The early diagnosis of juvenile ankylosing spondylitis: a prospective analysis of 24 cases / 中华风湿病学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the clinical features and methods of early diagnosis of juvenile ankylosing spondylitis(JAS). Methods Twenty-four cases with JAS were prospectively analyzed and followed up. Results Among these 24 cases, ratio of male to female was 11∶1.The onset age was 8 to 15 years (mean 12 years). 63% cases aged 12~15 years. 63% cases had peripheral arthritis, 25% hips involved and only 2 patients (9%) had low back pain at onset . Eleven cases (46%) fulfilled modified New York diagnostic criteria for AS and 21 cases (88%) fulfilled the Shantou diagnostic criteria for AS. Additional 3 cases (13%) fulfilled the Shantou diagnostic criteria for AS after 2 years follow-up. Conclusion 90% cases with JAS has peripheral arthritis and hip involvement at onset. The Shantou diagnostic criteria for AS has higher sensitivity than modified New York diagnostic criteria for AS.