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Joint hypermobility in Indian children.
R P Hasija1, R P Khubchandani, S Shenoi
1Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic, Jaslok Hospital & Research Center, Gopalrao Deshmukh Marg, Mumbai, India.
Joint hypermobility is common in Mumbai children, especially those with moderate to severe malnutrition. Hypermobile children, particularly those malnourished, report more musculoskeletal symptoms, highlighting a significant health association.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Nutritional Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Joint hypermobility, a condition characterized by excessive joint range of motion, is increasingly recognized in pediatric populations.
- Understanding the prevalence and associated factors of joint hypermobility is crucial for identifying at-risk children and implementing timely interventions.
- Malnutrition is a significant public health concern in many regions, and its potential impact on musculoskeletal health warrants investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of joint hypermobility among children in Mumbai, India.
- To investigate the association between joint hypermobility and the nutritional status of these children.
- To explore the relationship between joint hypermobility, malnutrition, and the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 829 children aged 3-19 years from lower urban socio-economic strata in Mumbai.
- Joint hypermobility was assessed using the Beighton 9-point scoring system, with a score of ≥4/9 considered positive.
- Nutritional status was stratified using Indian growth charts, and musculoskeletal symptoms were evaluated via parental questionnaires. Statistical significance was determined using the Chi-square test (p<0.05).
Main Results:
- The prevalence of joint hypermobility was found to be 58.7% in the study population.
- A significant association was observed between moderate to severe malnutrition (Grade 3 and 4) and a higher prevalence of joint hypermobility (61.5%) compared to children with normal or mild malnutrition (36.8%).
- Hypermobile children, particularly those with moderate to severe malnutrition, reported a higher incidence of musculoskeletal symptoms (26.1%) compared to their non-hypermobile counterparts (17.7%).
Conclusions:
- The study identified a high prevalence of joint hypermobility in Mumbai's pediatric population.
- Moderate to severe malnutrition is significantly associated with joint hypermobility in children.
- Joint hypermobility is linked to an increased risk of musculoskeletal symptoms, especially in malnourished children.
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