Two subtypes of symptomatic joint hypermobility: a descriptive study using latent class analysis. Issue 11 (17th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Di Mattia, Francesco; Fary, Robyn; Murray, Kevin J; Howie, Erin; Smith, Anne; Morris, Susan
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 104:Issue 11(2019)
• Page Start: 1099
• Page End: 1101
• Publication Date: 2018-08-17
• Subjects: hypermobility -- musculoskeletal pain -- developmental coordination disorder -- joint hypermobility syndrome -- hypermobility spectrum disorder; Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2017-314149
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To investigate a cohort of children with symptomatic joint hypermobility. Methods: Case notes for 318 children with joint hypermobility attending a rheumatology clinic were reviewed for clinical presentation, medical history, psychosocial factors and physical examination findings. Seven key variables were extracted and used as indicator variables in a latent class analysis to estimate the presence and number of subgroups of children with symptomatic joint hypermobility. Results: Two subgroups with differing clinical presentations were identified accounting for age and gender: an 'athletic-persistent' class (62%) characterised by higher probabilities for recurrent and chronic musculoskeletal pain, and less severe hypermobility; and a 'systemic-profound' class (38%) characterised by generalised hypermobility, recurrent musculoskeletal pain, gastro-oesophageal reflux and motor delay. Conclusion: Findings suggest the presence of two distinct presentations of children with hypermobility. This finding may be important for clinical decision-making and management of this group of children.