{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Two subtypes of symptomatic joint hypermobility: a descriptive study using latent class analysis.
{Author}: Di Mattia F;Fary R;Murray KJ;Howie E;Smith A;Morris S;
{Journal}: Arch Dis Child
{Volume}: 104
{Issue}: 11
{Year}: 11 2019
{Factor}: 4.92
{DOI}: 10.1136/archdischild-2017-314149
{Abstract}: To investigate a cohort of children with symptomatic joint hypermobility.<BR>Case notes for 318 children with joint hypermobility attending a rheumatology clinic were reviewed for clinical presentation, medical history, psychosocial factors and physical examination findings. Seven key variables were extracted and used as indicator variables in a latent class analysis to estimate the presence and number of subgroups of children with symptomatic joint hypermobility.<BR>Two subgroups with differing clinical presentations were identified accounting for age and gender: an 'athletic-persistent' class (62%) characterised by higher probabilities for recurrent and chronic musculoskeletal pain, and less severe hypermobility; and a 'systemic-profound' class (38%) characterised by generalised hypermobility, recurrent musculoskeletal pain, gastro-oesophageal reflux and motor delay.<BR>Findings suggest the presence of two distinct presentations of children with hypermobility. This finding may be important for clinical decision-making and management of this group of children.