The Ankylosing Spondylitis Life Impact Study, which appeared in the June 15, 2005 edition of Arthritis Care and Research, found that "Many children can have arthritis of the spine for years, but it can go overlooked and untreated," according to Robert Warren, MD, who collaborated on the study and its publication. This can lead to serious problems later in life. The study was commissioned by the Spondylitis Association of America (SAA).

A recent review of articles and studies entitled, "Recognition and treatment of juvenile-onset spondyloarthritis" also surmised that, "Patients with juvenile-onset ankylosing spondylitis appear to have poorer functional outcomes." This review appears in the September 2006 edition of Current Opinion in Rheumatology.

What does this mean for a child with spondyloarthritis or for the parents of a child who suffers from the disease?

"It is common for children to experience 'growing pain,' but symptoms of joint aches and pains that last for weeks are unusual," says Dr. Warren. "Parents who notice these symptoms in children should speak with their physician and determine if they should see a pediatric rheumatologist. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, children with AS can experience significant relief of symptoms and potentially impact the long-term effects of the disease."

A pediatric rheumatologist is essential since they are the experts in the area of arthritis in children.