Fibromyalgia Group Research Articles

Lower serotonin level and higher rate of fibromyalgia syndrome with advancing pregnancy

Objective: The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between changes in serotonin levels during pregnancy and fibromyalgia syndrome (FS) and the relationships between FS and the physical/psychological state, biochemical and hormonal parameters, which may be related to the musculoskeletal system.Study design: This study is a prospective case-control study conducted with 277 pregnant women at the obstetric unit of Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, in the period between January and June 2015. FS was determined based on the presence or absence of the 2010 ACR diagnostic criteria and all the volunteers were asked to answer the questionnaires as Fibromyalgia Impact Criteria (FIQ), Widespread Pain Index (WPI), Symptom Severity Scale (SS), Beck Depression Inventory and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Biochemical and hormonal markers (glucose, TSH, T4, Ca (calcium), P (phosphate), PTH (parathyroid hormone) and serotonin levels) relating to muscle and bone metabolism were measured.Results: In the presence of fibromyalgia, the physical and psychological parameters are negatively affected (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the fibromyalgia and control groups in terms of glucose, Ca (calcium), P (phosphorus), PTH (parathyroid hormone), TSH (thyroid stimulant hormone), fT4 (free T4) levels (p = 0.060, 0.799, 0.074, 0.104, 0.797, 0.929, respectively). A reduction in serotonin levels may contribute to the development of fibromyalgia but this was not statistically significant. The Beck Depression Inventory scale statistically showed that increasing scores also increase the risk of fibromyalgia (p <0.001).Conclusion: Our study has shown that serotonin levels in women with FS are lower than the control group and that serotonin levels reduce as pregnancy progresses. Anxiety and depression in pregnant women with FS are higher than the control group. The presence of depression increases the likelihood of developing FS at a statistically significant level. Serotonin impairment also increases the chance of developing FS, but this correlation has not been shown to be statistically significant.

Polyphenol-Rich Foods Alleviate Pain and Ameliorate Quality of Life in Fibromyalgic Women.

Objectives: The present study aimed to describe the antioxidant dietary intake of patients with fibromyalgia and explore the association of the results with glutathione status, pain, quality of life, and socioeconomic status. 38 fibromyalgic female patients and 35 female controls (mean age = 48.6 ± 8.1 and 47.6 ± 10.0 years, respectively) were evaluated. The number of tender points, pain threshold, quality of life, physical activity, socioeconomic status, nutritional status, intake of antioxidant micronutrients and foods with high total antioxidant capacity, and total salivary glutathione were evaluated. The number of tender points, pain threshold, and quality of life were worse in the fibromyalgia group. The consumption of vegetable juices was more common among women with fibromyalgia and consumption of red wine and beer were more common among healthy women. The adjusted mean intakes of antioxidant vitamins as well as selenium were higher for the control group (p ≤ 0.01). There was no difference for salivary levels of glutathione between the groups and no correlation for intake of antioxidant micronutrients and pain or quality of life among fibromyalgic women. However, intake of foods rich in polyphenols was associated with lower numbers of tender points (coffee, r = - 0.346; pear, r = - 0.331) and better quality of life (red fruits, r = - 0.342; dark chocolate, r = - 0.404) in the fibromyalgic group. In these women, associations between glutathione levels and food intake, pain or quality of life were not found. This study indicated that antioxidant protection from bioactive compounds present in fruit and vegetables could have an adjuvant role in fibromyalgia treatment.

The acute effect of maximal exercise on plasma beta-endorphin levels in fibromyalgia patients.

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the effect of strenuous exercise on β-endorphine (β-END) level in fibromyalgia (FM) patients compared to healthy subjects.MethodsWe enrolled 30 FM patients and 15 healthy individuals. All study participants underwent a treadmill exercise test using modified Bruce protocol (M.Bruce). The goal of the test was achieving at least 70% of the predicted maximal heart rate (HRMax). The serum levels of β-END were measured before and after the exercise program. Measurements were done while heart rate was at least 70% of its predicted maximum.ResultsThe mean ± the standard deviation (SD) of exercise duration in the FM and control groups were 24.26 ± 5.29 and 29.06 ± 3.26 minutes, respectively, indicating a shorter time to achieve the goal heart rate in FM patients (P < 0.003). Most FM patients attained 70% HRMax at lower stages (stage 2 and 3) of M.Bruce compared to the control group (70% versus 6.6%, respectively; P < 0.0001). Compared to healthy subjects, FM patients had lower serum β-END levels both in baseline and post-exercise status (Mean ± SD: 122.07 ± 28.56 µg/ml and 246.55 ± 29.57 µg/ml in the control group versus 90.12 ± 20.91 µg/ml and 179.80 ± 28.57 µg/ml in FM patients, respectively; P < 0.001).ConclusionsWe found that FM patients had lower levels of β-END in both basal and post-exercise status. Exercise increased serum the β-END level in both groups but the average increase in β-END in FM patients was significantly lower than in the control group.

Fibromyalgia in Spondyloarthritis: Effect on Disease Activity Assessment in Clinical Practice.

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is the second most frequent inflammatory rheumatic disease, characterized by spinal involvement, peripheral arthritis, or enthesitis with marked pain, stiffness, and fatigue. Fibromyalgia (FM) may be associated with SpA, and shares some common symptoms. We aimed to determine how FM influences assessment of SpA disease activity, which is mainly dependent on patient-based outcome measures such as the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) or the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS). This single-center cross-sectional study included consecutive patients with SpA according to the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society criteria. FM was diagnosed according to the 1990 American College of Rheumatology criteria. Patient characteristics, BASDAI, ASDAS/C-reactive protein (CRP), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index, and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 questionnaire were recorded and compared. The study included 103 patients with SpA; 81 with axial and 22 with peripheral forms. Eighteen patients presented with concomitant FM, of whom 12 had axial SpA and 6 peripheral SpA. Demographic characteristics did not differ except for sex, with a female predominance in the FM group that was more marked in peripheral forms. BASDAI was higher in patients with FM [median (IQR): 4.2 (4.2) vs 2.2 (3.1); p = 0.0068], whereas ASDAS-CRP was not significantly different [median (IQR): 2.7 (2) vs 2 (1.3); p = 0.1264]. Nevertheless, median ASDAS-CRP corresponded to high disease activity in patients with SpA or FM compared with moderate activity in non-FM patients. FM is a frequent comorbidity in patients with SpA, especially in peripheral forms. In patients with SpA-FM, disease activity may be overestimated when measured by BASDAI and to a lesser extent by ASDAS-CRP, and this overestimation could lead to inappropriate treatment escalation.

Serum activities of adenosine deaminase, dipeptidyl peptidase IV and prolyl endopeptidase in patients with fibromyalgia: diagnostic implications.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome with number of symptoms that present challenge in terms of diagnosis and treatment. Patients with FM show abnormal profile of purines in plasma. In this work, we measured serum activities of enzymes involved in purine metabolism, namely total adenosine deaminase (ADE) and its isoforms (ADE1 and ADE2), ecto-ATPase, and 5'-nucleotidase (5'-NT). We also measured activity of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) and prolyl endopeptidase (PEP). Spectrophotometric and fluorometric methods were used for enzyme activity determinations. Enzyme activities were measured in sera of 24 patients with FM that were not undergoing pharmacological treatment during the study. Control group comprised 32 healthy control subjects. Significantly higher activities of total ADE (P=0.025) and ADE2 (P=0.011) were observed in FM patients, while no significant differences in ADE1, ecto-ATPase, and 5'-NT activities (P>0.05) were found when compared to healthy controls. Moreover, increase in the activity of DPPIV (P=0.015) and lower activity of PEP (P=0.011) were also found in the FM group. ROC analysis pointed to different diagnostic sensitivities/specificities for individual enzyme activities measured as follows: ADE (50.0/87.5), ADE2 (41.7/90.6), DPPIV (62.5/71.9), and PEP (83.3/62.5). ADE2 and PEP were shown to be independent predictors of FM, while combination of the two gives AUC of 0.786 (95% confidence interval of 0.656-0.885, P<0.05). Our results are showing that serum activities of ADE2 and PEP could be useful as biomarkers for FM diagnosis. However, relatively low diagnostic sensitivity of ADE2 and specificity of PEP must be taken into account.

Post Dural Puncture Headache in Fibromyalgia after Cesarean Section: A Comparative Cohort Study

Background: Patients of chronic pain syndromes like fibromyalgia (FMS) when subjected to spinal anesthesia are theoretically more liable to post dural puncture headache (PDPH) as they have enhanced central nervous system sensitization and decreased descending inhibition. Objective: The current study aims to verify the incidence and chronicity of PDPH in FMS patients. Study Design: Case control study. Methods: In a comparative control study, 70 fibromyalgia patients were scheduled for an elective cesarean delivery fibromyalgia group or Group 1. Group 2 included 70 women scheduled for elective cesarean delivery who had no history of chronic pain and is used as a control group. Both groups were compared regarding the incidence of development of PDPH in the first postoperative 48 hours and the persistence of PDPH for 7 days or more. Settings: Women’s Health Hospital, Assiut University, antenatal Clinic. Results: The fibromyalgia group reported more PDPH (18 patients, 25.7%) as compared to the control group (10 patients, 14.3%), P &lt; 0.01. PDPH persisted for 7 or more days in 8 patients in the fibromyalgia group (11.4%) while, it persisted in 2.86% of the control patients. PDPH continued for more than 3 months in 2 patients in the fibromyalgia group (2.86%) Limitations: Difficulty in calculating the dose of analgesics as patients with fibromyalgia may use other analgesics due to musculoskeletal pain. Conclusion: Dural puncture increases the incidence of PDPH in fibromyalgia patients in comparison with normal controls without increasing other postoperative side effects. Key Words: Fibromyalgia, cesarean section, post dural puncture headache, spinal anesthesia

Comparison of Physical Activity Levels in Rheumatic Diseases

Abstract Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate levels of physical activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia and to compare the results with both healthy subjects and each other. Methods: A group of 50 rheumatoid arthritis patients, 95 osteoarthritis patients, 82 fibromyalgia patients and 110 healthy subjects were included in this study. Physical activity levels were assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Results: There were significant differences in walking and total physical activity scores in IPAQ between the rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), fibromyalgia (FMS) patients and the control group (p&lt;0.05). 36.6% of the fibromyalgia group, 28.4% of the osteoarthritis group, 38% of the rheumatoid arthritis group and 22.7% of the healthy subjects were found to be inactive. 45.1% of the fibromyalgia group, 42.1% of the osteoarthritis group, 46% of the rheumatoid arthritis group and 36.4% of the healthy subjects were found to be insufficiently active. Conclusion: As a result, when compared to healthy people, physical activity levels were significantly decreased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia. The decreases in the physical activity levels were clearer in patients with rheumatoid arthritis than in patients with osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. Recommending regular physical activity should be integral to rheumatic disease management and walking offers a potentially accessible, inexpensive, and acceptable physical activity intervention.

Comparison of the Big Five personality traits in fibromyalgia and other rheumatic diseases

IntroductionThe personality of patients with fibromyalgia is still under debate. Some studies found high neuroticism associated with low extraversion, while others found that these traits do not differ from the normal population. Personality factors intervene in the emotional regulation and modulation of pain. The aim of the study was to determine the personality traits of patients with fibromyalgia compared to other rheumatic diseases. MethodsIn a multicentric study, women with fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis or Sjögren's syndrome were asked to complete the Big Five Inventory, which encompasses five main personality dimensions, namely (1) extraversion vs. introversion, (2) agreeableness vs. antagonism, (3) conscientiousness vs. impulsivity, (4) neuroticism vs. emotional stability, and (5) openness vs. closed-mindedness. Variance analysis (Student's t-test and ANOVA with post-hoc comparisons or Bonferroni correction) was performed. We also conducted hierarchical and non-hierarchical cluster analyses. Results and discussionParticipants were 163 women with fibromyalgia (n=48), rheumatoid arthritis (n=46), spondyloarthritis (n=46) and Sjögren's syndrome (n=23). The mean age was 47.18years (±10.81years, range 21 to 65). Patients with fibromyalgia had higher scores on agreeableness (F(3, 159)=3.39, P<0.05), neuroticism (F(3, 159)=3.79, P<0.05) and openness (F(3, 159)=4.32, P<0.01) than those with other rheumatic diseases. This study highlights the specificity of personality in fibromyalgia. It also underlines the protective role of personality traits: in the fibromyalgia group, high neuroticism and low conscientiousness (high impulsivity) were associated with a high level of chronic pain.

Evaluation of cytokines, oxidative stress markers and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in patients with fibromyalgia – A controlled cross-sectional study

ObjectivesPrevious studies measuring serum levels of biomarkers of inflammation/oxidative stress and neurotrophins levels in fibromyalgia (FM) have rendered inconsistent results. In the present study, our aim was to explore the levels of interleukins, oxidative stress markers and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in patients with FM in relation to depression and severity of disease. MethodsIn a prospective controlled cross-sectional study, serum concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonyl and BDNF were measured in 69 FM patients and 61 healthy controls (all women). In the FM group, the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) were applied. Mann Whitney’s and Spearman correlation tests were used for statistical analysis. ResultsThe FM patients demonstrated a significant impact of the disease on quality of life (FIQ 70.2±17.8) and most of them had depression at some level (82.6% and 87.0% as assessed by BDI and HDRS, respectively). Most biomarkers (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, TBARS and protein carbonyl) and BDNF did not differ significantly between patients and controls, but the IL-10 levels were higher in FM patients (adjusted p=0.041). Among FM patients, there was no correlation of HDRS, FIQ, and BDI scores with any biomarker tested here. ConclusionWe observed no significant differences in biomarkers between FM patients and controls, except for higher levels of IL-10 (an anti-inflammatory cytokine) in patients. The levels of biomarkers were not correlated with parameters of disease and depression severity.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Gallbladder Calculosis in Fibromyalgia Patients: Impact on Musculoskeletal Pain, Somatic Hyperalgesia and Central Sensitization.

Fibromyalgia, a chronic syndrome of diffuse musculoskeletal pain and somatic hyperalgesia from central sensitization, is very often comorbid with visceral pain conditions. In fibromyalgia patients with gallbladder calculosis, this study assessed the short and long-term impact of laparoscopic cholecystectomy on fibromyalgia pain symptoms. Fibromyalgia pain (VAS scale) and pain thresholds in tender points and control areas (skin, subcutis and muscle) were evaluated 1week before (basis) and 1week, 1,3,6 and 12months after laparoscopic cholecystectomy in fibromyalgia patients with symptomatic calculosis (n = 31) vs calculosis patients without fibromyalgia (n. 26) and at comparable time points in fibromyalgia patients not undergoing cholecystectomy, with symptomatic (n = 27) and asymptomatic (n = 28) calculosis, and no calculosis (n = 30). At basis, fibromyalgia+symptomatic calculosis patients presented a significant linear correlation between the number of previously experienced biliary colics and fibromyalgia pain (direct) and muscle thresholds (inverse)(p<0.0001). After cholecystectomy, fibromyalgia pain significantly increased and all thresholds significantly decreased at 1week and 1month (1-way ANOVA, p<0.01-p<0.001), the decrease in muscle thresholds correlating linearly with the peak postoperative pain at surgery site (p<0.003-p<0.0001). Fibromyalgia pain and thresholds returned to preoperative values at 3months, then pain significantly decreased and thresholds significantly increased at 6 and 12months (p<0.05-p<0.0001). Over the same 12-month period: in non-fibromyalgia patients undergoing cholecystectomy thresholds did not change; in all other fibromyalgia groups not undergoing cholecystectomy fibromyalgia pain and thresholds remained stable, except in fibromyalgia+symptomatic calculosis at 12months when pain significantly increased and muscle thresholds significantly decreased (p<0.05-p<0.0001). The results of the study show that biliary colics from gallbladder calculosis represent an exacerbating factor for fibromyalgia symptoms and that laparoscopic cholecystectomy produces only a transitory worsening of these symptoms, largely compensated by the long-term improvement/desensitization due to gallbladder removal. This study provides new insights into the role of visceral pain comorbidities and the effects of their treatment on fibromyalgia pain/hypersensitivity.

High frequency of asymptomatic hyperparathyroidism in patients with fibromyalgia: random association or misdiagnosis?

Fibromyalgia (FM) and hyperparathyroidism may present similar symptoms (musculoskeletal pain, cognitive disorders, insomnia, depression and anxiety), causing diagnostic confusion. ObjectivesTo determine the frequency of asymptomatic hyperparathyroidism in a sample of patients with FM and to evaluate the association of laboratory abnormalities to clinical symptoms. MethodsCross-sectional study with 100 women with FM and 57 healthy women (comparison group). Parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium and albumin levels were accessed, as well as symptoms in the FM group. ResultsIn FM group, mean serum calcium (9.6±0.98mg/dL) and PTH (57.06±68.98pg/mL) values were considered normal, although PTH levels had been significantly higher than in the comparison group (37.12±19.02pg/mL; p=0.001). Hypercalcemic hyperparathyroidism was diagnosed in 6% of patients with FM, and 17% of these women exhibited only high levels of PTH, featuring a normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism, with higher frequencies than those expected for their age. There was no significant association between hyperparathyroidism and FM symptoms, except for epigastric pain, which was more frequent in the group of patients concomitantly with both diseases (p=0.012). ConclusionsA high frequency of hyperparathyroidism was noted in women with FM versus the general population. Normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism was also more frequent in patients with FM. Longitudinal studies with greater number of patients are needed to assess whether this is an association by chance only, if the increased serum levels of PTH are part of FM pathophysiology, or even if these would not be cases of FM, but of hyperparathyroidism.

Frequência elevada de hiperparatireoidismo assintomático em pacientes com fibromialgia: associação ao acaso ou erro diagnóstico?

Fibromyalgia (FM) and hyperparathyroidism may present similar symptoms (musculoskeletal pain, cognitive disorders, insomnia, depression and anxiety), causing diagnostic confusion. ObjectivesTo determine the frequency of asymptomatic hyperparathyroidism in a sample of patients with FM and to evaluate the association of laboratory abnormalities to clinical symptoms. MethodsCross‐sectional study with 100 women with FM and 57 healthy women (control group). Parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium and albumin levels were accessed, as well as symptoms in the FM group. ResultsIn FM group, mean serum calcium (9.6±0.98mg/dL) and PTH (57.06±68,98 pg/mL) values were considered normal, although PTH levels had been significantly higher than in the control group (37.12±19.02 pg/mL; p=0.001). Hypercalcemic hyperparathyroidism was diagnosed in 6% of patients with FM, and 17% of these women exhibited only high levels of PTH, featuring a normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism, with higher frequencies than those expected for their age. There was no significant association between hyperparathyroidism and FM symptoms, except for epigastric pain, which was more frequent in the group of patients concomitantly with both diseases (p=0.012). ConclusionsA high frequency of hyperparathyroidism was noted in women with FM versus the general population. Normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism was also more frequent in patients with FM. Longitudinal studies with greater number of patients are needed to assess whether this is an association by chance only, if the increased serum levels of PTH are part of FM pathophysiology, or even if these would not be cases of FM, but of hyperparathyroidism.

Increased Risk of Stroke in Patients With Fibromyalgia: A Population-BASED Cohort Study.

Neuropsychiatric diseases might enhance stroke development, possibly through inflammation and atherosclerosis. Approximately 25% to 40% of patients with stroke, largely younger patients, are not associated with any conventional stroke risk factors. In this research, we explored whether fibromyalgia (FM), a neuropsychosomatic disorder, increases stroke risk.From a claims dataset with one million enrollees sourced of the Taiwan National Health Insurance database, we selected 47,279 patients with FM and randomly selected 189,112 age- and sex-matched controls within a 3-year period from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2002. Stroke risk was assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression.Comorbidities associated with increased stroke risk, such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, coronary heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and interstitial cystitis, were more prevalent in patients with FM and high stroke risk than in the controls. The overall stroke risk was 1.25-fold (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21–1.30) higher in the FM group than in the non-FM group. Even without comorbidities, stroke risk was higher in patients with FM than in the controls (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.35–1.53, P < 0.001). The relative risk of stroke was 2.26-fold between FM and non-FM groups in younger patients (age <35 years, 95% CI: 1.86–2.75).This is the first investigation associating FM with an increased risk of stroke development. The outcomes imply that FM is a significant risk factor for stroke and that patients with FM, particularly younger patients, require close attention and rigorous measures for preventing stroke.

Pain and associated symptoms: comparison between fibromyalgia and temporomandibular disorder

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Fibromyalgia has multivariate symptoms, also affecting temporomandibular region. This study aimed at comparing facial signs and symptoms of females with fibromyalgia and females with temporomandibular disorder. METHODS: This is a crossover study with 61 females divided in two groups: fibromyalgia group (31) and temporomandibular disorder group (30). Evaluated variables in all patients were: pain intensity in temporomandibular joint by means of visual analog scale, report of pain or discomfort during daily activities (mouth opening/closing, during meals, when talking), presence of joint noises (clicking and popping), dizziness, tinnitus, headache and mouth opening capacity. Variables were compared by unpaired t and Chi-square tests. RESULTS: Facial pain was reported by 100% of studied patients with no difference in intensity among fibromyalgia and temporomandibular disorder groups (p=0.2170). Fibromyalgia group has reported more pain during daily life activities as compared to temporomandibular disorder group (p<0.0001). With regard to joint noises, there has been more right temporomandibular joint clicking (p=0.006) in the temporomandibular disorder group. Fibromyalgia group patients have higher percentage of signs and symptoms associated to temporomandibular disorder, such as dizziness, tinnitus and headache (p<0.000). CONCLUSION: Fibromyalgia patients have clinical signs and symptoms similar to those found in temporomandibular disorder patients, being pain, discomfort during daily activities, tinnitus, hum and headache more exacerbated in the fibromyalgia group.

Prevalence of fibromyalgia in Turkish geriatric population and its impact on quality of life.

The aim of the present study was to examine the presence of fibromyalgia (FM) in elderly adults and to evaluate the impact of the severity of FM on quality of life. A total of 100 patients between 65 and 80 years of age were included. The main admission diagnosis of the patients was recorded. Presence of FM was evaluated based on 1990 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) diagnostic criteria. The FM group was comprised of 31 patients fulfilling these criteria, and the remaining 69 patients composed the non-FM group. Tender point count (TPC) and common symptoms were recorded. FM disease severity was assessed using Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) was used to evaluate quality of life. Pain severity was measured using Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Rate of FM was found to be 31%. FM patients scored significantly higher on pain, sleep, social isolation, and emotional reactions subgroups of NHP when compared to controls (p<0.05). TPC and FIQ were not affected by gender difference (p>0.05), but reduced with increasing age (p<0.01). FIQ and TPC were found to be correlated with only the pain and emotional reactions subgroups of NHP (p<0.01). There was no statistically significant correlation between FIQ and TPC and the physical mobility, sleep, energy, and social isolation subgroups of NHP (p>0.05). Although FM is known as a disease of young and middle-aged women, our study indicates that its prevalence increases with age. FM is associated with poor quality of life in terms of pain, sleep, social, and emotional functions.

Gender Differences in Symptoms, Health-Related Quality of Life, Sleep Quality, Mental Health, Cognitive Performance, Pain-Cognition, and Positive Health in Spanish Fibromyalgia Individuals: The Al-Ándalus Project.

Objective. To test the gender differences in tenderness, impact of fibromyalgia, health-related quality of life, fatigue, sleep quality, mental health, cognitive performance, pain-cognition, and positive health in Spanish fibromyalgia patients and in age-matched nonfibromyalgia individuals from the same region. To test the optimal cut-off score of the different tender points for women and men. Methods. A total of 405 (384 women) fibromyalgia versus 247 (195 women) nonfibromyalgia control participants from southern Spain (Andalusia) took part in this cross-sectional study. The outcomes studied were assessed by means of several tests. Results. In the fibromyalgia group, men showed better working memory than women (all, P < 0.01), whereas sleep latency was lower in women compared to men (P = 0.013). In the nonfibromyalgia group, men showed higher pain threshold in all the tender points (all, P < 0.01), except in right and left lateral epicondyle. Furthermore, men showed better working memory than women (all, P < 0.01), whereas memory performance was better in women compared to men (all, P ≤ 0.01). Conclusion. The results of the present study do not support consistent evidence of gender differences in fibromyalgia-related symptoms. However, it seems that detriment of some symptoms (especially pain) in fibromyalgia men compared with their nonfibromyalgia counterparts is greater than those of fibromyalgia women compared with their nonfibromyalgia peers.

Heart Rate Variability for Quantification of Autonomic Dysfunction in Fibromyalgia

ObjectiveTo quantify autonomic dysfunction in fibromyalgia patients compared to healthy controls using heart rate variability (HRV).MethodsSixteen patients with fibromyalgia and 16 healthy controls were recruited in this case control study. HRV was measured using the time-domain method incorporating the following parameters: total heartbeats, the mean of intervals between consecutive heartbeats (R-R intervals), the standard deviation of normal to normal R-R intervals (SDNN), the square root of the mean squared differences of successive R-R intervals (RMSSD), ratio of SDNN to RMSSD (SDNN/RMSSD), and difference between the longest and shortest R-R interval under different three conditions including normal quiet breathing, rate controlled breathing, and Valsalva maneuver. The severity of autonomic symptoms in the group of patients with fibromyalgia was measured by Composite Autonomic Symptom Scale 31 (COMPASS 31). Then we analyzed the difference between the fibromyalgia and control groups and the correlation between the COMPASS 31 and aforementioned HRV parameters in the study groups.ResultsPatients with fibromyalgia had significantly higher SDNN/RMSSD values under both normal quiet breathing and rate controlled breathing compared to controls. Differences between the longest and shortest R-R interval under Valsalva maneuver were also significantly lower in patients with fibromyalgia than in controls. COMPASS 31 score was negatively correlated with SDNN/RMSSD values under rate controlled breathing.ConclusionSDNN/RMSSD is a valuable parameter for autonomic nervous system function and can be used to quantify subjective autonomic symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia.

Physiological parameters as a tool in the diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome in females: A preliminary study

AimsAlthough fibromyalgia (FM) syndrome is associated with many symptoms, there is as yet no specific finding or laboratory test diagnostic of this syndrome. The physical examination and laboratory tests may be helpful in figuring out this syndrome. Materials and methodsThe heart rate, respiration rate, body temperature (TEMP), height, body weight, hemoglobin level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, white blood cell count, platelet count (PLT), rheumatoid factor and C-reactive protein levels and electrocardiograms (ECG) of FM patients were compared with those of control individuals. In addition, the predictive value of these tests was evaluated via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Key findingsThe results showed that the TEMP and the PLT were higher in the FM group compared with the control group. Also, ST heights in ECGs which corresponds to a period of ventricle systolic depolarization, showed evidence of a difference between the FM and the control groups. There was no difference observed in terms of the other parameters. According to the ROC analysis, PLT, TEMP and ST height have predictive capacities in FM. SignificanceChanges in hormonal factors, peripheral blood circulation, autonomous system activity disorders, inflammatory incidents, etc., may explain the increased TEMP in the FM patients. The high PLT level may signify a thromboproliferation or a possible compensation caused by a PLT functional disorder. ST depression in FM patients may interrelate with coronary pathology. Elucidating the pathophysiology underlying the increases in TEMP and PLT and the decreases in ST height may help to explain the etiology of FM.

Attentional focus on subjective interoceptive experience in patients with fibromyalgia

ObjectivesThe hypervigilance model of pain perception states that patients with fibromyalgia (FM) have an enhanced sensitivity to aversive and non-aversive stimuli. Few studies have focused on enhanced interoceptive sensitivity in FM. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate spontaneous sensations (SPS) in FM. DesignSPS are those tingling, tickly and other kind of sensations usually perceived on the skin during periods of rest and without any external trigger. Therefore, we have investigated SPS by requiring participants to focus attention on each hand. MethodsEighteen patients with a diagnosis of FM and 18 matched healthy participants had to direct their gaze toward the hand tested for a period of 10s. Subsequently, they had to map and report the intensity, the number and the qualitative properties of sensations arising spontaneously. Finally, participants had to fill out questionnaires assessing cognitive and affective status that may influence the interoceptive sensations feedback. ResultsPatients with FM perceived SPS as significantly more intense than controls did. Additionally, SPS were perceived by the FM group as occupying an overall larger area on the hand than those reported by controls. Importantly, entering scores of pain and catastrophism as covariates produced a relative effect on the feeling of SPS. ConclusionsThe outcome of this study supports the generalized hypervigilance model, suggesting that patients with FM have a perceptual style of amplification of non-aversive interoceptive stimulation, modulated by pain and catastrophizing. This is discussed in relationship to interoceptive awareness.

Stress, Inflammation and Pain: A Potential Role for Monocytes in Fibromyalgia-related Symptom Severity.

The possibility that immunological changes might contribute to symptom severity in fibromyalgia (FM) prompted this proof-of-concept study to determine whether differences in monocyte subpopulations might be present in persons with FM compared with healthy controls. Relationships were assessed by comparing specific symptoms in those with FM (n = 20) and patterns of monocyte subpopulations with healthy age-matched and gender-matched controls (n = 20). Within the same time frame, all participants provided a blood sample and completed measures related to pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, perceived stress, positive and negative affect and depressed mood (and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire for those with FM). Monocyte subpopulations were assessed using flow cytometry. No differences were observed in total percentages of circulating monocytes between the groups; however, pain was inversely correlated with percentages of circulating classical (r = -0.568, p = 0.011) and intermediate (r = -0.511, p = 0.025) monocytes in the FM group. Stress and pain were highly correlated (r = 0.608, p = 0.004) in the FM group. The emerging pattern of changes in the percentages of circulating monocyte subpopulations concomitant with higher ratings of perceived pain and the correlation between stress and pain found in the FM group warrant further investigation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.