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Progress in diagnosing and understanding chronic pain syndromes in children

J T Cassidy1

  • 1Children's Hospital, Department of Child Health, University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine 65212.

Current Opinion in Rheumatology
|September 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric rheumatology increasingly sees patients with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia. This review highlights key investigations crucial for understanding and diagnosing these complex syndromes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Rheumatology
  • Pain Medicine
  • Clinical Investigations

Background:

  • Chronic pain syndromes, including fibromyalgia and reflex sympathetic dystrophy, represent a growing proportion of referrals to pediatric rheumatology.
  • Despite their increasing prevalence, there is a notable scarcity of published research on these conditions in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and highlight the essential investigations for diagnosing chronic pain syndromes in pediatric rheumatology.
  • To address the diagnostic challenges associated with fibromyalgia and reflex sympathetic dystrophy in children and adolescents.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on diagnostic methodologies.
  • Analysis of studies central to understanding pediatric chronic pain syndromes.
  • Synthesis of current investigative approaches in the field.

Main Results:

  • Identification of key diagnostic investigations for fibromyalgia and reflex sympathetic dystrophy.
  • Emphasis on the limited existing research, underscoring the need for further investigation.
  • Highlighting the complexity of diagnosing these conditions in a pediatric setting.

Conclusions:

  • Further research into the diagnostic investigations for pediatric chronic pain is warranted.
  • Standardized diagnostic approaches are needed to improve patient care.
  • Understanding these syndromes is critical for effective management in pediatric rheumatology clinics.

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