Juvenile Primary Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Author: Eileen R Giardino, RN, MSN, PhD, FNP-BC, ANP-BC; Chief Editor: Lawrence K Jung, MD more…

Eileen R Giardino, RN, MSN, PhD, FNP-BC, ANP-BC Associate Professor of Nursing, Department of Family Nursing, University of Texas Health Sciences Center Houston, School of Nursing

Juvenile primary fibromyalgia syndrome (JPFS) is a musculoskeletal pain syndrome characterized by multiple discrete tender points (TPs), fatigue, and sleep disturbance in the child and adolescent. JPFS can be chronic in nature and can necessitate a multidisciplinary approach to the ongoing treatment of the disorder. The pain experienced is modulated by factors such as activity, anxiety, stress, and weather changes. The diagnosis is made on the basis of the presence or absence of specific criteria that have been found to be consistent with those who experience JPFS (see Differentials). The chronic nature of fibromyalgia in the pediatric population suggests consequences for psychosocial development and implies a more difficult transition from childhood to adulthood.[1]

The core feature of fibromyalgia is widespread musculoskeletal pain, with multiple TPs and other associated features (eg, fatigue, joint stiffness, skin tenderness, postexertional pain, sleep disturbance, irritable bowel symptoms, poor memory, tension headaches, dizziness, fluid retention, paraesthesias, restless legs, bruising, and Raynaud phenomenon). Chronic musculoskeletal pain affects quality of life, whereas fatigability influences motor response and ability to complete activities of daily living within an expedient time frame.[1, 2]

The understanding of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) in children is still in its infancy stage; however, great strides have been made in both diagnosis and treatment in the past 10 years. Because the prevalence of FMS in children is increasing, diagnosing the disorder early in its course (see Clinical) and then recommending a multidisciplinary approach to treat the child’s disorder (see Treatment) are important. An approach that involves support for the family and specific recommendations for treatment may help decrease the symptomatology and increase the child’s functioning.[3]