WEDNESDAY, June 15, 2005 (HealthDay News) -- A childhood arthritic condition called ankylosing spondylitis is often undiagnosed, experts report, raising risks for much more serious spinal problems in later adult life.
"Many children can have arthritis of the spine for years, but it can go overlooked and untreated," study co-author Dr. Robert Warren, chief of rheumatology services at Texas Children's Hospital and associate professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, said in a prepared statement.
"We need to diagnose their illnesses early and provide appropriate medications and other therapy. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, a 13-year-old -- who may otherwise go undiagnosed -- can experience significant relief of symptoms and potentially minimize or avoid disease-related disability later in life," Warren said.
"It is common for children to experience 'growing pains' but symptoms of joint aches and pains that last for weeks are unusual. Parents who notice these symptoms in children should speak with their physician and determine if they should see a pediatric rheumatologist," he said.
The study was published in the June 15 issue of the journal Arthritis Care and Research and included data from a survey of more than 2,000 ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients.
"By surveying individuals with AS, we have learned that many people visit multiple doctors before receiving a diagnosis and that adults with childhood onset disease experience much greater impairment during later life," Jane Bruckel, executive director and founder of the Spondylitis Association of America, said in a prepared statement. Her group commissioned the study.
"Arthritis of the spine strikes people very young in life and is more prevalent than multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis and Lou Gehrig's disease combined. With new, effective medical options available for AS, early diagnosis and proper medical care can have a significant impact on managing this disease," Bruckel said.
Common symptoms of juvenile onset AS include: ongoing or recurrent joint pain, including back or neck pain; pain around the knees, bottom of feet and ankles; pain and stiffness that's usually worse in the morning; pain and stiffness that improves with mobility and worsens with immobility; swelling in the joints or other areas of the body.
More information
The Spondylitis Association of America has more about ankylosing spondylitis.
