Hypermobility among Egyptian children: prevalence and features.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence, clinical manifestations, and possible associated features of hypermobility among Egyptian children in a prospective study.

METHODS

Nine hundred ninety-seven healthy children from 4 different educational areas for primary and presecondary schools were screened for the presence of hypermobility. A hypermobility score was used to denote the degree of laxity. Sites and possible clinical associations of hypermobility were determined.

RESULTS

The presence of hypermobility was 16. 1% among Egyptian children. Hypermobility was more frequent among girls (18%). than boys (14.4%), although the difference was not statistically significant. Age was inversely correlated with the frequency of hypermobility (r = 4).967, p < 0.001) and degree of joint laxity (r = -0.789, p < 0.01). Hypermobility was most prevalent in fingers (96.9%) and least prevalent in knee joints (3.1%). Hypermobility was statistically more frequent in nondominant than dominant fingers (p < 0.002). Arthralgia, high palate, flat feet, Raynaud's phenomenon, and easy bruising were more common among the hypermobility group.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that hypermobility is not uncommon among Egyptian children. Increased awareness of the condition is needed among pediatricians and other concerned physicians.