Respiratory disturbances in fibromyalgia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of case control studies

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Fibromyalgia is a debilitating syndrome characterized by diffuse and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Objective: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control studies to explore the respiratory disturbances among persons with fibromyalgia. Study appraisal and synthesis method: This review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO; identification number CRD: 42,020,196,835). We systematically searched seven electronic databases for articles published before December 2020. Eligibility criteria: Case-control studies comparing adults with fibromyalgia syndrome and healthy individuals with regard to the respiratory disturbances. Results: A total of six studies were included in the quantitative analysis. Pooled analysis showed that persons with fibromyalgia reported reduced chest expansion (MD −0.72, 95% CI, −1.70 to 0.27, I2 = 95%, p = 0.016), maximum expiratory pressure (MD −10.67, 95% CI, −18.62 to −2.72, I2 = 77%, p = 0.009), maximum inspiratory pressure (MD 11.04, 95% CI, −14.45 to −7.62, I2 = 0%, p < 0.001) and maximal voluntary ventilation (MD 11.79, 95% CI, −16.80 to −7.78, I2 = 0%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Persons with fibromyalgia experience respiratory disturbances, such as reduced chest expansion, maximum expiratory pressure, maximum inspiratory pressure, and maximal voluntary ventilation.