tender points and no objective signs of arthritis. Juvenile primary fibromyalgia syndrome is a common rheumatic disorder in the pediatric age group and needs a special focus and interest