Background: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is one of the relatively common overlapping syndromes characterized by unexplained chronic pain and fatigue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and laboratory features of FMS in children.

Methods: The clinical data of 6 children with FMS treated at the Department of Rheumatology of People's Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University during the period of 1997-2004 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results: Abdominal pain was the first complaint in 5 of the 6 patients with FMS. All the 6 patients were misdiagnosed before rheumatological examination. Diffuse pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, exacerbated pain caused by low temperature or physical exercise were the main complaints. The mean pain score was 8.8 and the mean initial tender point count was 13.7. Arthrodynia, joint swelling, abdominal pain, irritable bowel symptoms and urinary urgency were observed in 5 patients (83%). Dysmenorrhea was seen in 4 patients (67%), depression in 3 (50%), morning stiffness in 2 (33%), paresthesia in 2 (33%), and anxiety in 2 (33%). Laboratory examination showed normal results and the outcomes of treatment were satisfactory.

Conclusions: FMS, a common disease in children, needs more attention to prevent misdiagnosis.