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Hestbæk L, Lücking A, Jensen ST. Growing pains in Danish preschool children: a descriptive study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3956. [PMID: 38368453 PMCID: PMC10874442 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54570-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
This study provides a detailed description of growing pains in young Danish children as standardized diagnostic criteria are needed to avoid misclassifications of other musculoskeletal diagnoses. The study is nested in a cohort study of Danish preschool children. At baseline, parents completed a questionnaire with sociodemographic information. During the study, the parents received a text message every two weeks inquiring about musculoskeletal pain in the child. If pain was reported, a telephone interview about pain characteristics was conducted. The present study includes data from 2016 to 2019 with 777 children, aged 3-6 years of age at baseline. The prevalence of growing pains was 24-43%, depending on the definition. The pain occurred most frequently 1-3 times per week and most commonly in the lower legs, could be unilateral or bilateral and was usually without consequences. The prevalence increased with age, and there were no consistent associations with socio-economic factors. We suggest using Evan's criteria with the addition of unilateral pain as standard diagnostic criteria in the future. We found no relation to periods of rapid growth and suggest that the term is a misnomer. Etiology and long-term courses of pain need to be explored in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Hestbæk
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
- The Chiropractic Knowledge Hub, Odense, Denmark.
| | | | - Sarah Thurøe Jensen
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Lanckoroński M, Gietka P, Mańczak M, Sudoł-Szopińska I. Whole-Body MRI at Initial Presentation of Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Their Overlapping Syndrome, and Non-Specific Arthropathy. J Clin Med 2024; 13:998. [PMID: 38398312 PMCID: PMC10888598 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13040998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) is central to defining total inflammatory burden in juveniles with arthritis. Our aim was to determine and compare the initial distribution of lesions in the WB-MRI in patients with chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), their overlapping syndrome (OS), and with Non-specific Arthropathy (NA). (2) Methods: This retrospective single center study was performed on an Avanto 1.5-T MRI scanner with a dedicated multichannel surface coil system. A total of 173 pediatric patients were included with the following final diagnoses: CRMO (15.0%), JIA (29.5%), OS (4.6%), and NA (50.9%). (3) Results: Bone marrow edema (BME) was the most common abnormality, being seen in 100% patients with CRMO, 88% with OS, 55% with JIA, and 11% with NA. The bones of the lower extremities were the most affected in all compared entities. Effusion was seen in 62.5% children with OS, and in 52.9% with JIA, and in CRMO and NA, the exudate was sporadic. Enthesitis was found in 7.8% of patients with JIA and 3.8% with CRMO, and myositis was seen in 12.5% of patients with OS and in 3.9% with JIA. (4) Conclusions: The most frequent indication for WB-MRI in our center was JIA. The most common pathology in all rheumatic entities was BME, followed by effusion mainly seen in in OS and JIA. Enthesitis and myositis were less common; no case was observed in NA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Lanckoroński
- Department of Radiology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 1 Spartańska Street, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Gietka
- Clinic of Paediatric Rheumatology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 1 Spartańska Street, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Mańczak
- Department of Gerontology, Public Health and Didactics, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation in Warsaw, 1 Spartańska Street, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Iwona Sudoł-Szopińska
- Department of Radiology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 1 Spartańska Street, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
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Silva-Néto RP, Soares ADA, Souza WPDO, Krymchantowski AG, Jevoux C, Krymchantowski A. "Growing pains" in children and adolescents as an early symptom of migraine: A prospective study. Headache 2023; 63:1070-1075. [PMID: 37671464 DOI: 10.1111/head.14608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children and adolescents may experience pain in the lower limbs, predominantly at the end of the day or during the night, without any relation to organic disease. These pains are often called "growing pains" (GP) by pediatricians and orthopedists. They are commonly attributed to rapid growth. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to review and characterize GP in children and adolescents as a precursor/comorbidity with migraine. METHODS The study was of a cross-sectional, prospective, longitudinal cohort, with group comparison. A sample of 100 children/adolescents born to mothers with migraine seen at a headache clinic was recruited in a random order chosen by lot, maintaining the ratio of 1:1 for the group with GP and the controls. Both groups were followed for a period of 5 years. RESULTS After 5 years of follow-up, 78 patients completed the study, of which 42 were from the GP group and 36 were from the control group. Headache fulfilling the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition diagnostic criteria for migraine without aura or probable migraine occurred in 32/42 (76%) of patients with GP and in 8/36 (22%) of controls (p < 0.001). In the sample that initially had "growing pains," these pains persisted in 6/42 (14%) and appeared in 14/36 (39%) of those who were previously asymptomatic (p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS Pain in the lower limbs of children and adolescents, commonly referred to as GP by pediatricians and orthopedists, may reflect a precursor or comorbidity with migraine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Carla Jevoux
- Headache, Headache Center of Rio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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O'Keeffe M, Kamper SJ, Montgomery L, Williams A, Martiniuk A, Lucas B, Dario AB, Rathleff MS, Hestbaek L, Williams CM. Defining Growing Pains: A Scoping Review. Pediatrics 2022; 150:188581. [PMID: 35864176 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-052578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Up to one third of children may be diagnosed with growing pains, but considerable uncertainty surrounds how to make this diagnosis. The objective of this study was to detail the definitions of growing pains in the medical literature. METHODS Scoping review with 8 electronic databases and 6 diagnostic classification systems searched from their inception to January 2021. The study selection included peer-reviewed articles or theses referring to "growing pain(s)" or "growth pain(s)" in relation to children or adolescents. Data extraction was performed independently by 2 reviewers. RESULTS We included 145 studies and 2 diagnostic systems (ICD-10 and SNOMED). Definition characteristics were grouped into 8 categories: pain location, age of onset, pain pattern, pain trajectory, pain types and risk factors, relationship to activity, severity and functional impact, and physical examination and investigations. There was extremely poor consensus between studies as to the basis for a diagnosis of growing pains. The most consistent component was lower limb pain, which was mentioned in 50% of sources. Pain in the evening or night (48%), episodic or recurrent course (42%), normal physical assessment (35%), and bilateral pain (31%) were the only other components to be mentioned in more than 30% of articles. Notably, more than 80% of studies made no reference to age of onset in their definition, and 93% did not refer to growth. Limitations of this study are that the included studies were not specifically designed to define growing pains. CONCLUSIONS There is no clarity in the medical research literature regarding what defines growing pain. Clinicians should be wary of relying on the diagnosis to direct treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary O'Keeffe
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, Sydney Local Health District and The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Steven J Kamper
- Centre for Pain, Health and Lifestyle, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Health Sciences.,Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Penrith, Australia
| | - Laura Montgomery
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, Sydney Local Health District and The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Amanda Williams
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexandra Martiniuk
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, and Health.,The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, The University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Barbara Lucas
- Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Sydney Medical School.,John Walsh Center for Rehabilitation Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Physiotherapy Department, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Michael S Rathleff
- Center for General Practice at Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.,Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Lise Hestbaek
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Campus vej 55, 5230, Odense, Denmark.,The Chiropractic Knowledge Hub, Odense, Denmark
| | - Christopher M Williams
- Centre for Pain, Health and Lifestyle, New South Wales, Australia.,Hunter New England Population Health Unit, Newcastle, Australia.,University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
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Li H, Wang B, He L, Tao R, Shang S. Application of bone metabolic parameters in the diagnosis of growing pains. J Clin Lab Anal 2021; 36:e24184. [PMID: 34952997 PMCID: PMC8842154 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The present study aimed to assess the diagnostic significance of serum bone metabolic parameters in children with growing pains (GPs). Methods All patients diagnosed with GP and healthy controls matched with age and gender were recruited at the outpatient clinic of Children's Hospital at Zhejiang University School of Medicine from August 2016 to August 2021. In all subjects, serum levels of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), procollagen type‐I N‐terminal (PINP), parathormone (PTH), 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25‐(OH)D), osteocalcin (OC), N‐terminal cross‐linked telopeptides of type‐I collagen (CTX), and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase type 5b (TRACP5b) were investigated. The univariate analysis, multivariate logistic regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to identify the bone metabolic parameters factors for diagnosing GP. Results We enrolled 386 children with GP and 399 healthy controls in present study. The mean age of GP group was 5.319 years, and, primarily, the subjects were preschool‐age children. The gender ratio (male‐to‐female) was 1.27 in GP group. After adjusting for age and gender, we identified that the serum levels of Ca (p < 0.001, OR: 25.039), P (p = 0.018, OR: 2.681), PINP (p < 0.001, OR: 1.002), and PTH (p = 0.036, OR: 0.988) were independent diagnostic factors associated with GP. Area under curve (AUC) of the ROC curves was in the order: PINP (0.612) > Ca (0.599) > P (0.583) > PTH (0.541). A combination of independent diagnostic factors and multivariable logistic regression analysis provided a refined logistic regression model to improve the diagnostic potential, of which the AUC had reached 0.655. Conclusions Serum levels of Ca, P, PINP, and PTH could be independent diagnostic factors associated with GP. The logistic model was significantly superior to bone metabolic parameters for diagnosing GP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huamei Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center For Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bing Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center For Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lin He
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ran Tao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center For Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shiqiang Shang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center For Child Health, Hangzhou, China
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Leg pain is a common reason for consultation in the children's orthopedic clinic. It can occur across all age groups, although most patients are of pre-school or elementary school age. As there are a series of possibly severe differential diagnoses that might cause such pains in children and adolescents apart from benign pains that occur in the context of growth, a thorough patient history and physical examination are essential. PATHOGENESIS Despite extensive research, the cause of benign growing pains has not been elucidated so far. Several possible factors play a role on an anatomical, metabolic or functional basis, ; thus, various theories exist with regard to their origin. DIAGNOSIS Growing pains constitute a diagnosis of exclusion. If a possible organic cause of the pains is suspected, an extended diagnosis of the person affected should be made. Growing pains primarily occur at night and are always self-resolving. THERAPY With regard to treatment, mild pain medications can be employed in more severely affected patients. It is much more important to inform family members about the benign nature of the condition. Reassuring words and physical relaxation exercises, in addition to massaging and stretching of the leg muscles, can cause a significant reduction in pain without medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Adolf
- Orthopädische Universitätsklinik Friedrichsheim, Marienburgstr. 2, 60528, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland.
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Pavone V, Vescio A, Valenti F, Sapienza M, Sessa G, Testa G. Growing pains: What do we know about etiology? A systematic review. World J Orthop 2019; 10:192-205. [PMID: 31041161 PMCID: PMC6475815 DOI: 10.5312/wjo.v10.i4.192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growing pains is the most common cause of musculoskeletal pain in early childhood and was first described in 1823 by French physician Marcel Duchamp. Although it has been researched extensively, the etiology is still unknown. Several theories have been proposed throughout the years.
AIM Analyze the available scientific literature to provide an update on the latest evidence on the etiology.
METHODS According to the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, the scientific literature on the etiology of growing pains was systematically reviewed using the following inclusion criteria: studies of any level of evidence reporting clinical or preclinical results and dealing with the etiology of growing pains. The medical electronic databases PubMed and Web of Science were searched by two independent authors on October 20, 2018. The search string used was “(growing pains OR benign nocturnal limb pains OR musculoskeletal pains) AND (etiology OR pathogenesis) AND (pediatrics)”.
RESULTS A total of 32 articles were included. The etiology of growing pains still remains poorly understood. Many theories have been proposed, but none of them are decisive. A lower pain threshold has been found among patients suffering from growing pains in comparison to healthy controls. Furthermore, evidence suggests an association between growing pains and reduced bone strength in young patients, although this finding still remains controversial. Changes in the vascular perfusion pattern have also been studied. However, the etiology of growing pains does not seem related to a vascular component. The anatomical/mechanical theory has not been supported, but the role of vitamin D deficiency has been investigated many times. Strong recent evidence indicates a genetic susceptibility in the pathogenesis of growing pains. Furthermore, psychological factors also seem to play a strong role in the onset.
CONCLUSION The scientific literature about the etiology of growing pains presents heterogeneity and lack of consensus; more studies are needed to understand the genesis of benign musculoskeletal pain syndrome of childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Pavone
- Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, Section of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Hospital Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Andrea Vescio
- Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, Section of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Hospital Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Fabiana Valenti
- Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, Section of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Hospital Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Marco Sapienza
- Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, Section of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Hospital Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sessa
- Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, Section of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Hospital Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Gianluca Testa
- Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, Section of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Hospital Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
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Kanta P, Gopinathan NR. Idiopathic Growing Pains in Pediatric Patients: Review of Literature. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2019; 58:5-9. [PMID: 29962219 DOI: 10.1177/0009922818784956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Poonam Kanta
- 1 Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Abstract
UNLABELLED PurposeAnecdotal reports suggest that children and young adults with CHD frequently experience pain in their legs. The purpose of this pilot study, performed by Little Hearts Matter patient organisation, was to assess the burden of leg pains in this group and begin to investigate associated factors and consequences for daily living. METHODS An internet-based survey was distributed by Little Hearts Matter patient organisation. After anonymisation and collation, responses were analysed and compared with their healthy siblings. RESULTS Of the 220 patients who responded, 94% reported leg pains compared with 30% of siblings (n=107; p<0.001). In respondents, pain was typically reported to occur in the lower legs or around the knees or ankles, often associated with crying and screaming (49.0%) and most commonly occurring at night-time (82.0%). Individuals taking aspirin and those who were more active were more likely to report leg pains. Older age was associated with leg pain that occurred with stress (p=0.02) and at night (p=0.05). Analgesia (64.1%) or massage (53.9%) was the preferred option for alleviation. There was no gender bias, association with diagnosis, surgical history, and/ or relationship with diagnosed orthopaedic issues. CONCLUSION Leg pains are more frequent in those with CHD compared with their healthy siblings. Aetiology is uncertain, but pains share many common characteristics with benign "growing pains".
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Abstract
Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) is one of the main reasons for referral to a pediatric rheumatologist and is the third most common cause of chronic pain in children and adolescents. Causes of CMP include amplified musculoskeletal pain, benign limb pain of childhood, hypermobility, overuse syndromes, and back pain. CMP can negatively affect physical, social, academic, and psychological function so it is essential that clinicians know how to diagnose and treat these conditions. This article provides an overview of the epidemiology and impact of CMP, the steps in a comprehensive pain assessment, and the management of the most common CMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Weiss
- Pediatric Rheumatology, Seton Hall School of Medicine, Hackensack University Medical Center, 30 Prospect Avenue, Hackensack, NJ 07601, USA.
| | - Jennifer N Stinson
- Research Institute, Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada
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Correlates and predictors of paediatric leg pain: a case-control study. Rheumatol Int 2018; 38:1251-1258. [PMID: 29797060 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-018-4056-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Paediatric leg pains, long described as 'growing pains', frequently present to clinicians, are prevalent in early childhood, disrupt sleep, and distress affected children and parents. There are many cited associations, but no defined leg pain sub-types, nor revealed predictive factors. We explored the implicated factors (viz. foot arches, foot strength, joint mobility, vitamin D, iron) in children with leg pain versus a control group. Leg pain sub-groups-growing pains (GP), restless legs (RLS), both (mixed)-are defined for the first time. A case controlled study design, in a primary care setting, Mumbai, India. A total of 77 children with leg pains (n = 64) and controls (n = 13), aged 3-12 years, identified by paediatricians, completed data collection. Blood assays for iron and vitamin D, pain, Beighton score, foot arch, foot strength and anthropometrical data were collected. All outcome measures were validated, with standardised protocols. Leg pain (all groups) was predicted by increased joint mobility and increased ankle dorsiflexion strength (β = 0.56, P < 0.05). GP sub-group was predicted by increased ankle dorsiflexion strength (β = - 0.06, P < 0.05). Mixed (GP/RLS) and RLS sub-groups were predicted by increased ankle dorsiflexion strength (β = 0.66, P < 0.05) and pain questionnaire (β = 0.11, P < 0.05). Hypovitaminosis D was detected in 87% of the sample, and anaemia in 13%. Increased strength of ankle dorsiflexors and joint flexibility were each found predictive for leg pain. Increased body weight, waist girth, and BMI were all associated with leg pain.
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Approach to Growing Pains in Childhood in a Familial Mediterranean Fever Endemic Region. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS 2017. [DOI: 10.5812/ijp.11546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Vehapoglu A, Turel O, Turkmen S, Inal BB, Aksoy T, Ozgurhan G, Ersoy M. Are Growing Pains Related to Vitamin D Deficiency? Efficacy of Vitamin D Therapy for Resolution of Symptoms. Med Princ Pract 2015; 24:332-8. [PMID: 26022378 PMCID: PMC5588252 DOI: 10.1159/000431035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] status of children with growing pains and to evaluate the efficacy of vitamin D treatment on the resolution of pain symptoms. SUBJECTS AND METHODS One hundred and twenty children with growing pains were included in a prospective cohort study. Serum 25(OH)D and bone mineral levels were measured in all subjects at the time of enrollment. The pain intensity of those with vitamin D deficiency was measured using a pain visual analog scale (VAS). After a single oral dose of vitamin D, the pain intensity was remeasured by means of the VAS at 3 months. The 25(OH)D levels and VAS scores before and after oral vitamin D administration were compared by means of a paired Student's t test. RESULTS In the 120 children with growing pains, vitamin D insufficiency was noted in 104 (86.6%). Following vitamin D supplementation, the mean 25(OH)D levels increased from 13.4 ± 7.2 to 44.5 ± 16.4 ng/ml, the mean pain VAS score decreased from 6.8 ± 1.9 to 2.9 ± 2.5 cm (a mean reduction of -3.8 ± 2.1, p < 0.001) and the difference was statistically significant. CONCLUSION Supplementation with oral vitamin D resulted in a significant reduction in pain intensity among these children with growing pains who had hypovitaminosis D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysel Vehapoglu
- Department of Pediatrics, Bezmialem Vakıf University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozden Turel
- Department of Pediatrics, Bezmialem Vakıf University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Serdar Turkmen
- Department of Biochemistry, Bakirkoy Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Berrin Belcik Inal
- Department of Biochemistry, Istanbul Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Turgut Aksoy
- Department of Biochemistry, Istanbul Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gamze Ozgurhan
- Department of Pediatrics, Suleymaniye Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Murat Ersoy
- Department of Biochemistry, Istanbul Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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Abstract
Joint pains are a common reason for children to present to primary care. The differential diagnosis is large including some diseases that do not primarily affect the musculoskeletal system. Although the cause for many patients will be benign and self-resolving, in rare cases the diagnosis is associated with long-term morbidity and mortality if not detected early and appropriately treated. These include primary and secondary malignancies, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, inflammatory arthritis, slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE) and non-accidental injury. We highlight the importance of a thorough history and directed yet comprehensive examination. A diagnostic algorithm is provided to direct primary care physicians' clinical assessment and investigation with the evidence base where available. In many cases, tests are not required, but if there is suspicion of malignancy, infection or inflammatory conditions, laboratory tests including full blood count, blood film, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and lactate dehydrogenase help to support or exclude the diagnosis. Autoimmune tests, such as antinuclear antibodies and rheumatoid factor, have no diagnostic role in juvenile idiopathic arthritis; therefore, we advise against any form of 'rheumatological/autoimmune disease screen' in primary care. Imaging does have a place in the diagnosis of joint pains in children, with plain radiographs being most appropriate for suspected fractures and SUFE, whilst ultrasound is better for the detection of inflammatory or infective effusions. The appropriate referral of children to paediatric rheumatologists, oncologists, orthopaedic surgeons and the emergency department are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- E S Sen
- Department of Paediatric Rheumatology, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Bristol, UK; School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - S L N Clarke
- Department of Paediatric Rheumatology, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Bristol, UK; School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - A V Ramanan
- Department of Paediatric Rheumatology, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Bristol, UK.
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