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Giardiasis-associated arthralgia in children
1Hospital General Adolfo Prieto, Taxco, Guerrero, Mexico. dr_meza@hotmail.com
Archives of Medical Research
|July 27, 2001
Summary
Giardiasis can cause joint pain (arthralgia) in children, a rare but usually mild condition. Symptoms resolved after treatment for the intestinal parasite Giardia lamblia.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Gastroenterology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Giardiasis is a common intestinal parasitic infection in Mexico, primarily affecting children.
- Typical symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea.
- Extra-intestinal manifestations like arthritis and arthralgia are occasionally reported.
Observation:
- A case series of 10 children (ages 5-11) with Giardia lamblia infection and arthralgia was observed over 13 years.
- Affected joints were primarily the knee and ankle, without signs of inflammation.
- Associated symptoms included abdominal pain, distension, and anemia.
Findings:
- Arthralgia in children with giardiasis is rare and typically presents without joint inflammation.
- Treatment with metronidazole led to the resolution of arthralgia.
- Negative C-reactive protein and rheumatoid factor suggest a non-autoimmune etiology.
Implications:
- This study highlights a rare extra-intestinal manifestation of giardiasis in pediatric patients.
- Arthralgia associated with Giardia infection appears to be a benign condition with no long-term sequelae.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of giardiasis are important for managing associated symptoms.