Ankylosing Spondylitis in Children

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that can affect children of all ages. This condition tends to be more centralized around the spine, although joints throughout the body may also be affected. Children may benefit from several different treatment options that are available.

Characteristics

• Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis that can be found in both children and adults. This inflammatory disease tends to affect the spine and several of the joints in the lower body including the hips and knees. Children suffering from ankylosing spondylitis will likely have periods where the inflammation becomes aggravated and then goes into remission. Ankylosing spondylitis can cause stiffness in a child's joints, which can be quite painful. Over time, this condition can cause joints to deteriorate. Bones in both the chest and vertebrae can also become fused together.

Causes

• It remains unknown what causes ankylosing spondylitis to develop in children. A combination of environmental and genetic factors is thought to be responsible for this condition. According to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, children who inherit a gene known as HLA B27 from either of their parents develop ankylosing spondylitis at a higher rate compared with those who lack the gene. Ankylosing spondylitis also appears at higher rates in males than females.

Symptoms

• Every child is likely to experience a variety of different ankylosing spondylitis symptoms. One of the most common symptoms of this condition is back pain. Children may complain about back pain more so during the night than in the day. Back pain can also lead to problems with poor posture. Stiffness in the joints may be noticeable after waking up in the morning. Children with ankylosing spondylitis may lose their appetite, which can lead to sudden weight loss.

Diagnosis

• Doctors may perform a number of tests before diagnosing ankylosing spondylitis. Most children will be given a thorough physical examination first. X-rays may be used by doctors to determine the current state of the bones and surrounding tissue. Doctors may also test a child's erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) to determine the severity of the inflammation. An ESR determines how long it takes red blood cells to fall a certain distance. Higher ESRs equate to increased inflammation.

Treatment

• Doctors will examine a child's medical history in order to determine the best course of treatment. Children are commonly prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) to ease the inflammation and pain that is associated with ankylosing spondylitis. Corticosteroids may be used for a brief period to control inflammation. Exercise will be an important part of a child's treatment program. Muscles in the back may need to be strengthened in order to prevent any potential deformities from occurring. Physical therapy is useful to relieve the stiffness that ankylosing spondylitis tends to cause in the joints.