Joint Hypermobility (JH) and Joint Hypermobility Syndrome (JHS) are conditions characterized by increased flexibility of the joints, which can lead to musculoskeletal complications. This study aims to explore the prevalence and impact of JH and JHS in Iraqi patients with asthma, a population in which the interplay between these conditions remains under-investigated.

We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 200 asthmatic patients attending the respiratory clinics of major hospitals in Iraq. Participants were assessed for JH using the Beighton score, and those meeting the criteria were further evaluated for JHS based on the Brighton criteria. Data on demographic variables, asthma severity, and comorbidities were collected and analyzed.

Our findings indicate that 32% of the patients exhibited JH, while 18% met the criteria for JHS. Notably, patients with JHS reported higher asthma severity and a greater frequency of asthma exacerbations compared to those without hypermobility. These results suggest a significant association between JHS and asthma severity in this population. This study highlights the need for heightened awareness and screening for JH and JHS in asthmatic patients to better manage and potentially mitigate the impact of these conditions. Further research is recommended to explore the underlying mechanisms linking JHS and asthma and to develop targeted interventions for affected patients.

Joint Hypermobility, Hypermobility Syndrome, Asthma

Al-Rawi, Z. S., Al-Aszawi, A. J., and Al-Chalabi, T. (1985). Joint mobility among university students in Iraq. Br. J. Rheumatol., 24: 326-331.

Al-Rawi, Z. S., Al-Dubaikel, K. Y., and Al-Sikafi, H. (2004). Joint mobility in people with hiatus hernia. Rheumatology, 43: 574-576.

de la Harpe, A. L., and Brighton, S. W. (1989). The effect of long-term corticosteroid therapy on joint mobility. Clin Exp Rheumatol., 7: 79-80.

Englebert, R. H., Bank, R. A., Sakkers, R. J., Helders, P. J., Beemer, F. A., and Uiterwaal, C. S. (2003). Pediatric generalized joint hypermobility with andwithout musculoskeletal complaints: A localized or systemic disor-der? Pediatrics, 111: 248-254.

Grahame, R. (2000). The revised (Brighton 1998) criteria for the diagnosis of benign joint hypermobility syndrome (BJHS). J. Rheumatol., 27: 1777-1779.

Hakim, A. J., Cherkas, L. F., and Grahame, R. (2004). The genetic epidemiology of joint hypermobility: a population study of female twins. Arthritis Rheum., 50: 2640-2644.

Jacqui, C., Kevin, D., and Adrian, S. (2011). Epidemiology of generalized joint laxity (hypermobility) in fourteen-year-old children from the UK: A population-based evaluation. Arthritis Rheum., 63: 2819-2827.

Malfait, F., Hakim, A. J., De Paepe, A., and Grahame, R. (2006). The genetic basis of the joint hypermobility syndromes. Rheumatology, 45: 502-507.

Martinez, F. D. (2007). Genes, environments, development and asthma: A reappraisal. Eur. Respir. J., 29: 179-184.

Morgan, A. W., Pearson, S. B., and Davies, S. (2007). Asthma and airways collapse in two heritable disorders of connective tissue. Ann. Rheum. Dis., 66: 1369-1373.