Fibromyalgia References from 2001 to January 2007
(in order of descending date) 

       (1)    Alasehirli B, Demiryurek S, Arica E, Gursoy S, Demiryurek AT. No evidence for an association between the Glu298Asp polymorphism of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene and fibromyalgia syndrome. Rheumatol Int 2007; 27(3):275-280.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to analyze the genotype distributions and allele frequencies for the Glu298Asp (G894T) polymorphism of the eNOS gene and the serum nitric oxide level among the patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FS). Ninety-six fibromyalgia patients and 79 unrelated healthy volunteer controls were included in the study. All patients and controls were females. Genomic DNA from 96 patients meeting the American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria for FS and 79 healthy controls was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction. A polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment-length polymorphism analysis of eNOS gene polymorphism was performed, and the results of the patients with FS and healthy controls were compared. Ozone-based chemiluminescence assay with Sievers NO Analyzer was used to measure the serum nitric oxide levels. Neither the frequencies of the Glu298Asp genotypes nor the serum nitric oxide levels showed a significant difference between the groups. These results suggested that FS of the Turkish population seemed to develop without any alterations in eNOS Glu298Asp genotype frequency and the serum nitric oxide level

       (2)    Arshad A, Kong KO. Awareness and perceptions of fibromyalgia syndrome: a survey of Malaysian and Singaporean rheumatologists. Singapore Med J 2007; 48(1):25-30.
Abstract: Introduction: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a common but controversial condition. There appears to be different levels of belief of its existence and awareness. We set out to explore the variations of perceptions and awareness of this condition among rheumatologists from Malaysia and Singapore. Methods: 48 rheumatologists from Malaysia (28) and Singapore (20) were approached to participate in this survey by answering a specific questionnaire regarding their belief in FMS. 23 respondents from Malaysia and 20 from Singapore completed the questionnaire. Results: 91 percent of Malaysian rheumatologists and 95 percent of the Singaporean believe that FMS is a distinct clinical entity and that this condition is considered an illness rather than a disease. 87 percent and 90 percent of rheumatologists from Malaysia and Singapore, respectively, believe that FMS is a mixture of medical and psychological illness. However, not many of those in the university setting include FMS in their undergraduate teaching. 87 percent and 80 percent of the respondents from Malaysia and Singapore, respectively, also ordered blood tests to exclude other serious pathologies, and 100 percent of the respondents from both countries also prescribed some form of drugs to their FMS patients. Conclusion: This study confirmed that there was a variation of perceptions and knowledge of FMS among rheumatologists from Malaysia and Singapore. The majority of rheumatologists recognise that FMS is a distinct clinical entity, and is diagnosed by excluding other well-defined clinical diseases through a combination of clinical evaluation and screening tests

       (3)    Bach GL, Clement DB. Efficacy of Farabloc as an analgesic in primary fibromyalgia. Clin Rheumatol 2007; .
Abstract: The goal of our study was to determine the efficacy of Farabloc, an electromagnetic shielding fabric compared to placebo fabric when worn as a nightgown, as an analgesic in patients hospitalized with fibromyalgia. In a rheumatologic and rehabilitation hospital, we performed a phase 1, single-blind study of patients using Farabloc (F) or placebo (P) gowns for 8 h per night during the 20-day hospitalization and a phase 2, single-blind crossover study of patients using both F and P gowns randomly and alternatively switching after 10 of 21 days hospitalization (phase 1: 42 F, mean age 49.02 years, 35 female, 7 male; 84 P, mean age 48.08 years, 72 female, 12 males; phase 2: 25 F/P, P/F, or P/P, mean age 44.0 years, 24 female, 1 male). The study involved randomly selected and blinded use of hospital gown 8 h per night of either F or P fabric. The main outcome measures were changes from admission or midpoint to discharge in quantity of pain (QN), quality of pain (QL), and paracetamol use (PU). In phase 1, all three variables significantly favored F over P when using paired t test, two sample t test, Mann-Whitney, and analysis of covariance tests. QN was reduced (F = -2.03 -/+ 0.99*, P = 0.59 -/+ 0.71). QL was reduced (F = -10.64 -/+ 5.69*, P = -2.54 -/+ 3.40). PU was reduced (F = 10.69 -/+ 6.68*, P = 26.12 -/+ 9.37). In phase 2, comparing midpoint to discharge levels in the three variables again favored P/F over F/P and P/P (>0.001): QN (P/F +16.00 -/+ 8.35* F/P -13.27 -/+ 11.40), QL (P/F +8.71 -/+ 4.75* F/P -6.55 -/+ 5.59), and PU (F -9.29 -/+ 4.39* P -18.00 -/+ 5.27) (*p = <0.001). Patients with fibromyalgia had less pain after sleeping in a gown made of Farabloc than with a placebo fabric. This suggests that Farabloc, an electromagnetic shielding fabric, has analgesic properties in fibromyalgia. Reduced pain observation is consistent with previous studies in phantom limb pain and delayed onset muscle pain. Limitations of this study include single blind design, small sample size, and in phase 2, a lack of washout period and a F/F group

       (4)    Buskila D, Sarzi-Puttini P, Ablin JN. The genetics of fibromyalgia syndrome. Pharmacogenomics 2007; 8(1):67-74.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a common chronic widespread pain syndrome mainly affecting women. Although the etiology of FMS is not completely understood, varieties of neuroendocrine disturbances, as well as abnormalities of autonomic function, have been implicated in its pathogenesis. The exposure of a genetically predisposed individual to a host of environmental stressors is presumed to lead to the development of FMS. Fibromyalgia overlaps with several related syndromes, collectively compromising the spectrum of the functional somatic disorder. FMS is characterized by a strong familial aggregation. Recent evidence suggests a role for polymorphisms of genes in the serotoninergic, dopaminergic and catecholaminergic systems in the etiopathogenesis of FMS. These polymorphisms are not specific for FMS and are similarly associated with additional comorbid conditions. The mode of inheritance in FMS is unknown, but it is most probably polygenic. Recognition of these gene polymorphisms may help to better subgroup FMS patients and to guide a more rational pharmacological approach. Future genetic studies conducted in larger cohorts of FMS patients and matched control groups may further illuminate the role of genetics in FMS

       (5)    Crooks VA. Exploring the altered daily geographies and lifeworlds of women living with fibromyalgia syndrome: A mixed-method approach. Soc Sci Med 2007; 64(3):577-588.
Abstract: In this paper I employ data triangulation in order to investigate the complex nature of the altered lifeworlds and daily geographies of women living with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). More specifically, I use the findings of in-depth interviews and a standardized test (the Sickness Impact Profile [SIP]) in a mixed-method approach to understanding how women's lives change after the onset of FMS and how their changing bodies and locations in society and space shape such altered lifeworlds. These data were collected from 55 women living with FMS in Ontario, Canada. The experiential evidence shared during the interviews is used to qualify or explain certain phenomena observed within the SIP dataset. I focus on four specific experiences in the women's lives; these are the: (1) onset of mental haziness and fatigue; (2) development of disrupted sleep/sleep disorders; (3) removal from paid labour; and (4) withdrawal from social and recreational activities. It is found that changes in the women's bodies precipitated some of the most significant life changes experienced, including altered identities and diminished incomes, and that altered bodily realities facilitated or denied access to socio-spatial life. At the same time, the women's changing locations in society and space also played a role in bringing about such changes

       (6)    Dinler M, Kasikcioglu E, Akin A, Sayli O, Aksoy C, Oncel A et al. Exercise capacity and oxygen recovery half times of skeletal muscle in patients with fibromyalgia. Rheumatol Int 2007; 27(3):311-313.

       (7)    Dooley DJ, Taylor CP, Donevan S, Feltner D. Ca(2+) channel alpha(2)delta ligands: novel modulators of neurotransmission. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2007; .
Abstract: The term 'Ca(2+) channel alpha(2)delta ligands' has recently been applied to an evolving drug class that includes gabapentin (Neurontin((R))) and pregabalin (Lyrica((R))), and reflects significant progress over the past decade in elucidating the mechanism of action of these drugs: a novel, specific action at one of the subunits constituting voltage-sensitive Ca(2+) channels. Binding of these ligands to the alpha(2)delta subunit is considered to explain their usefulness in treating several clinical disorders, including epilepsy, pain from diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia and fibromyalgia, and generalized anxiety disorder. The evidence indicates a relationship between alpha(2)delta subunit binding and the modulation of processes that subserve neurotransmission. This modulation is characterized by a reduction of the excessive neurotransmitter release that is observed in certain neurological and psychiatric disorders

       (8)    Dreyer L, Mellemkjaer L, Kendall S, Jensen B, nneskiold-Samsoe B, Bliddal H. Increased cancer risk in patients referred to hospital with suspected fibromyalgia. J Rheumatol 2007; 34(1):201-206.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To analyze whether fibromyalgia (FM) and FM-like symptoms are related to an increased incidence of cancer. METHODS: We identified 1361 patients referred on suspicion of FM in the period 1984-99 from hospital records. Following the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria, patients were divided into subgroups with and without confirmed FM. The cohort was followed to the end of 1999 and linked to the files of the Danish Cancer Register. Site-specific standardized incidence ratios (SIR) were calculated. RESULTS: We found no association between FM and cancer in 1132 female patients with confirmed FM at our institution (SIR 1.2, 95% CI 0.8-1.8). In 106 women referred for muscle pain and/or tenderness who did not meet the criteria for FM, an increased overall SIR was observed (SIR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2-4.6), with increased risk for breast cancer (SIR 4.8, 95% CI 1.6-11.3) and lymphatic and hematological cancers (SIR 10.6, 95% CI 1.2-38.2). There were 4 lung cancers in 84 men with confirmed FM (SIR 12.6, 95% CI 3.4-32.4). CONCLUSION: Neither confirmed FM nor those without confirmed FM predicted cancer. An increased risk of breast cancer was found among those who did not meet the ACR criteria for FM. These patients should be investigated if they develop any new or warning symptoms of malignancy, and treating physicians should be vigilant with screening procedures such as mammography

       (9)    Gahimer J, Wernicke J, Yalcin I, Ossanna MJ, Wulster-Radcliffe M, Viktrup L. A retrospective pooled analysis of duloxetine safety in 23 983 subjects. Curr Med Res Opin 2007; 23(1):175-184.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The safety and tolerability of duloxetine for major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP), fibromyalgia, and lower urinary tract disorders (LUTD) (including female stress urinary incontinence [SUI] and other LUTDs) has been established in individual clinical studies. The objective of this manuscript is to characterize the overall safety profile of duloxetine, regardless of indication, based on data from the duloxetine exposures integrated safety database. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The duloxetine exposures integrated safety database was examined using pooled data from 23 983 patients randomized to receive duloxetine in 64 studies for MDD, GAD, DPNP, fibromyalgia, or LUTDs. Evaluated aspects of drug safety included treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), adverse events leading to discontinuation, serious adverse events (SAEs), clinical laboratory tests, vital signs, and electrocardiograms. RESULTS: Common TEAEs included nausea, headache, dry mouth, insomnia, constipation, dizziness, fatigue, somnolence, diarrhea, and hyperhidrosis. Most TEAEs emerged early; the majority were mild to moderate in severity, and did not worsen. Overall, discontinuation rates due to AEs were 20.0%. SAEs occurred at a rate of 3.5% and no single event was predominant. Mean pulse increased by < 2 beats per minute. Mean increases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were < 1 mmHg. Mean alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase values increased by < 2 U/L. CONCLUSIONS: The safety profile for the molecule from the overall duloxetine exposures integrated safety database suggests that benign and common pharmacologic side effects occur with duloxetine treatment. Because these pooled analyses do not allow for statistical comparison to placebo or active comparator, and include data from five different studied indications, these data do not suggest causality for AEs, nor are they necessarily generalizable to each disease stated studied

     (10)    Geisser ME, Gracely RH, Giesecke T, Petzke FW, Williams DA, Clauw DJ. The association between experimental and clinical pain measures among persons with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Eur J Pain 2007; 11(2):202-207.
Abstract: Evoked or experimental pain is often used as a model for the study of clinical pain, yet there are little data regarding the relationship between the two. In addition, there are few data regarding the types of stimuli and stimulus intensities that are most closely related to clinical pain. In this study, 36 subjects with fibromyalgia (FM), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), or both syndromes were administered measures of clinical pain and underwent a dolorimetry evaluation. Subjects also underwent experimental pain testing utilizing heat and pressure stimulation. Stimulation levels evoking low, moderate and high sensory intensity, and comparable levels of unpleasantness, were determined for both types of stimuli using random staircase methods. Clinical pain was assessed using visual analogue ratings and the short form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ). Ratings of heat pain sensation were not significantly associated with clinical pain ratings, with the exception of unpleasantness ratings at high stimulus intensities. Pain threshold and tolerance as assessed by dolorimetry were significantly associated with average measures of clinical pain. Both intensity and unpleasantness ratings of pressure delivered using random staircase methods were significantly associated with clinical pain at low, moderate and high levels, and the strength of the association was greater at increasingly noxious stimulus intensities. These findings suggest that random pressure stimulation as an experimental pain model in these populations more closely reflects the clinical pain for these conditions. These findings merit consideration when designing experimental studies of clinical pain associated with FM and CFS

     (11)    Guedj E, Taieb D, Cammilleri S, Lussato D, de LC, Niboyet J et al. (99m)Tc-ECD brain perfusion SPECT in hyperalgesic fibromyalgia. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2007; 34(1):130-134.
Abstract: PURPOSE: Neuro-imaging studies with (99m)Tc-HMPAO SPECT in fibromyalgia (FM) patients have reported only limited subcortical hypoperfusion. (99m)Tc-ECD SPECT is known to provide better evaluation of areas of high cerebral blood flow and regional metabolic rate. We evaluated a homogeneous group of hyperalgesic patients with FM using (99m)Tc-ECD SPECT. The aim of this study was to investigate brain processing associated with spontaneous pain in FM patients. METHODS: Eighteen hyperalgesic FM women (mean age 49 years, range 25-63 years; American College of Rheumatology criteria) and ten healthy women matched for age were enrolled in the study. A voxel-by-voxel group analysis was performed using SPM2 (p<0.05, corrected for multiple comparisons). Visual Analogue Scale score for pain was 82+/-4 at the time of the SPECT study. RESULTS: Compared with control subjects, we observed individual brain SPECT abnormalities in FM patients, confirmed by SPM2 analysis, with hyperperfusion of the somatosensory cortex and hypoperfusion of the frontal, cingulate, medial temporal and cerebellar cortices. CONCLUSION: In the present study, performed without noxious stimuli in hyperalgesic FM patients, we found significant hyperperfusion in regions of the brain known to be involved in the sensory dimension of pain processing and significant hypoperfusion in areas assumed to be associated with the affective-attentional dimension. As current pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies act differently on the two components of pain, we hypothesise that SPECT could be a valuable and readily available tool to guide individual therapeutic strategy and provide objective follow-up of pain processing recovery under treatment

     (12)    Gulec H, Sayar K. Reliability and validity of the Turkish form of the Somatosensory Amplification Scale. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2007; 61(1):25-30.
Abstract: In this study, the authors aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of the Somatosensory Amplification Scale (SSAS) that was developed by Barsky et al. in the Turkish population. The study was carried out with 42 patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome and Asthma Diseases attending to outpatient Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation and Chest Diseases clinics and 86 healthy students from Karadeniz Technical University. SSAS scores were normally distributed, and had acceptable test-retest reliability (r: 0.73) and internal consistency (alpha, 0.62-0.76). Item to scale correlations varied from 0.10 to 0.72, and most were highly significant. Whereas, one item (item 1) in the control group and one item (item 2) in the patients group had low item-total score correlation (r < 0.15). Criterion related validity of the SSAS was shown with significant correlation between the Symptom Interpretation Questionnaire, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale and the Symptom Check List 90 Revised somatization subscale. The validity analysis of the scale resulted in a very high significant difference (P < 0.01) between the mean SSAS scores of the control and patient's group. Test-retest, internal reliability, and item-total score correlation, discriminating power for specific groups and criterion related validity of the SSAS show that the scale has acceptable reliability and validity for the Turkish population

     (13)    Hassett AL, Radvanski DC, Vaschillo EG, Vaschillo B, Sigal LH, Karavidas MK et al. A Pilot Study of the Efficacy of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Biofeedback in Patients with Fibromyalgia. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2007; .
Abstract: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a non-inflammatory rheumatologic disorder characterized by musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, depression, cognitive dysfunction and sleep disturbance. Research suggests that autonomic dysfunction may account for some of the symptomatology of FM. An open label trial of biofeedback training was conducted to manipulate suboptimal heart rate variability (HRV), a key marker of autonomic dysfunction. Methods: Twelve women ages 18-60 with FM completed 10 weekly sessions of HRV biofeedback. They were taught to breathe at their resonant frequency (RF) and asked to practice twice daily. At sessions 1, 10 and 3-month follow-up, physiological and questionnaire data were collected. Results: There were clinically significant decreases in depression and pain and improvement in functioning from Session 1 to a 3-month follow-up. For depression, the improvement occurred by Session 10. HRV and blood pressure variability (BPV) increased during biofeedback tasks. HRV increased from Sessions 1-10, while BPV decreased from Session 1 to the 3 month follow-up. Conclusions: These data suggest that HRV biofeedback may be a useful treatment for FM, perhaps mediated by autonomic changes. While HRV effects were immediate, blood pressure, baroreflex, and therapeutic effects were delayed. This is consistent with data on the relationship among stress, HPA axis activity, and brain function

     (14)    Hidalgo J, Rico-Villademoros F, Calandre EP. An open-label study of quetiapine in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2007; 31(1):71-77.
Abstract: The aim of this exploratory study was to systematically assess the potential effectiveness and tolerability of quetiapine, an atypical antipsychotic, for the treatment of patients with fibromyalgia. This was a unicentre, open-label study conducted in thirty-five outpatients, 18 years or older, who met the ACR criteria for fibromyalgia and who had not satisfactorily responded to their previous fibromyalgia treatment. Quetiapine, flexibly dosed (25-100 mg/day), was added to their original treatment regimen for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the mean change from baseline to endpoint in the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) total score. Secondary efficacy measures included mean changes from baseline to endpoint in the scores of the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) of Severity scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), and individual items of the FIQ. Thirty (85.7%) patients (mean age 47+/-7.9, 93.3% females) had a postbaseline evaluation and constituted the intent-to-treat efficacy sample. Mean FIQ total score decreased significantly by 10.2 points from a baseline of 63.2 to 53.0 at study endpoint (p<0.001). A statistically significant reduction was observed in FIQ stiffness and FIQ fatigue subscores but not in FIQ pain subscore. Large effect sizes were observed for the FIQ total (1.04), CGI-severity (1.00) and PSQI (1.07), while moderate effect sizes (i.e.>/=0.50) were encountered in the FIQ fatigue, FIQ stiffness and SF-12 mental component summary. Quetiapine was safely administered and well tolerated. Despite the lack of effect on pain, the significant and relevant improvement in overall efficacy measures and quality of life suggests that quetiapine may be a valuable drug for treatment of patients with fibromyalgia that should be further tested in double-blind, placebo-controlled trials

     (15)    Hooper MM, Stellato TA, Hallowell PT, Seitz BA, Moskowitz RW. Musculoskeletal findings in obese subjects before and after weight loss following bariatric surgery. Int J Obes (Lond) 2007; 31(1):114-120.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine the point prevalence of painful musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions in obese subjects before and after weight loss following bariatric surgery. DESIGN: Longitudinal, interventional, unblended.Subjects:Forty-eight obese subjects (47 women, one man, mean age 44+/-9 years; mean body mass index (BMI) 51+/-8 kg/m(2)) recruited from an academic medical center bariatric surgery program. MEASUREMENTS: Comorbid medical conditions; MSK findings; BMI; Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) for pain, stiffness and function; and SF-36 for quality of life. METHODS: Consecutive subjects were recruited from the University Hospitals of Cleveland Bariatric Surgery Program. Musculoskeletal signs and symptoms and non-MSK comorbid conditions were documented at baseline and at follow-up. Subjects completed the SF-36 and the WOMAC questionnaires. Analyses were carried out for each MSK site, fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and for the cumulative effect on the spine, upper and lower extremities. The impact of change in comorbid medical conditions, BMI, physical and mental health domains of the SF-36 on the WOMAC pain subscale score was evaluated. SF-36 outcomes were compared to normal published controls. RESULTS: Forty-eight subjects were available for baseline and a follow-up assessment 6-12 months after gastric bypass surgery. They lost an average of 41+/-15 kg and the mean BMI decreased from 51+/-8 to 36+/-7 kg/m(2). Baseline comorbid medical conditions were present in 96% before surgery and 23% after weight loss. There was an increased prevalence of painful MSK conditions at baseline compared to general population frequencies. Musculoskeletal complaints had been present in 100% of obese subjects before, and 23% after weight loss. The greatest improvements occurred in the cervical and lumbar spine, the foot and in FMS (decreased by 90, 83, 83 and 92%, respectively). Seventy-nine percent had upper extremity MSK conditions before and 40% after weight loss. Before surgery, 100% had lower extremity MSK conditions and only 37% did after weight loss. The WOMAC subscale and composite scores all improved significantly, as did the SF-36((R)). Change in BMI was the main factor impacting the WOMAC pain score. CONCLUSION: There was a higher frequency of multiple MSK complaints, including non-weight-bearing sites compared to historical controls, before surgery, which decreased significantly at most sites following weight loss and physical activity. These benefits may improve further, as weight loss may continue for up to 24 months. The benefits seen with weight loss indicate that prevention and treatment of obesity can improve MSK health and function

     (16)    Hooten WM, Townsend CO, Sletten CD, Bruce BK, Rome JD. Treatment outcomes after multidisciplinary pain rehabilitation with analgesic medication withdrawal for patients with fibromyalgia. Pain Med 2007; 8(1):8-16.
Abstract: Objective. This study of patients with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia (FM) was conducted to test the hypothesis that immediate posttreatment measures of psychosocial functioning, health attributes, negative pain-related emotions, and depressive symptoms improve significantly during multidisciplinary pain rehabilitation while concurrently withdrawing analgesic medications. Design. Prospective case series. Setting. Multidisciplinary pain rehabilitation center at a tertiary referral medical center. Patients. In total, 159 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of FM admitted to the pain rehabilitation program from January 2002 to December 2003. Interventions. A 3-week outpatient multidisciplinary pain rehabilitation program based on a cognitive-behavioral model that incorporates analgesic medication withdrawal. Outcome Measures. Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI), Short Form-36 Health Status Questionnaire (SF-36), Coping Strategies Questionnaire-Catastrophizing subscale (CSQ-C), and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale (CES-D) were administered at admission and dismissal and the mean differences in scores were compared using paired t-tests. The number of patients using opioid analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), benzodiazepines, and muscle relaxants at admission and dismissal were compared using chi-squared analyses. Results. The difference in admission and dismissal scores from the MPI, SF-36, CSQ-C, and CES-D demonstrated a favorable response to treatment (P < 0.001). Compared with admission, the number of patients using opioids (P < 0.001), NSAIDs (P < 0.001), benzodiazepines (P < 0.001), and muscle relaxants (P < 0.01) at program dismissal was significantly reduced. Conclusion. The results of this study support the hypothesis that immediate posttreatment measures of physical and emotional functioning are favorable for patients with FM following multidisciplinary pain rehabilitation that incorporates withdrawal of analgesic medications

     (17)    Ifergane G, Shelef I, Buskila D. Migraine and fibromyalgia developing after a pontine haemorrhage. Cephalalgia 2007; 27(2):191.

     (18)    Jespersen A, Dreyer L, Kendall S, Graven-Nielsen T, rendt-Nielsen L, Bliddal H et al. Computerized cuff pressure algometry: A new method to assess deep-tissue hypersensitivity in fibromyalgia. Pain 2007; .
Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of computerized cuff pressure algometry (CPA) in fibromyalgia (FM) and to correlate deep-tissue sensitivity assessed by CPA with other disease markers of FM. Forty-eight women with FM and 16 healthy age-matched women were included. A computer-controlled, pneumatic tourniquet cuff was placed over the gastrocnemius muscle. The cuff was inflated, and the subject rated the pain intensity continuously on an electronic Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The subject stopped the inflation at the pressure-pain tolerance and the corresponding VAS-score was determined (pressure-pain limit). The pressure at which VAS firstly exceeded 0 was defined as the pressure-pain threshold. Other disease markers (FM only): Isokinetic knee muscle strength, tenderpoint-count, myalgic score, Beck Depression Inventory, and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire. Student's T-test was used to compare pressure-pain threshold and pressure-pain tolerance and the Mann-Whitney test to compare pressure-pain limit. Pearson's correlation was used to detect linear relationships. Pressure-pain threshold and pressure-pain tolerance assessed by CPA were significantly lower in FM compared to healthy controls. There was no difference in pressure-pain limit. CPA-parameters were significantly correlated to isokinetic muscle strength where more hypersensitivity resulted in lower strength. Pressure-pain threshold and pressure-pain tolerance assessed by CPA were significantly lower in patients with FM indicating muscle hyperalgesia. CPA was associated with knee muscle strength but not with measures thought to be influenced by psychological distress and mood

     (19)    Jones KD, Deodhar P, Lorentzen A, Bennett RM, Deodhar AA. Growth Hormone Perturbations in Fibromyalgia: A Review. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2007; .
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome characterized by chronic widespread pain, fatigue, disrupted sleep, depression, and physical deconditioning. In this article, we review the literature on the normal activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor-1 (HP-GH-IGF-1) axis and its perturbations in FM subjects. METHODS: Studies included in this review were accessed through an English language search of Cochrane Collaboration Reviews. Keyword MeSH terms included "fibromyalgia," "growth hormone" (GH), or "insulin-like growth factor-1" (IGF-1). RESULTS: Twenty-six studies enrolling 2006 subjects were reviewed. Overall, low levels of IGF-1 were found in a subgroup of subjects. Growth hormone stimulation tests often revealed a suboptimal response, which did not always correlate with IGF-1 levels. No consistent defects in pituitary function were found. Of the 3 randomized placebo controlled studies, only 9 months of daily injectable recombinant GH reduced FM symptoms and normalized IGF-1. CONCLUSIONS: These studies suggest that pituitary function is normal in FM and that reported changes in the HP-GH-IGF-1 axis are most likely hypothalamic in origin. The therapeutic efficacy of supplemental GH therapy in FM requires further study before any solid recommendations can be made

     (20)    Kadetoff D, Kosek E. The effects of static muscular contraction on blood pressure, heart rate, pain ratings and pressure pain thresholds in healthy individuals and patients with fibromyalgia. Eur J Pain 2007; 11(1):39-47.
Abstract: Aberrations of cardiovascular regulation and dysfunction of endogenous pain modulation have been reported in fibromyalgia (FM) patients. This study aimed at investigating the interactions between cardiovascular regulation and pain perception during static muscle contractions. Seventeen FM patients and 17 healthy controls performed a standardised static contraction (m. quadriceps femoris dx) until exhaustion. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), ratings of exertion/fatigue and pain intensity as well as pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) (at m. quadriceps dx and m. deltoideus dx) were assessed before, during and 15 min following contraction. Systolic and diastolic BP increased during contraction (p<0.001) and decreased following contraction (p<0.001) in both groups alike. A significant increase in HR was seen during contraction in FM patients (p<0.001), but not in healthy controls (difference between groups p<0.02). The rated exertion/fatigue and pain intensity increased more during contraction and remained elevated longer following contraction in the patient group. PPTs were lower in patients compared to controls at both sites at all times (p<0.001). No group differences in PPT changes over time were found. In conclusion, no indication of an attenuated cardiovascular response to exercise was found in our FM patients. The more pronounced HR increase in patients during contraction was most likely due to deconditioning. No exercise related change in PPTs was seen in either group, most likely due to insufficient exercise intensity, but the contraction induced pain was more pronounced in the FM patients

     (21)    Kim SH. Skin biopsy findings: Implications for the pathophysiology of fibromyalgia. Med Hypotheses 2007; .
Abstract: The mechanisms responsible for symptom expression in fibromyalgia (FM) are complex. The most consistently detected objective abnormalities in FM involve pain-processing systems. Up to recently, central nervous system was a primary focus of investigations in FM. Although it is unlikely that FM occurs because of primary disorders of the peripheral tissues, there are still data to suggest that some abnormalities can be detected in the periphery. With the recognition of abnormalities in skin of some FM patients, it is now apparent that the role of peripheral nerve endings in FM is much greater than previously thought. The aim of this paper is to review literature concerning the skin biopsy findings of FM patients and discuss their potential relevance to FM. This paper suggests that patients with FM represent a state of the dysfunction of descending, antinociceptive pathways and low hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function. This state is further proposed to result in many skin biopsy findings associated with the disorder, including increased N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors subtype 2D expression, neurogenic inflammation and characteristic electron microscopic findings. Future direction of research would be identification of specific laboratory markers such as skin biopsy for diagnostic and clinical evaluation purposes in FM

     (22)    Kivimaki M, Leino-Arjas P, Kaila-Kangas L, Virtanen M, Elovainio M, Puttonen S et al. Increased absence due to sickness among employees with fibromyalgia. Ann Rheum Dis 2007; 66(1):65-69.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Little is known about the effect of fibromyalgia on absence due to sickness in working populations. OBJECTIVE: To examine the risk of absence due to sickness among employees with fibromyalgia. METHODS: A prospective cohort study with 1-year follow-up of recorded and certified absence due to sickness after a survey of chronic diseases among 34 100 Finnish public sector employees (27 360 women and 6740 men) aged 17-65 years at baseline in 2000-2. RESULTS: 20 224 days of absence due to sickness for the 644 employees with fibromyalgia and 454 816 days for others were documented. Of those with fibromyalgia, 67% had co-occurring chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, depression or other psychiatric disorders. Compared with employees with none of these chronic conditions, the hazard ratio (HR) adjusted for age, sex and occupational status was 1.85-fold (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.53 to 2.18) for people with fibromyalgia alone and 2.63-fold (95% CI 2.34 to 2.96) for employees with fibromyalgia with coexisting conditions. The excess rate of absence due to sickness was 61 episodes/100 person-years among people with fibromyalgia alone. Among employees with musculoskeletal and psychiatric disorders, secondary fibromyalgia was associated with a 1.4-1.5-fold increase in risk of absence. CONCLUSION: Fibromyalgia is associated with a substantially increased risk of medically certified absence due to sickness that is not accounted for by coexisting osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or psychiatric disorders

     (23)    Lakomek HJ, Lakomek M, Bosquet-Nahrwold K. [Fibromyalgia. Diagnostics - Disease Approach - Therapy.]. Med Klin (Munich) 2007; 102(1):23-29.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia is a complex of symptoms predominantly affecting females and consisting of widespread pain.Etiology and pathogenesis are not sufficiently known yet, however, there is the assumption that fibromyalgia is looked at as being an illness with biological, psychological, and social aspects. Therefore, the treatment of fibromyalgia calls for a multimodal therapy approach.The importance of fibromyalgia has been recognized within the German health system by creating the new ICD code M79.70 and by assigning fibromyalgia its own rheumatologic DRG (I79Z).In future research of fibromyalgia special attention needs to be placed upon gender-specific problems

     (24)    Loevinger BL, Muller D, Alonso C, Coe CL. Metabolic syndrome in women with chronic pain. Metabolism 2007; 56(1):87-93.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia is a prevalent syndrome characterized by chronic pain, fatigue, and insomnia. Patients with fibromyalgia commonly have an elevated body mass index and are physically inactive, 2 major risk factors for metabolic syndrome. Yet little is known about the relationship between chronic pain conditions and metabolic disturbances. Our study evaluated the risk for, and neuroendocrine correlates of, metabolic syndrome in this patient population. Women with fibromyalgia (n = 109) were compared with control healthy women (n = 46), all recruited from the community. Metabolic syndrome was identified by using criteria from the Adult Treatment Panel III with glycosylated hemoglobin concentrations substituted for serum glucose. Catecholamine and cortisol levels were determined from 12-hour overnight urine collections. Women with fibromyalgia were 5.56 times more likely than healthy controls to have metabolic syndrome (95% confidence interval, 1.25-24.74). Fibromyalgia was associated with larger waist circumference (P = .04), higher glycosylated hemoglobin (P = .01) and serum triglyceride (P < .001) levels, and higher systolic (P = .003) and diastolic (P = .002) blood pressure. Total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were also significantly higher in women with fibromyalgia (P = .001 and .02, respectively), although high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was in the reference range. These associations were not accounted for by age or body mass index. Meeting criteria for more metabolic syndrome components was related to higher urinary norepinephrine (NE)/epinephrine and NE/cortisol ratios (P < .001 and P = .009, respectively). Women with chronic pain from fibromyalgia are at an increased risk for metabolic syndrome, which may be associated with relatively elevated NE levels in conjunction with relatively reduced epinephrine and cortisol secretion

     (25)    Marotte H, Fontanges E, Bailly F, Zoulim F, Trepo C, Miossec P. Etanercept treatment for three months is safe in patients with rheumatological manifestations associated with hepatitis C virus. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2007; 46(1):97-99.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The treatment of the rheumatological manifestations associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains difficult. To examine the safety of anti-tumour necerosis factor-alpha treatment, nine patients having rheumatological manifestations associated with HCV were treated with etanercept 25 mg twice a week for 3 months. METHODS: Five patients had a positive viral load at study entry (Group I), four were negative (Group II). Clinical data recorded were: disease duration, painful and swollen joint count, patient global and physician global assessment, the number of 18 specified fibromyalgia tender points and the Health Assessment Questionnaire score. Laboratory studies included checking for the presence of cryoglobulinaemia and transaminase levels. Quantitative HCV viral RNA was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: At 3 months, no patient was found to have evidence of increased hepatic inflammation based on serial serum transaminase levels. In the five patients from Group I with detectable HCV RNA, no significant viral load increase was observed. No reactivation was observed in the four patients from Group II with undetectable HCV RNA. The effect on the clinical rheumatological manifestations was more heterogeneous but appears to be lower than that observed in rheumatoid arthritis. CONCLUSION: In this phase II open short-term study, etanercept appeared to be safe in patients with articular manifestations associated with HCV

     (26)    Nilsen KB, Sand T, Westgaard RH, Stovner LJ, White LR, Bang LR et al. Autonomic activation and pain in response to low-grade mental stress in fibromyalgia and shoulder/neck pain patients. Eur J Pain 2007; .
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Psychosocial stress is a risk factor for musculoskeletal pain, but how stress affects musculoskeletal pain is poorly understood. We wanted to examine the relationship between low-grade autonomic activation and stress-related pain in patients with fibromyalgia and localised chronic shoulder/neck pain. METHODS: Twenty-three female patients with fibromyalgia, 29 female patients with chronic shoulder-neck pain, and 35 healthy women performed a stressful task lasting 60min. With a blinded study design, we recorded continuous blood pressure, heart rate, finger skin blood flow and respiration frequency before (10min), during (60min) and after (30min) the stressful task. The physiological responses were compared with subjective reports of pain. RESULTS: The increase in diastolic blood pressure and heart rate in response to the stressful task were smaller in fibromyalgia patients compared with the healthy controls. Furthermore, fibromyalgia patients had reduced finger skin blood flow at the end of the stressful task compared to healthy controls. We also found an inverse relationship between the heart rate response and development and recovery of the stress-related pain in fibromyalgia patients. CONCLUSION: We found abnormal cardiovascular responses to a 60min long stressful task in fibromyalgia patients. Furthermore, we found a negative association between the heart rate response and the pain which developed during the stressful task in the fibromyalgia group, possibly a result of reduced stress-induced analgesia for fibromyalgia patients

     (27)    Onat AM, Ozturk MA, Ozcakar L, Ureten K, Kaymak SU, Kiraz S et al. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors reduce the attack frequency in familial mediterranean Fever. Tohoku J Exp Med 2007; 211(1):9-14.
Abstract: Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is characterized by recurrent acute attacks of fever and serositis, and colchicine is the primary treatment. The pathogenesis of the disease has not been fully understood. Resistance to colchicine remains to be a problem in up to 30% of the patients and yet there seems to be no alternative treatment. In this study our objective was to investigate whether a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) could affect the attack frequency and acute phase response in FMF patients who were unresponsive to colchicine. We retrospectively evaluated the hospital files of 11 colchicine-unresponsive FMF patients who had been treated with SSRIs. According to the records and re-evaluation of the patients, the total number of the FMF attacks was calculated before and after the SSRI, adjunct to colchicine. The laboratory values including erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen and white blood cell counts were also noted before and after the SSRI treatment from their hospital files. The mean attack frequency before adding SSRI to colchicine was 8.09 +/- 3.53 per 6 months, and at the end of this period there was a great decline in the number of mean attack frequency (0.36 +/- 0.50 attacks per 6 months) (p < 0.001). Acute phase reactants were significantly decreased after SSRI treatment (p < 0.001). All of the colchicine-unresponsive patients had depression and 3 of those patients also had fibromyalgia. SSRIs appear to be useful adjuncts in the management of FMF patients who continue to have attacks despite regular colchicine treatment

     (28)    Pamuk ON, Cakir N. The frequency of thyroid antibodies in fibromyalgia patients and their relationship with symptoms. Clin Rheumatol 2007; 26(1):55-59.
Abstract: We determined the frequency of thyroid autoantibodies in fibromyalgia (FM) patients and the relationship between FM symptoms and these antibodies. Euthyroid 128 FM patients, 64 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and 64 healthy control subjects were included in the study. The sociodemographic features and the clinical features of FM patients were determined. By using a visual analog scale, patients were questioned about the severity of FM-related symptoms. All patients were administered with Duke-Anxiety Depression (Duke-AD) scale, the physical function items of the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire scale. Thyroid autoimmunity was defined as the presence of detectable antithyroglobulin (TgAb) and/or antithyroid peroxidase (TPOAb) antibodies by the immunometric methods. Patients with a connective tissue disorder, hypo- or hyperthyroidism, and patients who had psychiatric treatment within the last 6 months were not included into the study. The frequencies of thyroid autoimmunity in FM (34.4%) and RA (29.7%) patients were significantly higher than controls (18.8%) (p<0.05). Twenty-six (20.3%) FM patients had positive TgAb and 31 (24.2%) had positive TPOAb. When patients with thyroid autoimmunity were compared to others, it was seen that the mean age, the percentage of postmenopausal patients, the frequency of dryness of the mouth, and the percentage of patients with a previous psychiatric treatment were higher in this group (p<0.05). FM patients had thyroid autoimmunity similar to the frequency in RA and higher than controls. Age and postmenopausal status seemed to be associated with thyroid autoimmunity in FM patients. The presence of thyroid autoimmunity had no relationship with the depression scores of FM patients

     (29)    Pieczenik SR, Neustadt J. Mitochondrial dysfunction and molecular pathways of disease. Exp Mol Pathol 2007; .
Abstract: Since the first mitochondrial dysfunction was described in the 1960s, the medicine has advanced in its understanding the role mitochondria play in health, disease, and aging. A wide range of seemingly unrelated disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disease, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, migraine headaches, strokes, neuropathic pain, Parkinson's disease, ataxia, transient ischemic attack, cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, retinitis pigmentosa, diabetes, hepatitis C, and primary biliary cirrhosis, have underlying pathophysiological mechanisms in common, namely reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, the accumulation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage, resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction. Antioxidant therapies hold promise for improving mitochondrial performance. Physicians seeking systematic treatments for their patients might consider testing urinary organic acids to determine how best to treat them. If in the next 50 years advances in mitochondrial treatments match the immense increase in knowledge about mitochondrial function that has occurred in the last 50 years, mitochondrial diseases and dysfunction will largely be a medical triumph

     (30)    Sabayan B, Bagheri M, Borhani HA. Possible joint origin of restless leg syndrome (RLS) and migraine. Med Hypotheses 2007; .
Abstract: Sleep disorders have been described in migraine patients. Among sleep disorders RLS has been reported in up to one-third of migraineurs. Adverse effects of anti migraine therapy by dopamine antagonists can not fully explain this association. Therefore we present the hypothesis that RLS and migraine may have a joint origin. The hypothesis is supported by: (1) the same genetic origin for migraine without aura and RLS in single Italian family on chromosome 14q21; this gene codes survival motor neuron-interacting protein 1 (SIP1) which can play role in both diseases. (2) Correlation of both RLS and migraine with fibromyalgia. (3) Alteration of cortical excitability in both migraine and RLS

     (31)    Su SY, Chen JJ, Lai CC, Chen CM, Tsai FJ. The association between fibromyalgia and polymorphism of monoamine oxidase A and interleukin-4. Clin Rheumatol 2007; 26(1):12-16.
Abstract: Because fibromyalgia (FM) is often comorbid with anxiety, and monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) was reported to be associated with anxiety, we determine if there is MAOA gene polymorphism associated with FM patients. Moreover, interleukin 4 (IL-4) was found to be an important cytokine participating in the immunologic pathway of T-helper 2 (Th-2) cells, in this study, we search if the genetic polymorphism of IL-4 intron3 could be demonstrated in FM patients. The genotype of sixty-two FM patients was compared with that of control subjects. The polymorphism of IL-4 intron3 variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) was demonstrated by performing the genomic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and analyzing the length of PCR product. Furthermore, the MAOA 941 G to T polymorphism was also determined by PCR-RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) analysis. The MAOA 941 position genotype polymorphism between FM and control subjects was found neither statistically different in male (p=0.60) or female (p=0.52), nor total allelic frequency (p=0.52). Similarly, the difference of IL-4 intron3 polymorphism between FM and control was neither existing in genotype (p=0.06), nor allele frequency (p=0.07). The result suggests either the genetic linkage between FM and anxiety or that between FM and immunologic diseases are weak. Accordingly, the MAOA 941 position and IL-4 intron3 polymorphisms are not susceptible markers to predict FM

     (32)    Veerapen K, Wigley RD, Valkenburg H. Musculoskeletal pain in Malaysia: a COPCORD survey. J Rheumatol 2007; 34(1):207-213.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To assess the nature and extent of rheumatic complaints in a semirural area in a multiracial (Malay, Indian, Chinese) community in Malaysia using the Community Oriented Program for the Control of Rheumatic Diseases (COPCORD) protocol initiated by ILAR and the WHO. METHODS: All members of a community of 2700 persons over the age of 15 years were offered a questionnaire based interview in Phase 1 of the study. Those with rheumatic complaints (pain in the last 1 week) were invited for a physical examination by a rheumatologist in Phase 2. RESULTS: In total, 2594 (96%) persons agreed to a questionnaire based interview. Of those interviewed, 21.1% had a current rheumatic complaint. The pain rate was higher in women (23.8%) than in men (17.8%). Chinese men had the lowest age-standardized pain rate (9.9%), while Indian women had the highest rate (28.4%). In the study population, 14.4% complained of pain in the joints and/or musculoskeletal pain and 11.6% had low back pain. The knee was responsible for 64.8% of all complaints pertaining to the joints, and more than half those examined with knee pain had clinical evidence of osteoarthritis (OA). The complaint rate increased with age, up to 53.4% in the group age > 65 years. The major disability encountered was the inability to squat (3.1%). Fibromyalgia, soft tissue lesions, and localized OA of the knees were the main clinical diagnoses. Inflammatory arthritis was uncommon. Both Western and traditional sources of healthcare were used, often together. Self-medication was common (58.8%). CONCLUSION: Knee and back pain are the main rheumatic complaints in Malaysia, with complaint rates differing according to race and gender

     (33)    Williams DA, Gracely RH. Biology and therapy of fibromyalgia. Functional magnetic resonance imaging findings in fibromyalgia. Arthritis Res Ther 2007; 8(6):224.
Abstract: ABSTRACT: Techniques in neuroimaging such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have helped to provide insights into the role of supraspinal mechanisms in pain perception. This review focuses on studies that have applied fMRI in an attempt to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the processing of pain associated with fibromyalgia. This article provides an overview of the nociceptive system as it functions normally, reviews functional brain imaging methods, and integrates the existing literature utilizing fMRI to study central pain mechanisms in fibromyalgia

     (34)    Wingenfeld K, Wagner D, Schmidt I, Meinlschmidt G, Hellhammer DH, Heim C. The low-dose dexamethasone suppression test in fibromyalgia. J Psychosom Res 2007; 62(1):85-91.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) has been associated with decreased cortisol secretion. Patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) exhibit similar hypocortisolism in the context of increased negative feedback sensitivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Because trauma and PTSD have been associated with fibromyalgia, we evaluated whether patients with fibromyalgia demonstrate increased HPA feedback sensitivity. METHOD: Baseline blood samples were obtained at 0800 h, and 0.5 mg of dexamethasone was administered to 15 female patients with FMS and 20 normal controls at 2300 h. Adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), cortisol, and dexamethasone levels were measured at 0800 h after dexamethasone intake. RESULTS: There were no group differences in mean ACTH or cortisol levels or in ACTH/cortisol ratio at baseline. After dexamethasone intake, patients with FMS exhibited more pronounced suppression of cortisol but not of ACTH, as well as increased ACTH/cortisol ratios compared with controls. Percent cortisol suppression was associated with pain and fatigue, while ACTH/cortisol ratio and dexamethasone availability were associated with stress and anxiety measures. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest increased sensitivity to glucocorticoid feedback, manifested at the adrenal level, in FMS

     (35)    Wood PB, Patterson JC, Sunderland JJ, Tainter KH, Glabus MF, Lilien DL. Reduced presynaptic dopamine activity in fibromyalgia syndrome demonstrated with positron emission tomography: a pilot study. J Pain 2007; 8(1):51-58.
Abstract: Although the pathophysiology underlying the pain of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) remains unknown, a variety of clinical and investigational findings suggests a dysregulation of dopaminergic neurotransmission. We therefore investigated presynaptic dopaminergic function in 6 female FMS patients in comparison to 8 age- and gender-matched controls as assessed by positron emission tomography with 6-[(18)F]fluoro-L-DOPA as a tracer. Semiquantitative analysis revealed reductions in 6-[(18)F]fluoro-L-DOPA uptake in several brain regions, indicating a disruption of presynaptic dopamine activity wherein dopamine plays a putative role in natural analgesia. Although the small sample size makes these findings preliminary, it appears that FMS might be characterized by a disruption of dopaminergic neurotransmission. PERSPECTIVE: An association between FMS and reduced dopamine metabolism within the pain neuromatrix provides important insights into the pathophysiology of this mysterious disorder

     (36)    Zijlstra TR, Taal E, van de Laar MA, Rasker JJ. Validation of a Dutch translation of the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2007; 46(1):131-134.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To validate a Dutch translation of the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ). Materials and METHODS: Data were taken from two randomized clinical trials on Spa treatment and venlafaxine in fibromyalgia (FM). Participants completed the Dutch FIQ and a set of validated questionnaires for general health (RAND-36), depression (Beck depression inventory, BDI), pain (McGill pain questionnaire, MPQ) and fatigue (checklist individual strength, CIS). Internal consistency within the FIQ item 'physical functioning' was studied using Cronbach's alpha. Test-retest reliability was studied with intra-class-correlation (ICC) in a subsample of 76 control subjects over a 3 month period without specific intervention. Construct validity was evaluated by correlating the FIQ to other questionnaires. Sensitivity to change was studied using standardized response means (SRM). RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 213 women and 11 men (mean age 47 yrs, mean disease duration 11 yrs). Cronbach's alpha for the item 'physical functioning' was 0.91, indicating high internal consistency. Test-retest reliability was acceptable, with ICC ranging from 0.45 for 'morning tiredness' to 0.71 for 'physical function'. FIQ correlated significantly with the RAND-36, with Spearman's rho ranging from -0.60 to -0.70 for items measuring the same concept. Similar patterns of correlation were seen with MPQ, BDI and CIS. Sensitivity to change was sufficient, with SRM after Spa treatment ranging from 0.3 for 'work days missed' to 0.9 for 'days felt good'. Similar SRM were found in the venlafaxine trial for patients reporting general improvement. CONCLUSION: The Dutch FIQ is a valid instrument for measuring health status in FM, showing sufficient reliability, construct validity and responsiveness

     (37)    Study finds acupuncture improves fibromyalgia symptoms. Mayo Clin Womens Healthsource 2006; 10(12):3.

     (38)    Duloxetine: new indication. Depression and diabetic neuropathy: too many adverse effects. Prescrire Int 2006; 15(85):168-172.
Abstract: (1) Several classes of antidepressants are available. The main difference between these classes is in their short-term pharmacological effects, leading to different patterns of adverse effects. Some antidepressants, especially tricyclics, have positive risk-benefit balances in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. (2) Duloxetine, a compound chemically related to fluoxetine, appears to have a short-term mechanism of action similar to that of venlafaxine. In the European Union, duloxetine was first approved for female urinary stress incontinence. Another brand of duloxetine has since been marketed for depression and neuropathic pain in diabetic patients. (3) Duloxetine at a dose of 60 mg once a day showed moderate efficacy in 2 placebo-controlled trials. At this dose, however, there are no other comparative trials. It is therefore not possible to know whether duloxetine is as effective as other antidepressants. (4) Two placebo-controlled trials involving patients with pain due to diabetic neuropathy concluded that a dose of 60 mg/day had efficacy, although of doubtful clinical relevance. In the absence of comparative trials, however, we do not know if this efficacy is even equivalent to that of a tricyclic antidepressant used as an analgesic. (5) In fibromyalgia, a controversial clinical diagnosis, two double-blind placebo-controlled trials involving 207 and 354 patients failed to prove that duloxetine had tangible analgesic efficacy. It is therefore appropriate that this use is not mentioned in the "Indications" section of the summary of product characteristics (SPC). (6) The assessment of duloxetine in depression and neuropathic pain confirms existing data on its gastrointestinal, neuropsychological and hepatic adverse effects. In these trials, duloxetine increased blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner. (7) Duloxetine is metabolized by cytochrome P450 isoenzymes CYP 1A2 and CYP 2D6, creating an important risk of interactions with other drugs. (8) In practice, duloxetine currently has no place in the treatment of depression or diabetic neuropathy. Its efficacy has not yet been demonstrated to be even equivalent to that of other available drugs, and it has too many adverse effects, given this degree of uncertainty

     (39)    Duloxetine effective for fibromyalgia in some women. J Fam Pract 2006; 55(5):382.

     (40)    New recommendations for fibromyalgia relief. Heated pool therapy, certain medications among new treatments. Health News 2006; 12(11):8-9.

     (41)    Ablin JN, Shoenfeld Y, Buskila D. Fibromyalgia, infection and vaccination: Two more parts in the etiological puzzle. J Autoimmun 2006; 27(3):145-152.
Abstract: As the pathogenesis of fibromyalgia continues to raise debate, multiple putative triggers have been implicated. The current review summarizes the available data linking fibromyalgia to either infection or vaccination. Multiple infectious agents have been associated with the development of either full-blown fibromyalgia (e.g. hepatits C), or with symptom complexes extensively overlapping with that syndrome (e.g. chronic Lyme disease). The cases of Lyme disease, mycoplasma, hepatits C and HIV are detailed. Despite the described associations, no evidence is available demonstrating the utility of antibiotic or anti-viral treatment in the management of fibromyalgia. Possible mechanistic links between fibromyalgia and HIV are reviewed. Associations have been described between various vaccinations and symptom complexes including fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. The case of Gulf War syndrome, a functional multisystem entity sharing many clinical characteristics with fibromyalgia is discussed, with emphasis on the possibility of association with administration of multiple vaccinations during deployment in the Persian Gulf and the interaction with stress and trauma. Based on this example a model is proposed, wherein vaccinations function as co-triggers for the development of functional disorders including fibromyalgia, in conjunction with additional contributing factors

     (42)    Ablin JN, Cohen H, Buskila D. Mechanisms of Disease: genetics of fibromyalgia. Nat Clin Pract Rheumatol 2006; 2(12):671-678.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain and tenderness, and has a significant familial component. The etiology of fibromyalgia remains unclear, but genetic factors seem to have a significant role, and are influenced by environmental factors. Research over the past two decades has demonstrated that genetic polymorphisms in the serotoninergic, dopaminergic and catecholaminergic systems of pain transmission and processing are involved in the etiology of fibromyalgia, but additional candidates continue to emerge. Fibromyalgia is thought to belong to the group of affective spectrum disorders, which include related psychiatric and medical disorders. As the concept of affective spectrum disorders continues to evolve, progress in the understanding of the genetic basis of related functional disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and post-traumatic-stress disorder, is aiding our understanding of the genetic basis of fibromyalgia

     (43)    Ablin JN, Buskila D. The genetics of fibromyalgia--closing Osler's backdoor. Isr Med Assoc J 2006; 8(6):428-429.

     (44)    Alegre C, Vidal-Coll C. [Cell phone devices and fibromyalgia]. Med Clin (Barc ) 2006; 126(13):514.

     (45)    Altindag O, Celik H. Total antioxidant capacity and the severity of the pain in patients with fibromyalgia. Redox Rep 2006; 11(3):131-135.
Abstract: The purpose of the study was to determine the oxidative and antioxidative status of plasma in patients with fibromyalgia. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of plasma was significantly lower in patients with fibromyalgia (n = 20) than in healthy controls (n = 20) [1.5 (SD 0.3) and 1.9 (SD 0.3) mmol Trolox equiv./l, P = 0.001]. In contrast, the total peroxide level of plasma was significantly higher in patients than in healthy controls [37.4 (SD 6.7) and 33.0 (SD 2.7) micromol H2O2/l; P = 0.01]. The oxidative stress index (OSI) level was significantly higher in patients with fibromyalgia than in healthy controls [2.5 (SD 1.0) and 1.8 (SD 0.4); P = 0.007]. A significant negative correlation between visual analogue scale (VAS) and TAC level was determined (r = -0.79, P < 0.001). The present results indicate that patients with fibromyalgia are exposed to oxidative stress and this increased oxidative stress may play a role in the etiopathogenesis of the disease. Supplementation of antioxidant vitamins such as vitamins C and E to the therapy may be indicated

     (46)    Ambalavanar R, Moutanni A, Dessem D. Inflammation of craniofacial muscle induces widespread mechanical allodynia. Neurosci Lett 2006; 399(3):249-254.
Abstract: The modulation of behavioral responses evoked by local and distant nociceptive stimuli following a discrete somatic injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) was examined in rats. Inflammation of one craniofacial muscle evoked mechanical allodynia not only in the region of inflammation but also secondary mechanical allodynia in the contralateral head, ipsilateral hindpaw, and contralateral hindpaw. In contrast to this, CFA-induced inflammation of either the hindpaw or gastrocnemius muscle evoked mechanical allodynia restricted to the hindlimb region. The widespread modulation of nocifensive behavior evoked by inflammation of deep craniofacial tissue found in this study resembles the widespread deep tissue pain reported in fibromyalgia, whiplash injury and some temporomandibular disorders and thus may provide insight into the mechanisms of these musculoskeletal pathologies

     (47)    Amital D, Fostick L, Polliack ML, Segev S, Zohar J, Rubinow A et al. Posttraumatic stress disorder, tenderness, and fibromyalgia syndrome: are they different entities? J Psychosom Res 2006; 61(5):663-669.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Many features of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) resemble those of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The goal of this study was to investigate the comorbidity of FMS and PTSD in a cohort of men following an intensive, initial, defined traumatic event. METHODS: One hundred twenty-four males (55 patients with PTSD, 20 patients with major depression, and 49 controls) were evaluated for the presence of FMS. The major traumatic events in all PTSD patients were combat-related. Each individual completed questionnaires characterizing his disease, disabilities, and quality of life. RESULTS: Forty-nine percent of PTSD patients, compared to 5% of major depression patients and none of normal controls, fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology criteria for FMS (P<.0001). Significant correlations were detected between tender points and measured parameters in the PTSD group. CONCLUSIONS: In male patients, PTSD is highly associated with FMS. The degree and impact of these disorders are also highly related

     (48)    Amital D, Vishne T, Rubinow A, Levine J. Observed effects of creatine monohydrate in a patient with depression and fibromyalgia. Am J Psychiatry 2006; 163(10):1840-1841.

     (49)    Angst F, Brioschi R, Main CJ, Lehmann S, Aeschlimann A. Interdisciplinary rehabilitation in fibromyalgia and chronic back pain: a prospective outcome study. J Pain 2006; 7(11):807-815.
Abstract: This study aimed to examine short-term and mid-term course of health, biopsychosocial functional ability, and coping performance of patients with fibromyalgia (FM) or chronic back pain (BP) after participation in a standardized 4-week inpatient, interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation program. In a prospective cohort study, assessments were made by using a set of standardized, well-tested self-rating instruments and other parameters before and after the intervention up to the 6-month follow-up with standardized effect sizes (ES) and comparison to population norms. The effects of improvements in health and coping domains on pain reduction were examined by linear regression modeling. The health of the 65 FM and the 60 BP patients at baseline was far worse than expected from the norms. Improvements included ES up to 1.09 for pain, physical role performance, and mental/affective health dimensions and 0.50 in coping at discharge from the clinic. At the 6-month follow-up, all effects were consistently lower but still up to ES = 0.75. Improvements of FM and BP were equal at discharge but slightly better for the FM's mood scales at the 6-month follow-up. Physical and social function, mood, and coping were significantly associated with pain reduction. PERSPECTIVE: Inpatient, structured interdisciplinary rehabilitation covering elements of cognitive and operant behavioral therapy, graded activity exercise, and adapted drug therapy revealed moderate to large short-term and mid-term improvements in physical and mental health and in the major coping dimensions as captured by comprehensive and specific assessment

     (50)    Ardic F, Ozgen M, Aybek H, Rota S, Cubukcu D, Gokgoz A. Effects of balneotherapy on serum IL-1, PGE(2 )and LTB (4) levels in fibromyalgia patients. Rheumatol Int 2006; .
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical effects of balneotherapy in the treatment of Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) and to determine if balneotherapy influences serum levels of inflammation markers, IL-1, PGE(2 )and LTB(4). 24 primary fibromyalgia female patients diagnosed according to American College of Rheumatology criteria were included to the study. Their ages ranged between 33 and 55 years. FMS patients were randomly assigned in two groups as, group 1 (n = 12) and group 2 (n = 12). Group 1 received 20-min bathing, once in a day for five days per week. Patients participated in the study for 3 weeks (total of 15 sessions) in Denizli. Group 2 did not receive balneotherapy. FMS patients were evaluated by tenderness measurements (tender point count and algometry), Visual Analogue Scale, Beck's Depression Index, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire. Ten healthy women recruited group three as the controls. Serum PGE(2), LTB(4) and IL1-alpha levels were measured in all three groups. The biochemical measurements and clinical assessments were performed before and at the end of general period of therapy. Statistically significant alterations in algometric score, Visual Analogue score, Beck's Depression Index and PGE(2) levels (P < 0.001), numbers of tender points (P < 0.01) and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire score (P < 0.05) were found after the balneotherapy between group 1 and 2. Mean PGE(2) level of FMS patients were higher compared to healthy control group (P < 0.0001) and decreased after the treatment period, only in group 1 (P < 0.05). As in the group 2 and 3, detectable IL-1 and LTB(4) measurements were insufficient, statistical analysis was performed, only in group 1. After balneotherapy IL-1 and LTB(4) significantly decreased in group 1 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, balneotherapy is an effective choice of treatment in patients with FMS relieving the clinical symptoms, and possibly influencing the inflammatory mediators

     (51)    Arguelles LM, Afari N, Buchwald DS, Clauw DJ, Furner S, Goldberg J. A twin study of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and chronic widespread pain. Pain 2006; 124(1-2):150-157.
Abstract: Previous studies of the association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic widespread pain (CWP) or fibromyalgia have not examined the role of familial or genetic factors. The goals of this study were to determine if symptoms of PTSD are related to CWP in a genetically informative community-based sample of twin pairs, and if so, to ascertain if the association is due to familial or genetic factors. Data were obtained from the University of Washington Twin Registry, which contains 1042 monozygotic and 828 dizygotic twin pairs. To assess the symptoms of PTSD, we used questions from the Impact of Events Scale (IES). IES scores were partitioned into terciles. CWP was defined as pain located in 3 body regions lasting at least 1 week during the past 3 months. Random-effects regression models, adjusted for demographic features and depression, examined the relationship between IES and CWP. IES scores were strongly associated with CWP (P<0.0001). Compared to those in the lowest IES tercile, twins in the highest tercile were 3.5 times more likely to report CWP. Although IES scores were associated with CWP more strongly among dizygotic than among monozygotic twins, this difference was not significant. Our findings suggest that PTSD symptoms, as measured by IES, are strongly linked to CWP, but this association is not explained by a common familial or genetic vulnerability to both conditions. Future research is needed to understand the temporal association of PTSD and CWP, as well as the physiological underpinnings of this relationship

     (52)    Armstrong DJ, Meenagh GK, Bickle I, Lee AS, Curran ES, Finch MB. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with anxiety and depression in fibromyalgia. Clin Rheumatol 2006; %19;.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia is a complex problem in which symptoms of anxiety and depression feature prominently. Low levels of vitamin D have been frequently reported in fibromyalgia, but no relationship was demonstrated with anxiety and depression. Seventy-five Caucasian patients who fulfilled the ACR criteria for fibromyalgia had serum vitamin D levels measured and completed the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS). Deficient levels of vitamin D was found in 13.3% of the patients, while 56.0% had insufficient levels and 30.7% had normal levels. Patients with vitamin D deficiency (<25 nmol/l) had higher HADS [median, IQR, 31.0 (23.8-36.8] than patients with insufficient levels [25-50 nmol/l; HADS 22.5 (17.0-26.0)] or than patients with normal levels [50 nmol/l or greater; HADS 23.5 (19.0-27.5); Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA on ranks p<0.05]. There was no relationship with global measures of disease impact or musculoskeletal symptoms. Vitamin D deficiency is common in fibromyalgia and occurs more frequently in patients with anxiety and depression. The nature and direction of the causal relationship remains unclear, but there are definite implications for long-term bone health

     (53)    Arnold LD, Bachmann GA, Rosen R, Kelly S, Rhoads GG. Vulvodynia: Characteristics and Associations With Comorbidities and Quality of Life. Obstet Gynecol 2006; 107(3):617-624.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This case-control survey compared health history and health care use of women with vulvodynia with a control group reporting absence of gynecologic pain. METHODS: Women with a clinically assessed diagnosis of vulvodynia and asymptomatic controls were matched for age and mailed a confidential survey that evaluated demographics, health history, use of the health care system, and history of vulvodynia. Participants were all current or former ambulatory patients within a university health care system. RESULTS: Of the 512 questionnaires mailed to valid addresses, 70% (n = 91) of cases and 72% (n = 275) of controls responded, with 77 cases and 208 controls meeting eligibility criteria. Women with vulvodynia reported a substantial negative impact on quality of life, with 42% feeling out of control of their lives and 60% feeling out of control of their bodies. Forty-one percent indicated a severe impact on their sexual lives. When comorbidities were evaluated individually and adjusted for age, fibromyalgia (odds ratio 3.84, 95% confidence interval 1.54-9.55) and irritable bowel syndrome (odds ratio 3.11, 95% confidence interval 1.60-6.05) were significantly associated with vulvodynia. On a multivariate level, vulvodynia was correlated with a history of chronic yeast vaginitis and urinary tract infections. CONCLUSION: This survey highlights the psychological distress associated with vulvodynia and underscores the need for prospective studies to investigate the relationship between chronic bladder and vaginal infections as etiologies for this condition. As well, the association of vulvodynia with other comorbid conditions, such as fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome, needs to be further evaluated. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-2

     (54)    Arnold LM. Biology and therapy of fibromyalgia. New therapies in fibromyalgia. Arthritis Res Ther 2006; 8(4):212.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia is a chronic, musculoskeletal pain condition that predominately affects women. Although fibromyalgia is common and associated with substantial morbidity and disability, there are no US Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments. However, progress has been made in identifying pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for fibromyalgia. Recent pharmacological treatment studies have focused on selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, which enhance serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmission in the descending pain pathways and lack many of the adverse side effects associated with tricyclic medications. Promising results have also been reported for medications that bind to the alpha2delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, resulting in decreased calcium influx at nerve terminals and subsequent reduction in the release of several neurotransmitters thought to play a role in pain processing. There is also evidence to support exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy, education, and social support in the management of fibromyalgia. It is likely that many patients would benefit from combinations of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, but more study is needed

     (55)    Arnold LM, Hudson JI, Keck PE, Auchenbach MB, Javaras KN, Hess EV. Comorbidity of fibromyalgia and psychiatric disorders. J Clin Psychiatry 2006; 67(8):1219-1225.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To assess the co-occurrence of fibromyalgia with psychiatric disorders in participants of a fibromyalgia family study. METHOD: Patients (probands) with fibromyalgia, control probands with rheumatoid arthritis, and first-degree relatives of both groups completed a structured clinical interview and tender point examination. The co-occurrence odds ratio (OR) (the odds of a lifetime comorbid DSM-IV disorder in an individual with fibromyalgia divided by the odds of a lifetime comorbid disorder in an individual without fibromyalgia, adjusted for age and sex) was calculated; observations were weighted by the inverse probability of selection, based on the fibromyalgia status of the pro-band; and standard errors were adjusted for the correlation of observations within families. The study was conducted from September 1999 to April 2002. RESULTS: We evaluated 78 fibromyalgia pro-bands and 146 of their relatives, and 40 rheumatoid arthritis probands and 72 of their relatives. Among the relatives of both proband groups, we identified 30 cases of fibromyalgia, bringing the total number of individuals with fibromyalgia to 108, compared with 228 without fibromyalgia. The co-occurrence ORs for specific disorders in individuals with versus those without fibromyalgia were as follows: bipolar disorder: 153 (95% CI = 26 to 902, p < .001); major depressive disorder: 2.7 (95% CI = 1.2 to 6.0, p = .013); any anxiety disorder: 6.7 (95% CI = 2.3 to 20, p < .001); any eating disorder: 2.4 (95% CI = 0.36 to 17, p = .36); and any substance use disorder: 3.3 (95% CI = 1.1 to 10, p = .040). CONCLUSIONS: There is substantial lifetime psychiatric comorbidity in individuals with fibromyalgia. These results have important clinical and theoretical implications, including the possibility that fibromyalgia might share underlying pathophysiologic links with some psychiatric disorders

     (56)    Assis MR, Silva LE, Alves AM, Pessanha AP, Valim V, Feldman D et al. A randomized controlled trial of deep water running: clinical effectiveness of aquatic exercise to treat fibromyalgia. Arthritis Rheum 2006; 55(1):57-65.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effectiveness of aerobic exercise in the water with walking/jogging for women with fibromyalgia (FM). METHODS: Sixty sedentary women with FM, ages 18-60 years, were randomly assigned to either deep water running (DWR) or land-based exercises (LBE). Patients were trained for 15 weeks at their anaerobic threshold. Visual analog scale of pain, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Beck Depression Inventory, Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36), and a patient's global assessment of response to therapy (PGART) were measured at baseline, week 8, and week 15. Statistical analysis included all patients. RESULTS: Four patients dropped out from each group. Both groups improved significantly at week 15 compared with baseline, with an average 36% reduction in pain intensity. For PGART, 40% of the DWR group and 30% of the LBE group answered "much better" at posttreatment. FIQ total score and FIQ depression improvements in the DWR group were faster (week 8) than the LBE group and kept improving (week 15; P < 0.05). Only the DWR group showed improvements in SF-36 role emotional (P = 0.006). No significant between-group differences were observed for peak oxygen uptake and other outcomes. CONCLUSION: DWR is a safe exercise that has been shown to be as effective as LBE regarding pain. However, it has been shown to bring more advantages related to emotional aspects. Aerobic gain was similar for both groups, regardless of symptom improvement. Therefore, DWR could be studied as an exercise option for patients with FM who have problems adapting to LBE or lower limbs limitations

     (57)    Auvinet B, Bileckot R, Alix AS, Chaleil D, Barrey E. Gait disorders in patients with fibromyalgia. Joint Bone Spine 2006; 73(5):543-546.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compare gait in patients with fibromyalgia and in matched controls. METHODS: Measurements must be obtained in patients with fibromyalgia, as the evaluation scales for this disorder are semi-quantitative. We used a patented gait analysis system (Locometrix Centaure Metrix, France) developed by the French National Institute for Agricultural Research. Relaxed walking was evaluated in 14 women (mean age 50+/-5 years; mean height 162+/-5 cm; and mean body weight 68+/-13 kg) meeting American College of Rheumatology criteria for fibromyalgia and in 14 controls matched on sex, age, height, and body weight. RESULTS: Gait during stable walking was severely altered in the patients. Walking speed was significantly diminished (P<0.001) as a result of reductions in stride length (P<0.001) and cycle frequency (P<0.001). The resulting bradykinesia (P<0.001) was the best factor for separating the two groups. Regularity was affected in the patients (P<0.01); this variable is interesting because it is independent of age and sex in healthy, active adults. CONCLUSION: Measuring the variables that characterize relaxed walking provides useful quantitative data in patients with fibromyalgia

     (58)    Aydin G, Basar MM, Keles I, Ergun G, Orkun S, Batislam E. Relationship between sexual dysfunction and psychiatric status in premenopausal women with fibromyalgia. Urology 2006; 67(1):156-161.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the possible relationship between the sexual and psychiatric status of premenopausal female patients with fibromyalgia compared with healthy controls. METHODS: A total of 48 female patients with fibromyalgia and 38 age-matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. All the subjects were asked to complete the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) for sexual status and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) for psychiatric assessment. Serum biochemical analysis was done, and the serum hormonal levels were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean BDI score for patients was significantly greater than the score for the controls (P = 0.017) and the mean FSFI score was significantly lower than the score for the controls (P = 0.001). According to the FSFI data, female sexual dysfunction was found in 26 patients (54.2%) with fibromyalgia and only 6 controls (15.8%), a significant difference (Pearson chi-square = 14.46, P = 0.000). When the subscores of each domain of FSFI were evaluated, the most common sexual problem was diminished desire in patients (n = 30, 62.5%) and controls (n = 11, 28.9%). In the correlation analysis, the FSFI score showed a significant negative correlation with the BDI (r = -0.337, P = 0.002) and STAI (r = -0.413, P = 0.004) scores. No significant correlation was revealed between the FSFI and BDI or FSFI and STAI scores in the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Depression is one of the emotional disorders commonly encountered in women with fibromyalgia, most possibly leading to sexual dysfunction. Thus, sexual dysfunction related to impaired psychiatric status should be considered a common problem in premenopausal women with fibromyalgia

     (59)    Baker K, Barkhuizen A. Pharmacologic treatment of fibromyalgia. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2006; 8(6):464-469.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia is a syndrome of widespread pain, non-restorative sleep, disturbed mood, and fatigue. Optimal treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach with a team of health care providers using pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment. Because of the heterogeneity of the illness, management should be individualized for the patient. Pharmacologic treatment should address issues of pain control, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and any underlying coexisting mood disorder. Nonpharmacologic treatment should include patient education, a regular exercise and stretching program, and cognitive behavioral therapy. All of these are essential to improving functional capacity and quality of life. This review provides general guidelines in initiating a successful pharmacologic treatment program for patients with fibromyalgia

     (60)    Bathaii SM, Tabaddor K. Characteristics and incidence of fibromyalgia in patients who receive worker's compensation. Am J Orthop 2006; 35(10):473-475.
Abstract: The aim of our study was to investigate the incidence of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) in patients with work-related injuries, the potential risk factors for and causes of FMS, and the disabilities associated with FMS

     (61)    Bazzichi L, Giannaccini G, Betti L, Italiani P, Fabbrini L, Defeo F et al. Peripheral benzodiazepine receptors on platelets of fibromyalgic patients. Clin Biochem 2006; 39(9):867-872.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to analyze if alterations of peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) characteristics occurred in platelet membranes of patients affected by primary fibromyalgia (FM). DESIGN AND METHODS: Platelets were obtained from 30 patients with FM. Evaluation of kinetic parameters of PBR was performed using [(3)H] PK11195 as specific radioligand compared with 16 healthy volunteers. RESULTS: The results showed a significant increase of PBR binding sites value in platelet membranes from FM patients (B(max) was 5366+/-188 fmol/mg vs. controls, 4193+/-341 fmol/mg, mean+/-SEM) (**p<0.01) but not for affinity value (K(d) was 4.90+/-0.39 nM vs. controls, 4.74+/-0.39 nM, mean+/-SEM) (p>0.05). Symptom severity scores (pain and tiredness) were positively correlated with B(max). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed an up-regulation of PBR in platelets of FM patients, and this seems to be related to the severity of fibromyalgic symptoms

     (62)    Bazzichi L, Giannaccini G, Betti L, Mascia G, Fabbrini L, Italiani P et al. Alteration of serotonin transporter density and activity in fibromyalgia. Arthritis Res Ther 2006; 8(4):R99.
Abstract: The aim of the study was to evaluate the kinetic parameters of a specific serotonin transporter (SERT) and serotonin uptake in a mentally healthy subset of patients with fibromyalgia. Platelets were obtained from 40 patients and 38 healthy controls. SERT expression and functionality were evaluated through the measurement of [3H]paroxetine binding and the [3H]serotonin uptake itself. The values of maximal membrane binding capacity (Bmax) were statistically lower in the patients than in the healthy volunteers, whereas the dissociation constant (Kd) did not show any statistically significant variations. Moreover, a decrease in the maximal uptake rate of SERT (Vmax) was demonstrated in the platelets of patients, whereas the Michaelis constant (Km) did not show any statistically significant variations. Symptom severity score (tiredness, tender points index and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire) were negatively correlated with Bmax and with Vmax, and positively correlated with Km. A change in SERT seems to occur in fibromyalgic patients, and it seems to be related to the severity of fibromyalgic symptoms

     (63)    Becker-Merok A, Kalaaji M, Haugbro K, Nikolaisen C, Nilsen K, Rekvig OP et al. Alpha-actinin-binding antibodies in relation to systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2006; 8(6):R162.
Abstract: This study investigated the overall clinical impact of anti-alpha-actinin antibodies in patients with pre-selected autoimmune diseases and in a random group of anti-nuclear antibody (ANA)-positive individuals. The relation of anti-alpha-actinin antibodies with lupus nephritis and anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibodies represented a particular focus for the study. Using a cross-sectional design, the presence of antibodies to alpha-actinin was studied in selected groups, classified according to the relevant American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (n = 99), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (n = 68), Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) (n = 85), and fibromyalgia (FM) (n = 29), and in a random group of ANA-positive individuals (n = 142). Renal disease was defined as (increased) proteinuria with haematuria or presence of cellular casts. Sera from SLE, RA, and Sjogren's syndrome (SS) patients had significantly higher levels of anti-alpha-actinin antibodies than the other patient groups. Using the geometric mean (+/- 2 standard deviations) in FM patients as the upper cutoff, 20% of SLE patients, 12% of RA patients, 4% of SS patients, and none of the WG patients were positive for anti-alpha-actinin antibodies. Within the SLE cohort, anti-alpha-actinin antibody levels were higher in patients with renal flares (p = 0.02) and correlated independently with anti-dsDNA antibody levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (p < 0.007) but not with other disease features. In the random ANA group, 14 individuals had anti-alpha-actinin antibodies. Of these, 36% had SLE, while 64% suffered from other, mostly autoimmune, disorders. Antibodies binding to alpha-actinin were detected in 20% of SLE patients but were not specific for SLE. They correlate with anti-dsDNA antibody levels, implying in vitro cross-reactivity of anti-dsDNA antibodies, which may explain the observed association with renal disease in SLE

     (64)    Bennett R, Nelson D. Cognitive behavioral therapy for fibromyalgia. Nat Clin Pract Rheumatol 2006; 2(8):416-424.
Abstract: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques offer short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy. In this respect, it differs from classical psychoanalysis in emphasizing changes in thought patterns and behaviors rather than providing 'deep insight'. Importantly, the beneficial effects of CBT can be achieved in 10-20 sessions, compared with the many years required for classical psychoanalysis. Although CBT is often done on a one-to-one basis, it also lends itself to a group therapeutic setting. CBT was initially used in the treatment of mood disorders, but its use has subsequently been expanded to include various other medical conditions, including chronic pain states. Over the past 18 years, several chronic pain treatment programs have used CBT techniques in the management of fibromyalgia. In this review, the results from 13 programs using CBT, alone or in combination with other treatment modalities, are analyzed. In most studies, CBT provided worthwhile improvements in pain-related behavior, self-efficacy, coping strategies and overall physical function. Sustained improvements in pain were most evident when individualized CBT was used to treat patients with juvenile fibromyalgia. The current data indicate that CBT, as a single treatment modality, does not offer any distinct advantage over well-planned group programs of education or exercise, or both. Its role in the management of fibromyalgia patients needs further research

     (65)    Bergeson J, Eickhoff A. Mayo Clinic office visit. Fibromyalgia management. An interview with Jody Bergeson, R.N., and Andrea Eickhoff, R.N. Mayo Clin Womens Healthsource 2006; 10(8):7-8.

     (66)    Bieber C, Muller KG, Blumenstiel K, Schneider A, Richter A, Wilke S et al. Long-term effects of a shared decision-making intervention on physician-patient interaction and outcome in fibromyalgia. A qualitative and quantitative 1 year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial. Patient Educ Couns 2006; 63(3):357-366.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) patients and their doctors frequently complain on interaction difficulties. We investigated the effects of a shared decision-making (SDM) intervention on physician-patient interaction and health outcome. METHODS: Sixty-seven FMS patients of an outpatient university setting that had been included in a randomized controlled trial were followed up. They were either treated in an SDM group or in an information group. Both groups saw a computer based information tool on FMS, but only the SDM group was treated by doctors which underwent a special SDM communication training. A comparison group of 44 FMS patients receiving treatment as usual was recruited in rheumatological practices. We assessed patients and their doctors using a combined qualitative and quantitative approach. Patients and doctors were followed-up after 3 months (T2) and after 1 year (T3). RESULTS: The significantly best quality of physician-patient interaction was reported by patients and doctors of the SDM group, followed by the information group. Coping had more often improved in the SDM group than in the information group. However directly health related outcome variables had not improved in any of the groups at T3. CONCLUSION: An SDM intervention can lead to an improved physician-patient relationship from the patients' and from the doctors' perspective. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: It should be considered to include SDM in standard care for FMS patients

     (67)    Birtane M, Uzunca K, Tastekin N, Tuna H. The evaluation of quality of life in fibromyalgia syndrome: a comparison with rheumatoid arthritis by using SF-36 Health Survey. Clin Rheumatol 2006; .
Abstract: Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common causes of deterioration in quality of life (QOL). We in this study aimed to assess (1) the impact of fibromyalgia syndrome (FS) on QOL comparing with that of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and control subjects and (2) the impact of these two musculoskeletal disorders on various components of QOL using SF-36 Health Survey. Thirty-five patients with RA, 30 patients with FS, and 30 voluntary control subjects were included in the study. The groups were comparable in terms of demographic characteristics. QOL was evaluated by using Short-Form (SF)-36 Health Survey in all study participants, and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), which is a specific health-status instrument for FS, was used in FS patients. Physical functioning, physical role, social functioning, bodily pain, general health, vitality, emotional role, and mental health scores were significantly lower in RA and FS patients than in control subjects (p<0.05). The between-groups comparisons revealed that FS patients had significantly lower mental health scores than RA patients (49.87 vs 62.51, respectively), (p<0.001). Total FIQ score correlated significantly with physical functioning, physical role, and bodily pain in FS patients. All parameters of SF-36 Health Survey except for social functioning correlated significantly with some of the variables of FIQ. FS has a negative impact on QOL, like RA. Furthermore, mental health was more severely affected in FS patients when compared with RA patients

     (68)    Blasco CL, Mallo CM, Mencia PA, Franch BJ, Casaus SP, Pena RJ et al. Clinical profiles in fibromyalgia patients of the community mental health center: a predictive index of psychopathological severity. Actas Esp Psiquiatr 2006; 34(2):112-122.
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: In recent years we have seen an increasing demand for mental health care in patients with fibromyalgia and psychiatric symptoms, although it is not clear if the symptoms are primary or secondary to the presence of the syndrome. This fact has led mental health providers to think that there would be some psychological factors influencing the vulnerability of suffering this painful syndrome, because its etiology is quite non-specific. Bradley et al. (1978) identified different psychopathological profiles within chronic pain syndromes with the MMPI, which were subsequently adapted by Yunus et al. (1991) for fibromyalgia. This present work studied the clinical profile in patients with fibromyalgia. METHOD: Sample: 75 patients with fibromyalgia from the community mental health center and 55 healthy subjects. Tools: STAI-E/R, BDI, MMPI-2, MMPI-2 personality disorders, MMPI-2 PSY-5. Statistical analysis: descriptive statistics and mean comparison (Student's t test). Confirmatory cluster analysis. Discriminative analysis of subgroups. RESULTS: Two different patterns were obtained: group A (32 %) with a typical chronic pain profile (CP) and group B (68 %) with a psychological maladjustment profile (PM). With the discriminative analysis, we obtained the coefficients of the discriminative canonical functions that maximize the differences between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed Bradley's classification, obtaining two different psychopathological patterns in the fibromyalgia syndrome sample we studied. We obtained an index of psychopathological profile in fibromyalgia, which would form a new scale, from MMPI-2 for discriminating psychopathological severity in fibromyalgia

     (69)    Blehm R. Physical therapy and other nonpharmacologic approaches to fibromyalgia management. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2006; 10(5):333-338.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia is a vague and changing syndrome that comprises many symptoms. Due to the confounding nature of fibromyalgia syndrome, there has been much debate about which interventions and therapies should be considered as viable treatment options. Opinions continue to shift in publication and research circles, with little documentation to show good, long-term outcomes. Several studies have shown promise, with initial improvement in symptoms, but in many cases, these improvements were not lasting or the patients were then unable to continue/replicate the program on their own. In this article, some of the more recently published findings regarding the efficacy of exercise are explored, specifically physical therapy and other nonpharmacologic interventions, for managing fibromyalgia syndrome

     (70)    Bonifazi M, Suman AL, Cambiaggi C, Felici A, Grasso G, Lodi L et al. Changes in salivary cortisol and corticosteroid receptor-alpha mRNA expression following a 3-week multidisciplinary treatment program in patients with fibromyalgia. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2006; 31(9):1076-1086.
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a 3-week residential multidisciplinary non-pharmacological treatment program (including individually prescribed aerobic exercise and cognitive-behavioral therapy) on fibromyalgia symptoms and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function. Salivary and venous blood samples were collected from 12 female patients with fibromyalgia (age: 25-58) the day before and the day after the treatment period: saliva, eight times (every two hours from 0800 to 2200 h); venous blood, at 0800 h. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were separated and analyzed for glucocorticoid receptor-alpha (GR-alpha) mRNA expression by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, while the salivary cortisol concentration was determined by RIA. At the same time, pain and aerobic capacity were evaluated. Aerobic capacity improved at the end of the treatment program. The slope of the regression of salivary cortisol values on sampling time was steeper in all patients after treatment, indicating that the cortisol decline was more rapid. Concomitantly, the area under the cortisol curve "with respect to increase" (AUC(i)) was higher and there was a significant increase in GR-alpha mRNA expression in PBMC. The number of positive tender points, present pain, pain area and CES-D score were significantly reduced after the treatment, while the pressure pain threshold increased at most of the tender points. Our findings suggest that one of the active mechanisms underlying the effects of our treatment is an improvement of HPA axis function, consisting in increased resiliency and sensitivity of the stress system probably related to stimulation of GR-alpha synthesis by the components of the treatment

     (71)    Boocock MG, McNair PJ, Larmer PJ, Armstrong B, Collier J, Simmonds M et al. Interventions for the prevention and management of neck/upper extremity musculoskeletal conditions: a systematic review. Occup Environ Med 2006; .
Abstract: Whether considered from medical, social or economic perspectives, the cost of musculoskeletal injuries suffered in the workplace is substantial and there is a need to identify the most efficacious interventions for their effective prevention, management and rehabilitation. Previous reviews have highlighted the limited number of studies that focus on upper extremity intervention programmes. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the findings of primary, secondary and/or tertiary intervention studies for neck/upper extremity conditions undertaken between 1999 and 2004 and compare these results with those of previous reviews. Relevant studies were retrieved through the use of a systematic approach to literature searching and evaluated using a standardised tool. Evidence was then classified according to a 'pattern of evidence' approach. Studies were categorised into subgroups depending on the type of INTERVENTION: mechanical exposure interventions; production systems/organisational culture interventions; and modifier interventions. Thirty one intervention studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings provided evidence to support the use of some mechanical and modifier interventions as approaches for preventing and managing neck/upper extremity musculoskeletal conditions and fibromyalgia. Evidence to support the benefits of production systems/organisational culture interventions was found to be lacking. This review identified no one single or multidimensional strategy for intervention that was considered effective across occupational settings. There is limited information to support the establishment of evidence-based guidelines applicable to a number of industrial sectors

     (72)    Borg-Stein J, Wilkins A. Soft tissue determinants of low back pain. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2006; 10(5):339-344.
Abstract: Low back pain is one of the complaints most commonly seen in the clinical setting. Correctly or incorrectly, these patients are often given the diagnosis of fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, disk herniation, or some other label. It is important to recognize the soft tissue causes of low back pain and understand how they can be most appropriately diagnosed and managed. Nonligamentous disorders of the low back region may occur in isolation or in combination with underlying discogenic, ligamentous, and facet-mediated causes of pain. Therefore, in order to fully evaluate and treat a patient with low back pain, it is necessary to consider and address these soft tissue conditions. This paper reviews soft tissue causes of low back pain and discusses how they are most appropriately diagnosed and managed

     (73)    Borg-Stein J. Treatment of fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, and related disorders. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2006; 17(2):491-510, viii.
Abstract: Chronic muscle pain is a common complaint among patients who seek care for musculoskeletal disorders. A spectrum of clinical presentations exists, ranging from focal or regional complaints that usually represent myofascial pain syndromes to more wide spread pain that may meet criteria for a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. This article addresses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical management of myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia. These conditions are challenging to treat and require physiatrists to be aware of the wide range of pharmacologic, rehabilitative,and psychosocial interventions that can be helpful

     (74)    Brautbar A, Elstein D, Pines B, Krienen N, Hemmer J, Buskila D et al. Fibromyalgia and Gaucher's disease. QJM 2006; 99(2):103-107.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Patients with symptomatic Gaucher's disease sometimes have non-specific symptoms (such as general malaise with widespread musculoskeletal pains) that respond poorly to enzyme replacement treatment. These may indicate fibromyalgia syndrome; if so, other therapeutic options might be more appropriate. AIM: To identify patients with Gaucher's disease for whom fibromyalgia-specific therapy may be therapeutic. DESIGN: Questionnaire-based survey. METHODS: Adult patients (n = 109) with non-neuronopathic Gaucher's disease and adult healthy controls (n = 108) completed health-related questionnaires including the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, and underwent testing with a dolorimeter to ascertain sensitivity at 22 tender points. RESULTS: Six patients, but no controls, met the criteria for fibromyalgia. Patients with fibromyalgia had a significantly greater incidence of co-morbidities (p = 0.014) relative to other patients with Gaucher's disease; four suffered from bone involvement and were receiving enzyme therapy, but two were untreated. DISCUSSION: The presence of fibromyalgia-specific trigger points may result from multiple aetiologies, or may be an independently-sorting predisposition. Our findings cannot distinguish between these possibilities, but if fibromyalgia were the cause, enzyme replacement therapy would be expensive and inappropriate

     (75)    Bronner G. [Female sexual function and chronic disease]. Harefuah 2006; 145(2):114-116.
Abstract: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a multifactorial set of conditions associated with multiple anatomical, physiological, biological, medical and psychological factors that can have major impact on self-esteem, quality of life, mood and relationships. Studies indicate that FSD is commonly seen in women who report a low level of satisfaction with partner relationship and in women with male partners who have erectile dysfunction. This complexity of FSD is augmented by the presence of chronic disease. Negative sexual effects are widely reported in studies of women with chronic diseases (such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, cancer, spinal cord injury, lupus, rheumatic diseases, Parkinson's disease, fibromyalgia and chronic pain) as compared to a general healthy female population. Physical problems, emotional problems and partnership difficulties arising from disease-related stress contribute to less active and less enjoyable sex life. Chronic pain, fatigue, low self-esteem as well as use of medications might reduce sexual function. These effects of chronic diseases on female sexual function still remain largely unstudied. The study by Manor and Zohar published in this issue of Harefuah draws our attention to the sexual dysfunction of women with breast cancer and examines their needs for information regarding their sexual function. In the absence of definite treatment evidence, psychological counseling, improved vaginal lubrication, low dose of hormonal therapy can be used to relieve FSD. Physicians must consider integrating diagnosis of their female patients' sexual needs and dysfunction, especially women with chronic diseases. Patients' education and counseling may contribute to a better quality of life in spite of their chronic disease

     (76)    Burckhardt CS. Multidisciplinary approaches for management of fibromyalgia. Curr Pharm Des 2006; 12(1):59-66.
Abstract: Multidisciplinary approaches to fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) treatment are advocated for treating the complex symptoms and problems confronting many patients. Exercise and cognitive-behavioral strategies together with patient education commonly comprise the multidisciplinary approach to treatment in clinical trials. A review of the research literature suggests that they are effective for decreasing pain and FMS impact and increasing self-efficacy and physical functioning. Limitations of the current evidence base include a lack of studies that include medication treatment as part of the multidisciplinary approach as well as lack of attention to the diversity of patient psychosocial issues that may interfere with treatment effectiveness. The review recommends that further randomized clinical trials be carried out with subgroups of patients using standardized outcome measurements, adequate treatment length and sufficient length of follow-up to be able to observe and document changes in patient symptoms and behaviors over time

     (77)    Buskila D, Sarzi-Puttini P. Biology and therapy of fibromyalgia. Genetic aspects of fibromyalgia syndrome. Arthritis Res Ther 2006; 8(5):218.
Abstract: Genetic and environmental factors may play a role in the etiopathology of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and other related syndromes. There is a high aggregation of FMS in families of FMS patients. The mode of inheritance is unknown but it is most probably polygenic. There is evidence that polymorphisms of genes in the serotoninergic, dopaminergic and catecholaminergic systems play a role in the etiology of FMS. These polymorphisms are not specific for FMS and are associated with other functional somatic disorders and depression. Future genetic studies in the field of FMS and related conditions should be conducted in larger cohorts of patients and ethnically matched control groups

     (78)    Cabyoglu MT, Ergene N, Tan U. The mechanism of acupuncture and clinical applications. Int J Neurosci 2006; 116(2):115-125.
Abstract: This study presents the result of the studies explaining the effects of acupuncture on various systems and symptoms. It has been determined that endomorphin-1, beta endorphin, encephalin, and serotonin levels increase in plasma and brain tissue through acupuncture application. It has been observed that the increases of endomorphin-1, beta endorphin, encephalin, serotonin, and dopamine cause analgesia, sedation, and recovery in motor functions. They also have immunomodulator effects on the immune system and lipolithic effects on metabolism. Because of these effects, acupuncture is used in the treatment of pain syndrome illnesses such as migraine, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and trigeminal neuralgia; of gastrointestinal disorders such as disturbance at gastrointestinal motility and gastritis; of psychological illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and panic attack; and in rehabilitation from hemiplegia and obesity

     (79)    Cacace E, Ruggiero V, Anedda C, Denotti A, Minerba L, Perpignano G. [Quality of life and associated clinical distress in fibromyalgia]. Reumatismo 2006; 58(3):226-229.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome characterized by chronic, diffuse musculoskeletal pain and by a low pain threshold at specific anatomical points (tender points). Numerous other conditions (Irritable bowel syndrome, tension-type headache, migraine headaches, etc.) may overlap with FM. Aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life and associated clinical distress in patients with FM. METHODS: 53 females affected by primary fibromyalgia and 40 healthy females were examined were examined by an experienced rheumatologist and interviewed using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). Clinical monitoring included Visual Analogue Scale for pain and pain pressure threshold measurements. RESULTS: Mean FIQ scores were 66.39+/-14.94 in FM patients and 13.15+/-5.37 in control subjects and the difference was statistically significant. Among associated clinical distress higher frequencies have been found for paraesthesia (87%), sleep disturbance (72%), tension type headache (70%), oto-vestibule syndrome (72%) and irritable colon (60%). An R.O.C. bend was developed in the presence of paraesthesias and oto-vestibule syndromes at the same time. This allowed us to identify a FIQ cut off value of 66.85 so FM patients were divided into 2 groups according to their FIQ scores: severe degree and mild or slight degree. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our data, it would appear possible to use a FIQ value equal to or higher than 66.85 for the clinical picture of FM to be classified as severe

     (80)    Calandre EP, Hidalgo J, Rico-Villademoros F. Use of ziprasidone in patients with fibromyalgia: a case series. Rheumatol Int 2006; .
Abstract: Atypical antipsychotics may be useful in chronic pain treatment. The objective of the present study was to assess the effect of ziprasidone in fibromyalgia management. Ziprasidone was administered to 32 fibromyalgia patients at a dose of 20 mg/day, subsequently adjusted according to clinical response and tolerability. Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a Clinical Global Impression improvement scale (CGIi), and a scale evaluating the severity of fibromyalgia symptoms were administered at 4 week intervals for 12 weeks. Drug adverse reactions were recorded. Ten patients withdrew from the study. The CGIi showed 32% of responders. FIQ and PSQI scores showed a non-statistically significant decrease. The conditions of stiffness, anxiety and sadness improved significantly. Most frequent side effects included sleep disturbances, headache, tremor, and rigidity. Although ziprasidone does not seem an especially useful adjunct drug in fibromyalgia, it could be tried on patients who are markedly anxious and/or depressed

     (81)    Caldarella MP, Giamberardino MA, Sacco F, Affaitati G, Milano A, Lerza R et al. Sensitivity disturbances in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia. Am J Gastroenterol 2006; 101(12):2782-2789.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although visceral hypersensitivity is a common feature among patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), studies on somatic sensitivity have given controversial results. AIM: To assess visceral sensitivity in response to isotonic rectal distensions and somatic sensitivity at different layers of the body wall (skin, subcutis, and muscle) in patients with IBS and fibromyalgia (FM), within and outside the area of abdominal pain referral. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 10 patients with IBS, 5 patients with FM, 9 patients with IBS+FM, and 9 healthy controls. Rectal distensions were performed by increasing tension at 4 g steps up to 64 g or discomfort. Pain thresholds to electrical stimulation were measured within and outside the areas of abdominal pain referral. RESULTS: Patients with IBS and IBS+FM demonstrated rectal hypersensitivity in comparison to controls. The threshold of discomfort was 44 +/- 5 g in IBS and 36 +/- 5 in IBS+FM patients, while patients with FM and healthy controls tolerated all distensions without discomfort. In the areas of pain referral, pain thresholds of all three tissues of the body wall were lower than normal in all patients groups (p < 0.001). In control areas, the pain thresholds were normal in skin, and lower than normal in subcutis and muscle in IBS (p < 0.001). FM and IBS+FM demonstrated somatic hypersensitivity at all sites (p < 0.001 vs healthy). CONCLUSION: Our observations seem to indicate that, although sharing a common hypersensitivity background, multiple mechanisms may modulate perceptual somatic and visceral responses in patients with IBS and FM

     (82)    Callejas-Rubio JL, Lopez-Perez L, Navarro-Pelayo F, Ortego-Centeno N. [More on therapeutic options in fibromyalgia.]. Med Clin (Barc ) 2006; 127(2):76-77.

     (83)    Carrillo-de-la-Pena MT, Vallet M, Perez MI, Gomez-Perretta C. Intensity dependence of auditory-evoked cortical potentials in fibromyalgia patients: a test of the generalized hypervigilance hypothesis. J Pain 2006; 7(7):480-487.
Abstract: On the basis of recent evidence concerning the amplification of incoming stimulation in fibromyalgia (FM) patients, it has been proposed that a generalized hypervigilance of painful and nonpainful sensations may be at the root of this disorder. So far, research into this issue has been inconclusive, possibly owing to the lack of agreement as to the operational definition of "generalized hypervigilance" and to the lack of robust objective measures characterizing the sensory style of FM patients. In this study, we recorded auditory-evoked potentials (AEPs) elicited by tones of increasing intensity (60, 70, 80, 90, and 105 dB) in 27 female FM patients and 25 healthy controls. Fibromyalgia patients presented shorter N1 and P2 latencies and a stronger intensity dependence of their AEPs. Both results suggest that FM patients may be hypervigilant to sensory stimuli, especially when very loud tones are used. The most noteworthy difference between patients and control subjects is at the highest stimulus intensity, for which far more patients maintained increased N1-P2 amplitudes in relation to the 90-dB tones. The larger AEP amplitudes to the 105-dB tones suggest that defects in an inhibitory system protecting against overstimulation may be a crucial factor in the pathophysiology of FM. Because a stronger loudness dependence of AEPs has been related to weak serotonergic transmission, it is hypothesized that for many FM patients deficient inhibition of the response to noxious and intense auditory stimuli may be due to a serotonergic deficit. PERSPECTIVE: The study of auditory-evoked potentials in response to tones of increasing intensity in FM patients may help to clarify the pathophysiology of this disorder, especially regarding the role of inhibition deficits involving serotonergic dysfunction, and may be a useful tool to guide the pharmacologic treatment of FM patients

     (84)    Carta MG, Cardia C, Mannu F, Intilla G, Hardoy MC, Anedda C et al. The high frequency of manic symptoms in fibromyalgia does influence the choice of treatment? Clin Pract Epidemol Ment Health 2006; %19;2:36.:36.
Abstract: ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Mood disorders were found associated with fibromyalgia (FM) and clinical studies have revealed the efficacy of antidepressant drugs in the treatment of FM. However no specific instruments to identify manic symptoms were used. OBJECTIVES: To assess the frequency of anxiety and mood disorders (particularly bipolar disorders and manic symptoms) in a consecutive sample of women affected by FM using standardized diagnostic tools and to compare the prevalence of these disorders with that observed in a sample of healthy controls from the general population. METHODS: Cases: consecutive series of women (N = 37, mean age 50.1 +/- 21.0) attending a Rheumatology outpatient Unit at the University of Cagliari. Controls: 148 women, drawn from the data bank of an epidemiological study matched for sex and age with controls according to a randomisation "after blocks" method. The Italian version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview Simplified were carried out by physicians. Psychiatric diagnosis was formulated according to DSM-IV criteria. The Italian version of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) was administered to identify manic symptoms and bipolar disorders. Diagnosis of FM were carried out by rheumatologist according to the criteria of American College of Rheumatology. RESULTS: Subjects with FM showed a higher comorbidity with Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder than controls. The study showed a high frequency of manic symptoms (MDQ positive) in the sample of fibromyalgic patients (59%), approximately double that found in the control sample (P < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Clinical studies have shown the efficacy of antidepressants, especially tricyclic antidepressants, in the treatment of FM. The clinical difficulty in identifying hypomanic episodes is well known particularly where previous and not present episodes are concerned as in depressive patients. These data would suggest further studies on the subject are needed and more caution also in prescribing antidepressants in a population apparently at high risk for bipolar disorders

     (85)    Castel A, Perez M, Sala J, Padrol A, Rull M. Effect of hypnotic suggestion on fibromyalgic pain: Comparison between hypnosis and relaxation. Eur J Pain 2006; .
Abstract: The main aims of this experimental study are: (1) to compare the relative effects of analgesia suggestions and relaxation suggestions on clinical pain, and (2) to compare the relative effect of relaxation suggestions when they are presented as "hypnosis" and as "relaxation training". Forty-five patients with fibromyalgia were randomly assigned to one of the following experimental conditions: (a) hypnosis with relaxation suggestions; (b) hypnosis with analgesia suggestions; (c) relaxation. Before and after the experimental session, the pain intensity was measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the sensory and affective dimensions were measured with the McGill Pain Questionnaire. The results showed: (1) that hypnosis followed by analgesia suggestions has a greater effect on the intensity of pain and on the sensory dimension of pain than hypnosis followed by relaxation suggestions; (2) that the effect of hypnosis followed by relaxation suggestions is not greater than relaxation. We discuss the implications of the study on our understanding of the importance of suggestions used in hypnosis and of the differences and similarities between hypnotic relaxation and relaxation training

     (86)    Cayea D, Perera S, Weiner DK. Chronic low back pain in older adults: What physicians know, what they think they know, and what they should be taught. J Am Geriatr Soc 2006; 54(11):1772-1777.
Abstract: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a common and debilitating problem in older adults. Little exists in the literature about primary care physicians' (PCPs') knowledge of and confidence in managing this problem. A self-administered survey was mailed to PCPs in western Pennsylvania to measure knowledge of the evaluation and treatment of common contributors to CLBP in older adults, confidence in diagnosing these contributors through physical examination, and the association between confidence levels and knowledge. The survey combined items with an ordinal scale on which PCPs ranked their confidence in detecting various contributors to CLBP (e.g., fibromyalgia) using physical examination and patient vignettes followed by multiple choice questions designed to assess knowledge. One hundred fifty-three of 634 surveys were returned (24.1%). Overall, the majority of PCPs did not feel "very confident" in their ability to diagnose any of the contributors of CLBP listed (most items <40%). PCPs felt most confident in detecting scoliosis and least confident detecting myofascial pain of the piriformis muscle. There was a wide range in the number of respondents answering all questions related to a particular topic correctly (3.9% for sacroiliac joint syndrome to 70.4% for hip osteoarthritis). There was no relationship between knowledge scores and confidence ratings (P > .05 for all comparisons). The results point to a need for more PCP education about CLBP in older adults. It also suggests that accurate needs assessment should not rely on physician confidence ratings alone

     (87)    Chandler HK, Ciccone DS, Raphael KG. Localization of pain and self-reported rape in a female community sample. Pain Med 2006; 7(4):344-352.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Studies suggest that rape increases risk of medically unexplained pain in women. At present it is not clear whether rape is associated with pain at specific locations or at multiple locations. In this study we tested the hypothesis that rape was associated with a preferential increase in risk of pelvic pain that was not explained by pain at other sites. DESIGN: We relied on an existing community study that oversampled women with fibromyalgia and major depression. Localization was assessed by asking about pain at four sites: pelvic region; jaw/face; headache; and lower back. Three groups were identified using a structured telephone interview: Abuse Only (sexual/physical abuse excluding rape); Rape+Abuse (rape in addition to other sexual/physical abuse); and No Abuse. RESULTS: Compared with the No Abuse group, the Rape+Abuse group was eight times more likely to have pelvic pain and 3.7 times more likely to have jaw/face pain after we controlled for the effect of widespread pain. Rape was not associated with lower back pain or headache. The Abuse Only group did not show a preferential increase in risk of pain at any of the four locations that were assessed. After controlling for pain at other locations, we found that the Rape + Abuse group was 10 times more likely to report pelvic pain than the No Abuse group (P<0.005). DISCUSSION: In accord with the localization hypothesis, self-reported rape was uniquely associated with pelvic pain. Future efforts to account for pain in the aftermath of rape must specify a mechanism that can simultaneously cause widespread pain as well as increase risk of localized pain

     (88)    Chen KW, Hassett AL, Hou F, Staller J, Lichtbroun AS. A pilot study of external qigong therapy for patients with fibromyalgia. J Altern Complement Med 2006; 12(9):851-856.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Although qigong is an important part of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) based on a philosophy similar to acupuncture, few studies of qigong exist in the Western medicine literature. To evaluate qigong therapy as a modality in treating chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), we report a pilot trial of 10 women with severe FMS who experienced significant improvement after external qigong therapy (EQT). DESIGN: Ten patients with FMS completed five to seven sessions of EQT over 3 weeks with pre- and posttreatment assessment and a 3-month follow-up. Each treatment lasted approximately 40 minutes. OUTCOME MEASURES: Tender point count (TPC) and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) were the primary measures. McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), anxiety, and self-efficacy were the secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Subjects demonstrated improvement in functioning, pain, and other symptoms. The mean TPC was reduced from 136.6 to 59.5 after EQT treatment; mean MPQ decreased from 27.0 to 7.2; mean FIQ from 70.1 to 37.3; and mean BDI from 24.3 to 8.3 (all p < 0.01). Many subjects reported reductions in other FMS symptoms, and two reported they were completely symptom-free. Results from the 3-month follow-up indicated some slight rebound from the post-treatment measures, but still much better than those observed at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with EQT resulting in complete recovery for some FMS patients suggests that TCM may be very effective for treating pain and the multiplicity of symptoms associated with FMS. Larger controlled trials of this promising intervention are urgently needed

     (89)    Chou CT. The clinical application of etanercept in Chinese patients with rheumatic diseases. Mod Rheumatol 2006; 16(4):206-213.
Abstract: Over a 2-year period, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of biologic agents, etanercept (25 mg twice per week, s.c.) was used to treat 57 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, 9 ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients, 6 psoriatic arthritis (PSA) patients, and 4 juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) patients. In addition to inflammatory arthritis, I have used this tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker in other rheumatic diseases including idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), Behcet's disease with intractable oral ulcer, fibromyalgia syndrome, and systemic lupus erythematosis with intractable pleural effusion and acute lumbar disc herniation. For RA, after 6 months of etanercept treatment, all the parameters including number of swollen joints, number of tender joints, disease activity score, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and global health status were rapidly improved (P < 0.001 or P < 0.0001). The anticyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody and rheumatoid factor also significantly declined. For spondyloarthropathy, it also gave a similar effect as to RA. Both Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index also improved. One of the two cases with Behcet's disease with intractable oral ulcer had a long-term remission after etanercept. The other Behcet's disease patient with oral ulcer and another with ITP obtained a good response temporarily. The short-term use of etanercept (<3 months) did not bring a significant effect for cases of fibromyalgia syndrome, pleural effusion, and lumbar disc herniation. In conclusion, a dramatic and rapid clinical response in different kinds of arthritis patients can be achieved by etanercept. Moreover, the TNF-alpha inhibitor also can treat other severe rheumatic-related symptoms. In general, except for a few cases with infection and two cases with malignancy, etanercept was safe in our arthritis patients. We need to study a larger number of patients in order to better understand the efficacy and safety of etanercept

     (90)    Choy E. Comparing methods for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Nat Clin Pract Rheumatol 2006; 2(5):244-245.

     (91)    Citak-Karakaya I, Akbayrak T, Demirturk F, Ekici G, Bakar Y. Short and long-term results of connective tissue manipulation and combined ultrasound therapy in patients with fibromyalgia. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2006; 29(7):524-528.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the short-term and 1-year follow-up results of connective tissue manipulation and combined ultrasound (US) therapy (US and high-voltage pulsed galvanic stimulation) in terms of pain, complaint of nonrestorative sleep, and impact on the functional activities in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). METHODS: This is an observational prospective cohort study of 20 female patients with FM. Intensity of pain, complaint of nonrestorative sleep, and impact of FM on functional activities were evaluated by visual analogue scales. All evaluations were performed before and after 20 sessions of treatment, which included connective tissue manipulation of the back daily, for a total of 20 sessions, and combined US therapy of the upper back region every other session. One-year follow-up evaluations were performed on 14 subjects. Friedman test was used to analyze time-dependent changes. RESULTS: Statistical analyses revealed that pain intensity, impact of FM on functional activities, and complaints of nonrestorative sleep improved after the treatment program (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Methods used in this study seemed to be helpful in improving pain intensity, complaints of nonrestorative sleep, and impact on functional activities in patients with FM

     (92)    Clayton AH, West SG. Combination therapy in fibromyalgia. Curr Pharm Des 2006; 12(1):11-16.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia is an enigmatic medical condition whose specific etiology remains undiscovered but currently plagues five million Americans. Research indicates that the origin of the disease is most likely multifactorial. Treatment should therefore be tailored accordingly. Thus, it is often necessary to combine different options in order to achieve the maximum benefit in patients suffering from fibromyalgia

     (93)    Clemens JQ, Brown SO, Kozloff L, Calhoun EA. Predictors of symptom severity in patients with chronic prostatitis and interstitial cystitis. J Urol 2006; 175(3 Pt 1):963-966.
Abstract: PURPOSE: Numerous studies have been performed to identify potential risk factors for CP/CPPS and IC. However, few studies have been done to identify predictors of disease severity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 174 men with CP/CPPS and 111 women with IC completed questionnaires to quantify symptom severity and identify demographic, medical and psychosocial characteristics. Symptom severity was assessed with the National Institutes of Health CPSI in men, and the O'Leary-Sant ICSI and problem index in women. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify characteristics predictive of worse symptoms. RESULTS: The mean National Institutes of Health CPSI score in men was 15.32, and the mean O'Leary-Sant ICSI and problem index in women was 19.17. The most commonly reported comorbidities were allergies, sinusitis, erectile dysfunction and irritable bowel syndrome in men, and allergies, urinary incontinence, sinusitis and irritable bowel syndrome in women. In the 2 sexes self-reported urinary frequency and urgency, worse depression scores and lower education level were independent predictors of worse symptom severity. In men additional independent predictors were self-reported pelvic pain, fibromyalgia and previous heart attack, and in women an additional independent predictor was postmenopausal status. CONCLUSIONS: There are several common medical conditions associated with urological pelvic pain syndromes in men and women. Few of them were predictive of symptoms severity in this analysis. Self-reported pelvic pain symptoms, education and depression severity were the factors most strongly predictive of symptom severity in patients with CP/CPPS and IC

     (94)    Cogan J, Camus M, Saucier JF, Arsenault P, Demers J. A new application of sound resonance technology therapy for the treatment of fibromyalgia: a retrospective analysis. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2006; 12(3):206-212.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Chart review to evaluate the effectiveness of a three-phase sound resonance technology therapy (SRTT) protocol for the treatment of fibromyalgia. RESULTS: Initial FIQ scores of 159 consecutive patients ranged from 24 to 80 (mean=58). After Phase 1, ( approximately 1 month into the protocol), FIQ scores had decreased on average by 26 points (n=128, 95% CI 23-30, p<.001). After phase 3 of the protocol 53 patients completed an FIQ questionnaire and the mean decrease in FIQ score was 38 points (95% CI 32-44, p=.004). CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective analysis suggests considerable and rapid relief of the symptoms of fibromyalgia following the use of the three-phase SRTT treatment protocol, which appears to be maintained over several years. Although these results are not conclusive they are remarkable as no other therapy reported in the scientific literature seems as efficacious for fibromyalgia. A follow-up study using an RCT design is warranted

     (95)    Cohen H, Jotkowitz A, Buskila D, Pelles-Avraham S, Kaplan Z, Neumann L et al. Post-traumatic stress disorder and other co-morbidities in a sample population of patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Eur J Intern Med 2006; 17(8):567-571.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: High rates of psychiatric co-morbidity have been reported in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been reported in fibromyalgia, a disorder also associated with IBS. The primary aim of this study was to assess the frequency of PTSD in IBS patients. METHODS: Sixty-four patients who fulfilled the Rome II diagnostic criteria for IBS were asked to complete questionnaires measuring the prevalence and severity of symptoms of PTSD and psychological distress. RESULTS: Although 86% of IBS patients reported a traumatic life experience, only 7.8% met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. High rates of somatization, obsessive-compulsive behavior, interpersonal sensitivity, and anxiety symptoms were seen among the IBS patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results show a lower than expected prevalence of PTSD among IBS patients, which is similar to that of the general population. Thus, we did not find that PTSD is over-represented in a sample population of IBS patients

     (96)    Cohen SP, Verdolin MH, Chang AS, Kurihara C, Morlando BJ, Mao J. The intravenous ketamine test predicts subsequent response to an oral dextromethorphan treatment regimen in fibromyalgia patients. J Pain 2006; 7(6):391-398.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a challenging pain syndrome for which no reliable pharmacologic treatment exists. Recent clinical studies suggest that N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors might play a role in the pathogenesis of this disorder. To determine whether an intravenous (IV) ketamine test predicts the response to a therapeutic trial with an oral N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, we performed a low-dose (0.1 mg/kg) IV ketamine infusion on 34 consecutive patients with FM, which was subsequently followed by an oral dextromethorphan (DX) treatment regimen. As per previous guidelines, the cutoff value for a positive response to the IV ketamine test was designated to be 67% pain relief, and a positive response to DX treatment was 50% pain reduction at 4- to 6-week follow-up visits. The degree of correlation between pain relief with ketamine and DX was highly significant (Pearson correlation coefficient, 0.66; P < .001). Ten patients responded positively to both ketamine and DX, 19 responded to neither drug, 3 had a positive response to ketamine but not DX, and 2 obtained good pain relief with DX but not ketamine. The sensitivity of the IV ketamine test was 83%, the specificity was 86%, the positive predictive value was 77%, and the negative predictive value was 91%. An association was also found between the development of side effects to the two treatments. PERSPECTIVE: The response to an IV ketamine infusion was found to predict the subsequent response to an oral dextromethorphan treatment regimen in fibromyalgia patients, with an observed agreement of 83%. Considering the refractory nature of fibromyalgia to conventional pain treatments, the IV ketamine test might enhance patient care by saving time and reducing unnecessary treatment trials

     (97)    Cole JA, Rothman KJ, Cabral HJ, Zhang Y, Farraye FA. Migraine, fibromyalgia, and depression among people with IBS: a prevalence study. BMC Gastroenterol 2006; 6:26.:26.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Case descriptions suggest IBS patients are more likely to have other disorders, including migraine, fibromyalgia, and depression. We sought to examine the prevalence of these conditions in cohorts of people with and without IBS. METHODS: The source of data was a large U.S. health plan from January 1, 1996 though June 30, 2002. We identified all people with a medical claim associated with an ICD-9 code for IBS. A non-IBS cohort was a random sample of people with an ICD-9 code for routine medical care. In the cohorts, we identified all claims for migraine, depression, and fibromyalgia. We estimated the prevalence odds ratios (PORs) of each of the three conditions using the Mantel-Haenszel method. We conducted quantitative sensitivity analyses to quantify the impact of residual confounding and in differential outcome identification. RESULTS: We identified 97,593 people in the IBS cohort, and a random sample of 27,402 people to compose the non-IBS comparison cohort. With adjustment, there was a 60% higher odds in the IBS cohort of having any one of the three disorders relative to the comparison cohort (POR 1.6, 95% CI 1.5 - 1.7). There was a 40% higher odds of depression in the IBS cohort (POR 1.4, 95% CI 1.3 - 1.4). The PORs for fibromyalgia and migraine were similar (POR for fibromyalgia 1.8, 95% CI 1.7 - 1.9; POR for migraine 1.6, 95% CI 1.4 - 1.7). Differential prevalence of an unmeasured confounder, or imperfect sensitivity or specificity of outcome detection would have impacted the observed results. CONCLUSION: People in the IBS cohort had a 40% to 80% higher prevalence odds of migraine, fibromyalgia, and depression

     (98)    Colladdo A, de SP. [Fibromyalgia: understanding the disease and its social implications]. Rev Esp Anestesiol Reanim 2006; 53(1):1-3.

     (99)    Cook DB, Nagelkirk PR, Poluri A, Mores J, Natelson BH. The influence of aerobic fitness and fibromyalgia on cardiorespiratory and perceptual responses to exercise in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Arthritis Rheum 2006; 54(10):3351-3362.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To investigate cardiorespiratory and perceptual responses to exercise in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), accounting for comorbid fibromyalgia (FM) and controlling for aerobic fitness. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with CFS only, 23 patients with CFS plus FM, and 32 controls completed an incremental bicycle test to exhaustion. Cardiorespiratory and perceptual responses were measured. Results were determined for the entire sample and for 18 subjects from each group matched for peak oxygen consumption. RESULTS: In the overall sample, there were no significant differences in cardiorespiratory parameters between the CFS only group and the controls. However, the CFS plus FM group exhibited lower ventilation, lower end-tidal CO2, and higher ventilatory equivalent of carbon dioxide compared with controls, and slower increases in heart rate compared with both patients with CFS only and controls. Peak oxygen consumption, ventilation, and workload were lower in the CFS plus FM group. Subjects in both the CFS only group and the CFS plus FM group rated exercise as more effortful than did controls. Patients with CFS plus FM rated exercise as significantly more painful than did patients with CFS only or controls. In the subgroups matched for aerobic fitness, there were no significant differences among the groups for any measured cardiorespiratory response, but perceptual differences in the CFS plus FM group remained. CONCLUSION: With matching for aerobic fitness, cardiorespiratory responses to exercise in patients with CFS only and CFS plus FM are not different from those in sedentary healthy subjects. While CFS patients with comorbid FM perceive exercise as more effortful and painful than do controls, those with CFS alone do not. These results suggest that aerobic fitness and a concurrent diagnosis of FM are likely explanations for currently conflicting data and challenge ideas implicating metabolic disease in the pathogenesis of CFS

   (100)    Cruz BA, Catalan-Soares B, Proietti F. Higher prevalence of fibromyalgia in patients infected with human T cell lymphotropic virus type I. J Rheumatol 2006; 33(11):2300-2303.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE:. Inflammatory rheumatic conditions including rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren's syndrome have been reported in individuals infected with human T cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I). Other chronic lymphotropic virus infections such as hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus are associated with fibromyalgia (FM). There are no reports about the association between HTLV-I infection and FM. We evaluated the association between FM and HTLV-I infection. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study with prevalent cases. Ex-blood donation candidates with HTLV-I infection from a blood bank cohort, and healthy blood donors as a control group, were submitted to rheumatologic evaluation to compare the prevalence of FM. The following covariables were also evaluated: other rheumatic diseases, age, sex, personal income, level of education, and depression. RESULTS: One hundred individuals with HTLV-I infection and 62 non-infected blood donors were studied. Thirty-eight (38%) HTLV-I infected individuals and 3 (4.8%) individuals from the control group presented the diagnosis of FM (OR 12.05, 95% CI 3.53-41.17). Other rheumatic diseases were also more prevalent in the infected group (37% vs 12.9%; OR 3.80, 95% CI 1.63-8.86). In multivariate analysis adjusted by the covariables, the association between HTLV-I and FM was statistically significant (OR 9.14, 95% CI 2.42-34.52). CONCLUSION: Our study shows a greater prevalence of FM in HTLV-I infected individuals, suggesting that FM may be associated with this viral infection

   (101)    cuna-Castroviejo D, Escames G, Reiter RJ. Melatonin therapy in fibromyalgia. J Pineal Res 2006; 40(1):98-99.

   (102)    Cunningham MM, Jillings C. Individuals' descriptions of living with fibromyalgia. Clin Nurs Res 2006; 15(4):258-273.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome with no known etiology, cure, prognosis, or clear diagnostic criteria. This interpretive descriptive study was focused on the experience of living with FM. Using a constant comparative inductive analytic method, the researcher collected and analyzed data from in-depth, semistructured interviews with eight participants. This study's findings offer insights into the experience of living with and managing FM and identify social, policy, and health care issues that profoundly affect those suffering from it. Participants believe that people with FM would benefit if more health care professionals, as well as family and friends, would validate their condition and provide them with better support. More research could clarify ways in which health care providers may provide more effective interventions, appropriate care, and ongoing support for those affected with FM

   (103)    Da CD, Dritsa M, Bernatsky S, Pineau C, Menard HA, Dasgupta K et al. Dimensions of fatigue in systemic lupus erythematosus: relationship to disease status and behavioral and psychosocial factors. J Rheumatol 2006; 33(7):1282-1288.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To characterize the experience of fatigue in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) using a multidimensional assessment and to delineate contributors to physical and mental dimensions of fatigue. METHODS: Fatigue in 130 women with SLE was assessed using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20). Participants completed standardized questionnaires assessing sleep quality, depressed mood, social support, and leisure-time physical activity. A clinical examination determined disease activity, cumulative damage, and whether patients fulfilled American College of Rheumatology criteria for fibromyalgia (FM). A series of hierarchical multiple regressions were computed to identify contributors to physical and mental fatigue. RESULTS: Patients scored high on all 5 MFI-20 fatigue dimensions, with general fatigue and physical fatigue having the highest scores. A hierarchical multiple regression showed that greater disease damage and disease activity, the presence of FM, depressed mood, sleep disturbance, and less participation in leisure-time physical activity contributed to higher physical fatigue scores. The results of the second model found depressed mood to be the strongest determinant of mental fatigue. Disease-related variables were not associated with mental fatigue. CONCLUSION: Fatigue in SLE is multidimensional and multidetermined, with physical and mental aspects likely having different etiologies. A multidimensional assessment of fatigue in SLE is needed to tailor and optimize interventions aimed at alleviating fatigue

   (104)    Dadabhoy D, Clauw DJ. Therapy Insight: fibromyalgia--a different type of pain needing a different type of treatment. Nat Clin Pract Rheumatol 2006; 2(7):364-372.
Abstract: In the past decade, we have made tremendous progress in our understanding of fibromyalgia, which is now recognized as one of many 'central' pain syndromes that are common in the general population. Specific genes that might confer an increased risk of developing fibromyalgia syndrome are beginning to be identified and the environment (in this case exposure to stressors) might also have a significant effect on triggering the expression of symptoms. After developing the syndrome, the hallmark aberration noted in individuals with fibromyalgia is augmented central pain processing. Insights from research suggest that fibromyalgia and related syndromes require a multimodal management program that is different from the standard used to treat peripheral pain (i.e. acute or inflammatory pain). Instead of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids commonly used in the treatment of peripheral pain, the recommended drugs for central pain conditions are neuroactive compounds that downregulate sensory processing. The most efficacious compounds that are currently available include the tricyclic drugs and mixed reuptake inhibitors that simultaneously increase serotonin and norepinephrine concentrations in the central nervous system. Other compounds that increase levels of single monoamines (serotonin, norepinephrine or dopamine), and anticonvulsants also show efficacy in this condition. In addition to these pharmacologic therapies, which are useful in improving symptoms, nonpharmacologic therapies such as exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy are useful treatments for restoring function to an individual with fibromyalgia

   (105)    Dahan V, Kimoff RJ, Petrof BJ, Benedetti A, Diorio D, Trojan DA. Sleep-disordered breathing in fatigued postpoliomyelitis clinic patients. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2006; 87(10):1352-1356.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency, predictive factors, and symptoms predictive of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in fatigued postpoliomyelitis clinic patients. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, retrospective chart review. SETTING: University-affiliated hospital postpolio clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Postpolio clinic charts (N=590) were reviewed. Ninety-eight patients were included, and 492 patients were not included, primarily because of the lack of a polysomnogram. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) calculated as the total number of sleep-related breathing events/total sleep time. RESULTS: The frequency of SDB defined by an AHI score of 5 or more was 65% and by an AHI score of 10 or more was 50%. Obstructive hypopnea was the predominant form, occurring in 86%. Age, sex, age at acute polio, time since polio, weakness and respiratory difficulties at acute polio, bulbar involvement at acute polio and at evaluation, body mass index, pulmonary function measures, alcohol use, sedative drug use, smoking, fibromyalgia, kyphoscoliosis, and scoliosis and ear-nose-throat surgery were not predictive of SDB (AHI scores > or =5 and > or =10). Snoring was more common in subjects with SDB (AHI score > or =5 and > or =10). Some pulmonary function measures correlated with oxygen saturation during sleep in SDB (AHI scores > or =5). CONCLUSIONS: SDB was very common in fatigued postpoliomyelitis clinic patients referred for sleep evaluation. Obstructive hypopnea was the most frequent type. In this preliminary study, snoring tended to predict SDB

   (106)    de Sa Pinto AL, de Barros Holanda PM, Radu AS, Villares SM, Lima FR. Musculoskeletal findings in obese children. J Paediatr Child Health 2006; 42(6):341-344.
Abstract: AIM: A cross-sectional study was conducted to explore osteoarticular alterations in obese children. METHODS: Twenty-five boys and 24 girls (mean age: 10.8+/-2.07 years) with a body mass index (BMI) above the 95th percentile were compared with 28 boys and 19 girls (controls, mean age: 10.4+/-2.3 years) with a BMI below the 80th percentile. RESULTS: A higher frequency of at least one osteoarticular manifestation was observed in obese patients (55%) compared with the control group (23%) (P=0.001). A statistically significant association was also found between obesity and lower back pain, genu valgum, genu recurvatum and tight quadriceps. Fibromyalgia tender points (=11) were present at similar frequency in both groups (obese: 3/38 (9%) vs. control: 1/48 (2%)). CONCLUSION: The present data suggest that obesity has a negative impact on osteoarticular health by promoting biomechanical changes in the lumbar spine and lower extremities

   (107)    Degotardi PJ, Klass ES, Rosenberg BS, Fox DG, Gallelli KA, Gottlieb BS. Development and evaluation of a cognitive-behavioral intervention for juvenile fibromyalgia. J Pediatr Psychol 2006; 31(7):714-723.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To describe the development and test the efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral intervention (CBT) for juvenile fibromyalgia. METHOD: Sixty-seven children with fibromyalgia and their parents were recruited to participate in an 8-week intervention that included modules of pain management, psychoeducation, sleep hygiene, and activities of daily living. Children were taught techniques of cognitive restructuring, thought stopping, distraction, relaxation, and self-reward. Additionally, they kept daily pain and sleep diaries. Children completed questionnaires of pre- and post-treatment measuring physical status and psychological functioning. RESULTS: Following CBT, children reported significant reductions (p < .006) in pain, somatic symptoms, anxiety, and fatigue, as well as improvements in sleep quality. Additionally, children reported improved functional ability and had fewer school absences. CONCLUSION: Children with fibromyalgia can be taught CBT strategies that help them effectively manage this chronic and disabling musculoskeletal pain disorder

   (108)    Dobkin PL, Da CD, Abrahamowicz M, Dritsa M, Du BR, Fitzcharles MA et al. Adherence during an individualized home based 12-week exercise program in women with fibromyalgia. J Rheumatol 2006; 33(2):333-341.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Treatment recommendations for fibromyalgia (FM) include regular physical exercise. In this prospective study we examined predictors for adherence to stretching and aerobic exercises in women provided with an individualized home based program. METHODS: Thirty-nine women kept exercise diaries for 12 weeks. RESULTS: For both types of exercise, women who were less physically fit at baseline engaged in more exercise during the program. Yet for stretching, more lower body pain at baseline predicted engaging in less stretching exercise over time, whereas for aerobic exercise, more baseline upper body pain predicted more exercise over time. As time passed, participants with higher baseline physical fitness and/or older age were reducing their aerobic exercise practice at significantly faster rates, as were those women with higher baseline stress. CONCLUSION: Given that adequate levels of adherence were limited to about half of the participants for both types of exercise, steps to reduce barriers to exercise (e.g., stress) need to be taken when prescribing exercise in the treatment of FM

   (109)    Dobkin PL, De CM, Abrahamowicz M, Baron M, Bernatsky S. Predictors of health status in women with fibromyalgia: a prospective study. Int J Behav Med 2006; 13(2):101-108.
Abstract: Although cross-sectional studies have identified correlates of dysfunction in fibromyalgia (FM) patients (e.g., psychological distress and pain), predictors of health status have not been previously investigated using a longitudinal research design. We gathered data from 156 women who met American College of Rheumatology criteria for primary FM recruited from both tertiary care and community settings. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis indicated that poorer health status (p < .0001) and more comorbidity (p = .0089) at baseline were predictors of poorer health status 6 months later. After controlling for these covariates, psychological distress contributed significantly to the model (p = .01). There was a trend indicating that palliative coping styles (i.e., self-care, energy conservation) altered the impact of pain on 6-month health status (p = .06). These findings highlight the need for multidisciplinary interventions that target psychological distress, coping, and comorbidity in patients with FM

   (110)    Dobkin PL, Sita A, Sewitch MJ. Predictors of adherence to treatment in women with fibromyalgia. Clin J Pain 2006; 22(3):286-294.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to identify predictors of general and medication adherence in women with fibromyalgia (FM). METHODS: Participants were 142 women recruited from tertiary care hospitals or the community and 10 rheumatologists. Participants' demographic, clinical, and psychosocial characteristics, as well as patient-physician discordance, were assessed at the index visit. Adherence was assessed 6 months later. Multivariable generalized estimating equations were used to identify predictors of general adherence and adherence to medication. RESULTS: The average age of participants was 50.9 years (SD=10.2) and the median duration of FM was 32 months. Participants reported extensive use of health services and medications. The mean score for general adherence was 61.0 (SD=22.4; range 0-100) and 52.9% of the cohort reported at least one form of behavior reflecting nonadherence to medications. More general adherence was significantly predicted by lower patient-physician discordance on patient well-being and lower patient psychological distress. Medication adherence was significantly predicted by higher affective pain and lower patient psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence is influenced by both clinical (patient-physician discordance and pain) and psychological (distress) factors in women with FM. Improvements in these domains may improve adherence in FM

   (111)    Edwards RR, Bingham CO, III, Bathon J, Haythornthwaite JA. Catastrophizing and pain in arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other rheumatic diseases. Arthritis Rheum 2006; 55(2):325-332.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Pain is among the most frequently reported, bothersome, and disabling symptoms described by patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other musculoskeletal conditions. This review describes a growing body of literature relating catastrophizing, a set of cognitive and emotional processes encompassing magnification of pain-related stimuli, feelings of helplessness, and a generally pessimistic orientation, to the experience of pain and pain-related sequelae across several rheumatic diseases. METHODS: We reviewed published articles in which pain-related catastrophizing was assessed in the context of one or more rheumatic conditions. Because much of the available information on catastrophizing is derived from the more general chronic pain literature, seminal studies in other disease states were also considered. RESULTS: Catastrophizing is positively related, in both cross-sectional and prospective studies across different musculoskeletal conditions, to the reported severity of pain, affective distress, muscle and joint tenderness, pain-related disability, poor outcomes of pain treatment, and, potentially, to inflammatory disease activity. Moreover, these associations generally persist after controlling for symptoms of depression. There appear to be multiple mechanisms by which catastrophizing exerts its harmful effects, from maladaptive influences on the social environment to direct amplification of the central nervous system's processing of pain. CONCLUSION: Catastrophizing is a critically important variable in understanding the experience of pain in rheumatologic disorders as well as other chronic pain conditions. Pain-related catastrophizing may be an important target for both psychosocial and pharmacologic treatment of pain

   (112)    Egle UT, Van HB. [Fibromyalgia: a stress induced pain illness?]. Schmerz 2006; 20(2):99-100.

   (113)    Eksioglu E, Yazar D, Bal A, Usan HD, Cakci A. Effects of Stanger bath therapy on fibromyalgia. Clin Rheumatol 2006; .
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of Stanger bath on the treatment of fibromyalgia (FM). Fifty women with FM were randomly divided into two groups. The first group (n=25) was treated with amitriptyline, 10 mg/day for 8 weeks, and Stanger bath, 20 min daily for ten sessions. The second group (n=25) only had amitriptyline, 10 mg/day for 8 weeks. In the first group the assessment parameters were measured before (t1), at the end (t2), and 2 months after the hydrotherapy (t3). In the second group these parameters were examined before (T1) and 2 months after the treatment (T2). Patients were evaluated by number of tender points and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) scores. There was significant improvement in number of tender points between t1 and t2 (P<0.01) and t1 and t3 (P<0.001) in the Stanger bath group. In addition, there was significant improvement in FIQ scores between t1 and t2 (P<0.001) and t1 and t3 (P<0.01) in the Stanger bath group. In the second group we observed significant improvement in FIQ scores and tender point numbers between T1 and T2 (P=0.00). We did not find any difference between groups in tender point number percent change (p=0.074). However, we observed statistically significant improvement in percent change of FIQ scores in Stanger bath group (-30+/-16.7) when compared to group 2 (-19.3+/-13) (p=0.016). We conclude that Stanger bath therapy when combined with amitriptyline has a long lasting effect and better outcome in FM patients

   (114)    El-Hage W, Lamy C, Goupille P, Gaillard P, Camus V. [Fibromyalgia: a disease of psychic trauma?]. Presse Med 2006; 35(11 Pt 2):1683-1689.
Abstract: Chronic unexplained pain may be a somatic manifestation of psychological distress - often untreated distress. The association between psychic trauma, posttraumatic symptoms, psychic dissociation, and somatoform disorders is currently well documented. When examining a patient with chronic pain syndrome, it is important to consider its psychic dimension early on and to look for a history of psychic trauma. This can help avoid prolonged chronic effects and the emergence of psychiatric comorbidity. There is currently no consensual medication strategy for treatment of unexplained chronic pain syndrome. Multidisciplinary outpatient management is necessary in these complex cases, which require simultaneous medical and psychiatric referrals

   (115)    El MA, Tellal S, Achemlal L, Nouijai A, Ghazi M, Mounach A et al. Bone turnover and hormonal perturbations in patients with fibromyalgia. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2006; 24(4):428-431.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Studies of bone turnover in fibromyalgia (FM) have, to date, shown conflicting results. Although most patients with FM are women, only a few investigations have paid attention to the changes of sex hormones in FM. Moreover, FM is often viewed as a stress related disorder, and abnormalities of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis have been found in FM. The aim of the study was to assess bone turnover using serum osteocalcin and CTx in patients with FM and study correlation between bone turnover parameters and parathormon and hormones of the HPA axis. METHODS: A total of 81 subjects participated in this study: 41 healthy volunteers and 40 patients with FM. Serum osteocalcin, crosslaps (C-telopeptide: CTx), parathyroid hormone (PTH), testosterone, estrogen, prolactin, FSH, and LH were measured. The mean age of the study population was 49.5 (7.6) years (32-69) and the mean disease duration was 8.1 (12.0) years (4.5-30.7). RESULTS: No difference between patients and controls were observed in serum calcium, phosphorus, creatinine, albumin, osteocalcin, testosterone, and urinary calcium. Patients had lower serum levels of CTx, estrogen, PTH and prolactin than controls and higher serum levels of LH and FSH with a significant statistical difference. No significant statistical correlation was observed between intensity of pain and fatigue and bone turnover parameters and PTH or hormones of the HPA axis. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that patients with FM had low bone resorption and normal bone formation compared to a control group. This was not related to several hormonal perturbations observed in these patients and may reflect functional impairment as suggested in previous studies

   (116)    Elvin A, Siosteen AK, Nilsson A, Kosek E. Decreased muscle blood flow in fibromyalgia patients during standardised muscle exercise: a contrast media enhanced colour Doppler study. Eur J Pain 2006; 10(2):137-144.
Abstract: The aim of the study was to investigate if contrast enhanced ultrasound (US) imaging of muscular blood flow during and following exercise could detect alterations in vascularity in fibromyalgia (FM) patients. Ten FM patients and 10 matched controls were examined with US during standardised static and directly following static and dynamic muscular contractions of the infraspinatus muscle. Doppler ultrasound evaluation was performed before and after the administration of ultrasound contrast media. The FM patients had lower magnitude of muscle vascularity following dynamic (p<0.001) and during (p<0.002) static exercise compared to controls. The immediate flow response to muscular activity was not only of a lower magnitude, but also of a shorter duration in FM patients following dynamic exercise (p<0.001) and during static exercise (p<0.01). There were no statistically significant group differences in blood flow intensity or duration following static contraction. In conclusion, contrast enhanced US was found useful to study real-time muscle blood flow changes during and following standardised, low-intensity exercise in FM patients and healthy controls. Our results support the suggestion that muscle ischemia can contribute to pain in FM, possibly by maintaining the central nervous changes such as central sensitisation/disinhibition. US with contrast can be a new valuable approach to assess muscle perfusion in pain patients during standardised exercise

   (117)    Erkal MZ, Wilde J, Bilgin Y, Akinci A, Demir E, Bodeker RH et al. High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, secondary hyperparathyroidism and generalized bone pain in Turkish immigrants in Germany: identification of risk factors. Osteoporos Int 2006; 17(8):1133-1140.
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT), generalized bone pain and predictors of vitamin D deficiency in a cohort of 994 healthy adult urban residents (589 males, 405 females; age range: 16-69 years) consisting of 101 Germans, 327 Turkish residents of Turkey and 566 Turkish immigrants living in Germany. METHODS: The mean (+/- standard deviation) for 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and biointact parathyroid hormone (BioPTH) for the German men and women was 68.4 nmol/l and 26.7 pg/ml, respectively. Turkish residents of Turkey had a mean 25(OH)D and BioPTH of 40.6 nmol/l and 27.5 pg/ml, respectively, whereas Turkish residents of Germany had a 25(OH)D of 38.1 nmol/l and a BioPTH of 35.6 pg/ml. RESULTS: Vitamin D insufficiency was common among Turkish nationals independent of whether they lived in Turkey or Germany; 75% had 25(OH)D levels of <50 nmol/l. Turkish females had a higher prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency (<25 nmol/l) than Turkish males: 30 and 19% of Turkish females living in Germany and Turkey were severely vitamin D deficient compared to 8% and 6% of Turkish males living in Germany and Turkey, respectively. With respect to BioPTH levels, 31% of Turkish females and 21% of Turkish males had elevated BioPTH levels in contrast to only 15% of females and 4% of males living in Turkey. Unconditional logistic regression analysis identified the most important predictors for low 25(OH)D levels as sex, body mass index, lack of sun exposure and living at a higher latitude. Additionally, wearing a scarf and number of children were found to be an independent risk factor for vitamin D deficiency in Turkish women living in Turkey and Germany. A strong correlation between low 25(OH)D levels and higher rates and longer duration of generalized bone and/or muscle aches and pains (often diagnosed as fibromyalgia) was observed. CONCLUSION: Secondary hyperparathyroidism and vitamin D deficiency was found to be common among Turkish immigrants living in Germany, especially in veiled women. Therefore, the monitoring of vitamin D status--i.e. 25(OH)D and PTH--in Turkish immigrants is warranted and once a deficiency is identified, it should be appropriately treated

   (118)    Farajidavar A, Gharibzadeh S, Towhidkhah F, Saeb S. A cybernetic view on wind-up. Med Hypotheses 2006; 67(2):304-306.
Abstract: Wind-up is described traditionally as a frequency dependent increase in the excitability of spinal cord neurons, evoked by electrical stimulation of afferent C-fibers. Different kinds of wind-up have been reported, but wind-up of Abeta fibers in hyperalgesic states has gained little attention. In this paper, we present a cybernetic view on Abeta fiber wind-up and consider the involved molecular mechanisms as feedback and feedforward processes. Furthermore, our previous hypothesis, the sprouting phenomenon, is included in this view. Considering the proposed model, wind-up in hyperalgesic states might leave out in three different ways: (1) blocking the NMDA receptors by increasing extracellular Mg2+, 2) blocking the receptors and channels that contribute to Ca2+ inward current, and 3) blocking the Abeta fibers by local anesthetics. It seems that wind-up may be inhibited more effectively by using these three blocking mechanisms simultaneously, because in this case, the feedback process (main controller), the feedforward process (trigger), and Abeta stimulation (trigger) would be inhibited concurrently. Wind up may aggravate the pain in clinical hyperalgesic situations such as post-surgical states, some neuropathic pains, fibromyalgia syndrome, and post-herpetic neuralgia. Surely, clinical studies are needed to validate the effectiveness of our abovementioned suggestions in relieving such clinical pains

   (119)    Fengler RK, Jacobs JW, Bac M, van Wijck AJ, van Meeteren NL. Action potential simulation (APS) in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS): a controlled single subject experimental design. Clin Rheumatol 2006; .
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Action potential simulation (APS) is becoming a popular method of pain reduction. Nevertheless, little is known about the efficacy of this relatively new treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate whether APS helps to reduce pain, improves patients' perception of daily functioning and social participation in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients with FMS according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria entered this double blind crossover single-case study. In a period of 20 weeks, the patients underwent two treatment periods of 4 weeks, one with verum and one with placebo, at random, in a double blind fashion. Outcome measures were evaluated on a weekly basis. Primary outcome measure was pain measured with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) questions 4 and 5, the number of tender points and the total tender point pain intensity score. Both visual inspection and statistical analysis were done to analyse the data from this single-subject design. RESULTS: Performing visual inspection and statistical analysis, no positive results of the APS treatment were found in this study. Remarkable is the fact that placebo APS had significantly better results than verum APS. CONCLUSIONS: In this single-case study with ten patients (all female), APS was not a helpful method to reduce pain, to improve patients' perception of daily functioning and social participation in patients with FMS

   (120)    Ferreira JJ, Couto M, Costa J, Coelho M, Rosa MM, Sampaio C. [Botulinum toxin for the treatment of pain syndromes]. Acta Reumatol Port 2006; 31(1):49-62.
Abstract: Although botulinum toxin (BoNT) is being used for therapeutic purposes for more than 20 years, the list of potential new indications continues to increase and includes various pain syndromes. The pain relief experienced by patients with dystonia and spasticity from intramuscular BoNT injections suggested that other chronic skeletal-muscles pain conditions may also benefit. BoNT inhibits the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction thereby reducing striatal muscle contractions and the proposed analgesic property was initially attributed to muscular relaxation. A specific analgesic BoNT effect is difficult to conclude from studies where pain is conditioned by other associated symptoms like dystonia, muscle contraction or spasticity. One alternative is to critically appraise clinical trials where BoNT was studied as the active intervention and pain evaluated as an outcome. From this analysis there is convincing evidence for the effectiveness of BoNT in the treatment of pain associated with cervical dystonia. For all other pain syndromes there have been relatively few, small sized, placebo-controlled studies (myofascial pain syndrome, chronic neck and low back pain, piriformis syndrome and fibromyalgia) and the results of these studies have been contradictory or non conclusive. To establish the analgesic properties of BoNT there is a need for appropriately designed, exploratory randomized controlled studies in well accepted human models of nociceptive or neuropathic pain. This does not exclude the subsequent need to conduct pragmatic trials to evaluate the effectiveness of BoNT in conditions where the improvement of pain or any associated clinical sign or symptom may be of clinical relevance

   (121)    Fietta P, Fietta P. Counterbalance between leptin and cortisol may be associated with fibromyalgia. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2006; 60(4):529.

   (122)    Finset A, Graugaard PK, Holgersen K. Salivary cortisol response after a medical interview: the impact of physician communication behaviour, depressed affect and alexithymia. Patient Educ Couns 2006; 60(2):115-124.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To explore if - and possibly how - a medical interview may affect adrenocortical activity in musculo-skeletal pain patients with and without alexithymia. METHODS: Female patients (N = 54) recruited from a patient organization for fibromyalgia completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and subgroups with, respectively, low and high scores were selected for participation. Seven physicians conducted consultations attempting to vary their communication in accordance with given guidelines. All consultations were videotaped and analysed by The Roter Interaction Analysis System (RIAS) to evaluate the actual content of the consultations. RESULTS: An increase in depressed affect from pre- to post-interview was associated with relatively high cortisol levels 24 h after the consultation, but only in patients with alexithymia. Psychosocial questions from the physician were associated with increased depressed affect immediately following the interview, but not with cortisol responses at any time. CONCLUSION: In patients with deficient affect regulation, increase in depressed affect after a medical interview may be associated with delayed effects in adrenocortical activity, possibly mediated by rumination. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Providers should be sensitive to potential deficits of affect regulation in their patients

   (123)    Forseth KO, Gran JT. [Fibromyalgia and drug therapy]. Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen 2006; 126(11):1486-1487.

   (124)    Fregni F, Gimenes R, Valle AC, Ferreira MJ, Rocha RR, Natalle L et al. A randomized, sham-controlled, proof of principle study of transcranial direct current stimulation for the treatment of pain in fibromyalgia. Arthritis Rheum 2006; 54(12):3988-3998.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Recent evidence suggests that fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by dysfunctional brain activity. Because transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can modulate brain activity noninvasively and can decrease pain in patients with refractory central pain, we hypothesized that tDCS treatment would result in pain relief in patients with fibromyalgia. METHODS: Thirty-two patients were randomized to receive sham stimulation or real tDCS with the anode centered over the primary motor cortex (M1) or the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) (2 mA for 20 minutes on 5 consecutive days). A blinded evaluator rated the patient's pain, using the visual analog scale for pain, the clinician's global impression, the patient's global assessment, and the number of tender points. Other symptoms of fibromyalgia were evaluated using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and the Short Form 36 Health Survey. Safety was assessed with a battery of neuropsychological tests. To assess potential confounders, we measured mood and anxiety changes throughout the trial. RESULTS: Anodal tDCS of the primary motor cortex induced significantly greater pain improvement compared with sham stimulation and stimulation of the DLPFC (P < 0.0001). Although this effect decreased after treatment ended, it was still significant after 3 weeks of followup (P = 0.004). A small positive impact on quality of life was observed among patients who received anodal M1 stimulation. This treatment was associated with a few mild adverse events, but the frequency of these events in the active-treatment groups was similar to that in the sham group. Cognitive changes were similar in all 3 treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide initial evidence of a beneficial effect of tDCS in fibromyalgia, thus encouraging further trials

   (125)    Furlan AD, Sandoval JA, Mailis-Gagnon A, Tunks E. Opioids for chronic noncancer pain: a meta-analysis of effectiveness and side effects. CMAJ 2006; 174(11):1589-1594.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) is a major health problem, for which opioids provide one treatment option. However, evidence is needed about side effects, efficacy, and risk of misuse or addiction. METHODS: This meta-analysis was carried out with these objectives: to compare the efficacy of opioids for CNCP with other drugs and placebo; to identify types of CNCP that respond better to opioids; and to determine the most common side effects of opioids. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL (up to May 2005) and reference lists for randomized controlled trials of any opioid administered by oral or transdermal routes or rectal suppositories for CNCP (defined as pain for longer than 6 mo). Extracted outcomes included pain, function or side effects. Methodological quality was assessed with the Jadad instrument; analyses were conducted with Revman 4.2.7. RESULTS: Included were 41 randomized trials involving 6019 patients: 80% of the patients had nociceptive pain (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or back pain); 12%, neuropathic pain (postherpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy or phantom limb pain); 7%, fibromyalgia; and 1%, mixed pain. The methodological quality of 87% of the studies was high. The opioids studied were classified as weak (tramadol, propoxyphene, codeine) or strong (morphine, oxycodone). Average duration of treatment was 5 (range 1-16) weeks. Dropout rates averaged 33% in the opioid groups and 38% in the placebo groups. Opioids were more effective than placebo for both pain and functional outcomes in patients with nociceptive or neuropathic pain or fibromyalgia. Strong, but not weak, opioids were significantly superior to naproxen and nortriptyline, and only for pain relief. Among the side effects of opioids, only constipation and nausea were clinically and statistically significant. INTERPRETATION: Weak and strong opioids outperformed placebo for pain and function in all types of CNCP. Other drugs produced better functional outcomes than opioids, whereas for pain relief they were outperformed only by strong opioids. Despite the relative shortness of the trials, more than one-third of the participants abandoned treatment

   (126)    Garcia-Campayo J, Pascual A, Alda M, Marzo J, Magallon R, Fortes S. The Spanish version of the FibroFatigue Scale: validation of a questionnaire for the observer's assessment of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2006; 28(2):154-160.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To examine some of the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the FibroFatigue Scale (FFS). METHODS: FFS was administered to 120 patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Internal consistency was evaluated by using Cronbach's alpha, test-retest reliability with weighted kappa and construct validity by correlations among FFS, the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the EuroQol 5D (EQ-5D) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The interrater reliability was tested using analysis of variance with patients and raters as independent factors. RESULTS: Internal consistency (alpha) was .88, test-retest reliability was .91, and interrater reliability was .93. Significant correlations were obtained between overall FFS and the FIQ (.55, P<.01), the EQ-5D (-.48, P<.01) and the HADS depression subscale (.25, P<.01), but not with the HADS anxiety subscale. CONCLUSION: These results support the reliability and validity of the data obtained with the Spanish version of the FSS

   (127)    Garcia J, Simon MA, Duran M, Canceller J, Aneiros FJ. Differential efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral intervention versus pharmacological treatment in the management of fibromyalgic syndrome. Psychol Health Med 2006; 11(4):498-506.
Abstract: Given that studies about the differential efficacy of existing treatments in fibromyalgia syndrome are scarce, the aim of this study was to compare the differential efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral and a pharmacological therapy on fibromyalgia. Using a randomized controlled clinical trial, 28 fibromyalgic patients were assigned to one of following experimental conditions: (a) pharmacological treatment (i.e., cyclobenzaprine), (b) cognitive-behavioral intervention (i.e., stress inoculation training), (c) combined pharmacological and cognitive-behavioral treatment and (d) no treatment. The results show the superiority of cognitive-behavioral intervention to reduce the severity of fibromyalgia both at the end of the treatment and at follow-up. We conclude that cognitive-behavioral interventions must be considered a primary treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome

   (128)    Geenen R, Van MH. The ostrich strategy towards affective issues in alexithymic patients with fibromyalgia. Patient Educ Couns 2006; 60(2):97-99.

   (129)    Gillis ME, Lumley MA, Mosley-Williams A, Leisen JC, Roehrs T. The health effects of at-home written emotional disclosure in fibromyalgia: a randomized trial. Ann Behav Med 2006; 32(2):135-146.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The presence and severity of the chronic pain syndrome fibromyalgia (FM) is associated with unresolved stress and emotional regulation difficulties. Written emotional disclosure is intended to reduce stress and may improve health of people with FM. PURPOSE: This study tests the effects of at-home, written emotional disclosure about stressful experiences on the health of people with FM and uses multiple follow-ups to track the time course of effects of disclosure. METHODS: Adults with FM (intention-to-treat, n=83; completers, n=72) were randomized to write for 4 days at home about either stressful experiences (disclosure group) or neutral time management (control group). Group differences in immediate mood effects and changes in health from baseline to 1-month and 3-month follow-ups were examined. RESULTS: Written disclosure led to an immediate increase in negative mood, which did not attenuate across the 4 writing days. Repeated-measures analyses from baseline to each follow-up point were conducted on both intention-to-treat and completer samples, which showed similar outcomes. At 1 month, disclosure led to few health benefits, but control writing led to less negative affect and more perceived support than did disclosure. At 3-month follow-up, these negative affect and social support effects disappeared, and written disclosure led to a greater reduction in global impact, poor sleep, health care utilization, and (marginally) physical disability than did control writing. Interpretation of these apparent benefits needs to be made cautiously, however, because the disclosure group had somewhat poorer health than controls at baseline and the control group showed some minor worsening over time. CONCLUSIONS: Written emotional disclosure can be conducted at home, and there is tentative evidence that disclosure benefits the health of people with FM. The benefits, however, may be delayed for several months after writing and may be of limited clinical significance

   (130)    Glass JM. Cognitive dysfunction in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome: new trends and future directions. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2006; 8(6):425-429.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia (FM) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients often have memory and cognitive complaints. Objective cognitive testing demonstrates long-term and working memory impairments. In addition, CFS patients have slow information-processing, and FM patients have impaired control of attention, perhaps due to chronic pain. Neuroimaging studies demonstrate cerebral abnormalities and a pattern of increased neural recruitment during cognitive tasks. Future work should focus on the specific neurocognitive systems involved in cognitive dysfunction in each syndrome

   (131)    Gordon C, Emiliozzi C, Zartarian M. Use of a mechanical massage technique in the treatment of fibromyalgia: a preliminary study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2006; 87(1):145-147.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To investigate how a mechanical massage technique (LPG technique) could contribute to the treatment of fibromyalgia. DESIGN: Feasibility study. SETTING: A single center. PARTICIPANTS: Ten women having a preexisting diagnosis of fibromyalgia based on American College of Rheumatology criteria were enrolled. INTERVENTION: Subjects received a total of 15 sessions of mechanical massage administered by a physical therapist once a week. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and a physical examination scoring tender points (number, pain intensity). Evaluations were conducted at the screening visit, after 7 sessions (V7), and after completion of 15 sessions (V15). RESULTS: Most of the parameters (pain intensity, physical function, number of tender points) showed a significant improvement at V15 compared with screening. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest the possibility that the studied intervention might be associated with positive outcomes in women with fibromyalgia, and support the need for a controlled clinical trial to determine its efficacy

   (132)    Gupta A, McBeth J, Macfarlane GJ, Morriss RK, Dickens C, Ray D et al. Pain thresholds and tender point counts as predictors of new chronic widespread pain in psychologically distressed subjects. Ann Rheum Dis 2006; .
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Tender points are a general measure of distress both in community and clinic subjects. It has been suggested that multiple tender points should be regarded as the early stages of somatization of distress. Similarly, there is recent evidence to suggest that chronic widespread pain is one manifestation of the somatization of distress. Given that a high tender point count and chronic widespread pain are clinical hallmarks of the fibromyalgia syndrome, we hypothesized that in psychologically distressed subjects, a high tender point count, or a low pain threshold would predict the development of chronic widespread pain in the future. METHODS: In this population based prospective study, 245 psychologically distressed adults between 25- 65 years, free of chronic widespread pain, were identified, based on a detailed pain questionnaire, and a psychosocial questionnaire comprising the Somatic Symptom Checklist and the Illness Behaviour subscale of the Illness Attitude Scales. These subjects took part in a pain threshold examination with a Fischer pressure algometer. Tender point counts were computed by including all areas with a pain threshold below 4kg/cm2. Individuals were followed up at 15 months, at which time 231 (97% of subjects still living at their baseline address) provided data on pain status, using the same instruments. RESULTS: At follow-up, 26 subjects (11%) developed new chronic widespread pain. Neither baseline pain threshold, nor tender point count, adjusted for age, gender and baseline pain status, predicted the development of new chronic widespread pain. CONCLUSION: Psychologically distressed subjects free of chronic widespread pain are not at an increased risk of its development if they have high tender points or low pain thresholds. Data from this population based prospective study suggest that a low pain-threshold in subjects with chronic widespread pain is likely to be a secondary phenomenon as a result of pain or associated distress rather than being the antecedent of symptoms

   (133)    Gur A. Physical therapy modalities in management of fibromyalgia. Curr Pharm Des 2006; 12(1):29-35.
Abstract: The etiology of fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) is uncertain and the prognosis for symptomatic recovery is generally poor. A wide variety of interventions are used in the management of FM. There is, however, no clear consensus on the treatment of choice and FM remains relatively refractory to treatment. Therefore, prevention, causal therapy and rehabilitation are not possible. FM patients frequently use alternative therapies, indicating dissatisfaction or ineffectiveness of traditional medical therapy. Alternative therapies are generally perceived to be more "natural" and as a result, to have fewer adverse effects. Despite the positive results found, the number of publications related to the application of physical therapy modalities such as acupuncture, transcutaneous electrical stimulation, laser, biofeedback, electrotherapy and magnetic field is still scant, especially concerning FM treatment. The demonstration of a long-term effective intervention for managing the symptoms associated with FM is needed. Multidisciplinary approaches to management include physical and medical therapeutic strategies. Treatment modalities should be individualised for patients based on target symptoms and impairment in functioning. Patience and positive attitude on part of the physician and active involvement of patients and their families in treatment are likely to enhance improvement. It can be concluded that there is a need for larger, more systematic and methodologically sound randomised controlled clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness of physical therapy modalities of managing FM. We will review some of the existing studies of physical therapy relevant in the treatment of FM and give some practical advice for their use

   (134)    Gurer G, Sendur OF, Ay C. Serum lipid profile in fibromyalgia women. Clin Rheumatol 2006; 25(3):300-303.
Abstract: The etiology and pathogenic mechanisms of fibromyalgia (FM) syndrome are unknown. A number of studies have shown that there is an association between some of the musculoskeletal system diseases and hyperlipidemia. The aims of this study were (1) to compare the serum lipid profile among FM and healthy women and (2) to investigate the relationship between serum lipid levels and FM findings. One hundred sixty-four women (82 women with FM as study group and 82 healthy women as control group) were enrolled in the study. The mean serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) were found significantly higher in the FM group than that in the control group (p<0.05). However, There was no statistically significant difference in the mean serum triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-c) values between the two groups (p>0.05). In the FM group, we could not find a significant correlation between the serum lipid profile values and the FM parameters (p>0.05)

   (135)    Gusi N, Tomas-Carus P, Hakkinen A, Hakkinen K, Ortega-Alonso A. Exercise in waist-high warm water decreases pain and improves health-related quality of life and strength in the lower extremities in women with fibromyalgia. Arthritis Rheum 2006; 55(1):66-73.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short- and long-term efficacy of exercise therapy in a warm, waist-high pool in women with fibromyalgia. METHODS: Thirty-four women (mean +/- SD tender points 17 +/- 1) were randomly assigned to either an exercise group (n = 17) to perform 3 weekly sessions of training including aerobic, proprioceptive, and strengthening exercises during 12 weeks, or to a control group (n = 17). Maximal unilateral isokinetic strength was measured in the knee extensors and flexors in concentric and eccentric actions at 60 degrees /second and 210 degrees /second, and in the shoulder abductors and adductors in concentric contractions. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was assessed using the EQ-5D questionnaire; pain was assessed on a visual analog scale. All were measured at baseline, posttreatment, and after 6 months. RESULTS: The strength of the knee extensors in concentric actions increased by 20% in both limbs after the training period, and these improvements were maintained after the de-training period in the exercise group. The strength of other muscle actions measured did not change. HRQOL improved by 93% (P = 0.007) and pain was reduced by 29% (P = 0.012) in the exercise group during the training, but pain returned close to the pretraining level during the subsequent de-training. However, there were no changes in the control group during the entire period. CONCLUSION: The therapy relieved pain and improved HRQOL and muscle strength in the lower limbs at low velocity in patients with initial low muscle strength and high number of tender points. Most of these improvements were maintained long term

   (136)    Hagen K, Pettersen E, Stovner LJ, Skorpen F, Zwart JA. No association between chronic musculoskeletal complaints and Val158Met polymorphism in the Catechol-O-methyltransferase gene. The HUNT study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2006; 7:40.:40.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene contains a functional polymorphism, Val158Met, that has been found to influence human pain perception. In one study fibromyalgia was less likely among those with Val/Val genotype. METHODS: In the 1995-97 Nord-Trondelag Health Study (HUNT), the association between Val/Met polymorphism at the COMT gene and chronic musculoskeletal complaints (MSCs) was evaluated in a random sample of 3017 individuals. RESULTS: The distribution of the COMT Val158Met genotypes and alleles were similar between controls and the twelve different chronic MSCs groups. Even when the Met/Met and Val/Met genotypes were pooled, the distribution of the Val/Val genotype and other genotypes were similar between controls and the chronic MSCs groups. CONCLUSION: In this population-based study, no significant association was found between Val/Met polymorphism at the COMT gene and chronic MSCs

   (137)    Hammond A, Freeman K. Community patient education and exercise for people with fibromyalgia: a parallel group randomized controlled trial. Clin Rehabil 2006; 20(10):835-846.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a community patient education -exercise programme, using a cognitive-behavioural approach, for people with fibromyalgia. DESIGN: A randomized, parallel group trial with assessments at 0, 4 and 8 months. SETTING: Community leisure centres. SUBJECTS: People with fibromyalgia (n=183) attending a rheumatology outpatient department at a large district general hospital. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomized to a patient education-exercise group (n=97) or relaxation (attention control) group (n=86). MAIN MEASURES: The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (0-80; lower score means better health). Secondary outcomes included: the Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale(pain and other symptoms subscales: 1 -10 scale; higher scores mean greater self-efficacy) and self-reported improvement. RESULTS: Fifty participants withdrew or were unable to attend and 133 completed and returned baseline questionnaires: patient education group (n=71); relaxation group (n=62); 120/133 participants were women. Average age was 48.53 (SD 10.89) years. Follow-up ranged between 73 and 82% of questionnaires returned. At four months, there was a difference in average changes in total Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire scores between the two groups: patient education group--3.38 (SD 9.35); relaxation group 0.3 (SD 8.85); P=0.02. Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale scores were significantly higher in the patient education group: pain 0.59 (SD 1.45)compared to the relaxation group's--0.12 (SD 1.22); P=0.003; other symptoms (patient education group 0.72 (SD 1.33); relaxation group 0.03 (SD 1.16); P=0.002). At eight months these differences were no longer apparent. Forty-seven per cent in the patient education group self-reported improvement compared with 13% in the relaxation group (chi2=13.65; P=0.0001). CONCLUSION: Short-term improvements resulted from the education -exercise programme but were not sustained. Appropriate selection may improve efficacy

   (138)    Hanning CD, Rentowl P. Harmful impact of EU clinical trials directive: trial of alerting drug in fibromyalgia has had to be abandoned.. BMJ 2006; 332(7542):666.

   (139)    Harris RE, Clauw DJ. How do we know that the pain in fibromyalgia is "real"? Curr Pain Headache Rep 2006; 10(6):403-407.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia is a common idiopathic pain condition often resulting in increased morbidity and disability in patients. The lack of peripheral abnormalities in this disease has led clinicians and researchers alike to question if this syndrome represents a valid entity. Recent genetic findings suggest that specific gene mutations may predispose individuals to develop fibromyalgia. In addition, neurobiological studies indicate that fibromyalgia patients have abnormalities within central brain structures that normally encode pain sensations in healthy pain-free controls. Future studies that focus on central neurobiological and/or genetic influences in fibromyalgia may bring insight into mechanisms of this problematic disease and ultimately result in improved treatments

   (140)    Harris RE, Gracely RH, McLean SA, Williams DA, Giesecke T, Petzke F et al. Comparison of clinical and evoked pain measures in fibromyalgia. J Pain 2006; 7(7):521-527.
Abstract: Evoked pain measures such as tender point count and dolorimetry are often used to determine tenderness in studies of fibromyalgia (FM). However, these measures frequently do not improve in clinical trials and are known to be influenced by factors other than pain such as distress and expectancy. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether evoked pain paradigms that present pressure stimuli in a random fashion (eg, Multiple Random Staircase [MRS]) would track with clinical pain improvement in patients with FM better than traditional measures. Sixty-five subjects enrolled in a randomized clinical trial of acupuncture were observed longitudinally. Clinical pain was measured on a 101-point numerical rating scale (NRS) and the Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), whereas evoked pressure sensitivity was assessed via manual tender point count, dolorimetry, and MRS methods. Improvements in clinical pain and evoked pain were assessed irrespective of group assignment. Improvement was seen in clinical pain during the course of the trial as measured by both NRS (P = .032) and SF-MPQ (P = .001). The MRS was the only evoked pain measure to improve correspondingly with treatment (MRS, P = .001; tender point count and dolorimeter, P > .05). MRS change scores were correlated with changes in NRS pain ratings (P = .003); however, this association was not stronger than tender point or dolorimetry correlations with clinical pain improvement (P > .05). Pain sensitivity as assessed by random paradigms was associated with improvements in clinical FM pain. Sophisticated pain testing paradigms might be responsive to change in clinical trials. PERSPECTIVE: Trials in fibromyalgia often use both clinical and experimental methods of pain assessment; however, these two outcomes are often poorly correlated. We explore the relationship between changes in clinical and experimental pain within FM patients. Pressure pain testing that applies stimuli in a random order is associated with improvements in clinical pain, but this association was not stronger than other experimental techniques

   (141)    Hauser W, Bernardy K, Arnold B. [Fibromyalgia -- a somatoform (pain) disorder?]. Schmerz 2006; 20(2):128-139.
Abstract: The hypothesis that fibromyalgia (FM) should be classified as a somatoform disorder was assessed by reviewing current clinical studies. According to the ICD-10, somatic illness beliefs of the patient, high health care utilization, and frustrating patient-doctor relationships are diagnostic criteria of somatoform disorders. For the diagnosis of a somatoform pain disorder, a temporal association between the manifestation of pain and emotional or psychosocial conflicts and the exclusion of a depressive disorder are additionally required. Empirical studies demonstrate a higher lifetime and current prevalence of psychiatric disorders, childhood adversities, life events, and daily hassles and a higher health care utilization of FM patients. Studies also reveal that most patients believe that both somatic and psychosocial factors have caused their disorder. The patient-doctor relationship is characterized to be disappointing for both. Yet in all studies there were patients who did not fulfill the ICD-10 criteria of a somatoform (pain) disorder. A biopsychosocial model of FM differentiating between biological as well as psychosocial predisposing, triggering, and perpetuating factors in the pathogenesis of FM is presented as an alternative model. Hopefully the biopsychosocial model and the distinction of subgroups will enable more differentiated and tailored psychotherapeutic and pharmacological treatment strategies

   (142)    Hauser W, Wilhelm R, Klein W, Zimmer C. [Causal illness attributions and healthcare utilization in fibromyalgia syndrome]. Schmerz 2006; 20(2):119-127.
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: High utilization of medical services has been described for patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). There are no studies available that assess whether the patients' subjective illness beliefs influence their behavior in utilizing healthcare. METHODS: Examinations were performed by taking the history of pain treatment in 100 FMS patients evaluated by experts for the social court and 25 patients attending an outpatient pain center. The subjective illness theories were drawn from the patients' responses to the German Pain Questionnaire (GPQ). The statements made on the GPQ regarding utilization of healthcare services were compared with the records and the answers given in the interview on pain therapy. RESULTS: Of the patients, 44% specified a somatic, 2% a psychogenic, 9% none, and 45% a psychosomatic illness belief. The patients were classified as high utilizers of specialized medical services in 25% of the cases and of psychiatric-psychotherapeutic services in 14%. No significant correlations between the type of subjective illness theory and utilization of specialized medical or psychiatric-psychotherapeutic services were observed. CONCLUSION: From the psychosomatic viewpoint, only part of the FMS patients exhibited an inordinately one-sided somatic illness belief. The utilization of healthcare services cannot be explained by the subjective perception of the illness

   (143)    Havas M. Electromagnetic hypersensitivity: biological effects of dirty electricity with emphasis on diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Electromagn Biol Med 2006; 25(4):259-268.
Abstract: Dirty electricity is a ubiquitous pollutant. It flows along wires and radiates from them and involves both extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and radio frequency radiation. Until recently, dirty electricity has been largely ignored by the scientific community. Recent inventions of metering and filter equipment provide scientists with the tools to measure and reduce dirty electricity on electrical wires. Several case studies and anecdotal reports are presented. Graham/Stetzer (GS) filters have been installed in schools with sick building syndrome and both staff and students reported improved health and more energy. The number of students needing inhalers for asthma was reduced in one school and student behavior associated with ADD/ADHD improved in another school. Blood sugar levels for some diabetics respond to the amount of dirty electricity in their environment. Type 1 diabetics require less insulin and Type 2 diabetics have lower blood sugar levels in an electromagnetically clean environment. Individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis have better balance and fewer tremors. Those requiring a cane walked unassisted within a few days to weeks after GS filters were installed in their home. Several disorders, including asthma, ADD/ADHD, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, are increasing at an alarming rate, as is electromagnetic pollution in the form of dirty electricity, ground current, and radio frequency radiation from wireless devices. The connection between electromagnetic pollution and these disorders needs to be investigated and the percentage of people sensitive to this form of energy needs to be determined

   (144)    Havermark AM, Langius-Eklof A. Long-term follow up of a physical therapy programme for patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. Scand J Caring Sci 2006; 20(3):315-322.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate, in a long-term perspective, the impact of a physical therapy-based educational programme on patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The programme includes information about the syndrome, information about pain and muscle physiology, training in warm water, stretching, body awareness therapy and relaxation in groups of 15 patients twice weekly, 2 hours during 10 weeks. A total of 240 patients with FMS participated in the study before and immediately after the programme and at a follow up with a mean of 35 months after the programme. Health status as measured with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire was answered by the patients at all three measurement points. Questionnaires concerning self-care, self-motivation and sense of coherence (SOC) were distributed at the follow up. The results showed a significant improvement on several symptoms when comparing before and after the programme, and at the time of follow up the patients' rated well-being was still improved. The results also showed that the patients' pretreatment perception of symptoms, well-being and SOC are predictors to the perception of general health at the follow up of a physical therapy programme. The conclusion is that a physical therapy programme for patients with FMS may have a positive impact on patients' general well-being but not on other symptoms

   (145)    Hayden RJ, Louis DS, Doro C. Fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndromes and the workers' compensation environment: an update. Clin Occup Environ Med 2006; 5(2):455-4xi.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndromes are terms used to describe a constellation of complaints ranging from generalized aches to specific tender trigger points often accompanied by fatigue, depression, and sleep disturbances. In the past 5 years, research has been directed primarily at determining the pathophysiology of fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndromes and the treatment of patients' comorbidities to alleviate their symptomatology. Controversy exists as to whether fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndromes represent a specific pathology or are merely terms to describe clinical conditions that provide patients with the reassurance that their symptoms are real and help clinicians with therapeutic direction. In the occupational health setting, this uncertainty can lead to significant difficulty in determining short- and long-term disability and assigning culpability to an individual's work environment

   (146)    Herman PM, Sherman KJ, Erro JH, Cherkin DC, Milliman B, Adams LA. A method for describing and evaluating naturopathic whole practice. Altern Ther Health Med 2006; 12(4):20-28.
Abstract: CONTEXT: Even though complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is generally practiced as distinct systems of medicine, almost all CAM research has focused on single therapies. In order to more adequately evaluate the effectiveness of these medical systems, studies that evaluate the outcome of intact whole systems are needed. One challenge lies in defining the whole medical system (and any medical system it is compared to) in a way that ensures treatment fidelity. OBJECTIVE: This paper presents a proposed method to measure treatment fidelity (treatment criteria) in studies of the naturopathic medical system. DESIGN: Illustrative example of the theory-based development and post-hoc "testing" of treatment criteria against an existing database of actual treatments prescribed by a random sample of naturopathic physicians. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Treatment criteria for 3 conditions--menopausal symptoms, bowel dysfunction, and fatigue/fibromyalgia--and their comparison to actual treatments prescribed. RESULTS: A set of meaningful, measurable treatment criteria based on the naturopathic practice principles were defined that could have generated the majority (82%-93%) of treatment prescriptions given at visits for these conditions. Several of the treatment criteria components are common across the 3 conditions studied, and might be appropriate for all visits to doctors of naturopathy (NDs). Others are specific to each condition. In addition to ensuring model validity, these criteria help identify critical components of care, enable study replication, provide a measure of quality of care, and are one step toward allowing CAM to be studied as it is generally practiced-as distinct systems of medicine. SETTING: Work was performed at Bastyr University and the University of Arizona

   (147)    Hirsh AT, Waxenberg LB, Atchison JW, Gremillion HA, Robinson ME. Evidence for sex differences in the relationships of pain, mood, and disability. J Pain 2006; 7(8):592-601.
Abstract: Disability demonstrates strong univariate associations with pain and negative mood. These relationships are more complex at the multivariate level and might be further complicated by sex differences. We investigated sex differences in the relationships of pain and negative mood to overall disability and to disability in specific functional domains. One hundred ninety-seven consecutive patients with low back, myofascial, neck, arthritis, and fibromyalgia pain were recruited from university pain clinics and completed measures of disability and negative mood. Overall disability and disability in voluntary activities were significantly associated with pain and negative mood (factor score) for both sexes. Significant sex differences emerged in the strength of the disability-mood relationship, with women evincing a stronger relationship. Disability in obligatory activities was also significantly related to pain and negative mood for both sexes; however, there were no sex differences in the strength of these relationships. Mediation analyses indicated that, in men, negative mood partially mediated the relationship between pain and both overall disability and disability in voluntary activities; mediation was not supported for disability in obligatory activities. In women, negative mood fully mediated the relationship between pain and all 3 types of disability. These data suggest that disability is more directly related to pain in men. In women, the effect of pain on disability appears to operate through negative mood. PERSPECTIVE: Results of this study demonstrate that sex differences exist in the relationships of pain, mood, and disability. Men and women might thus benefit from treatment interventions that differentially target these variables

   (148)    Hochlehnert A, Richter A, Bludau HB, Bieber C, Blumenstiel K, Mueller K et al. A computer-based information-tool for chronic pain patients. Computerized information to support the process of shared decision-making. Patient Educ Couns 2006; 61(1):92-98.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Assessment of the use of a computerized information-tool in the context of a shared decision-making process with chronic pain patients. METHODS: In the scope of a prospective and randomized study on shared decision-making with Fibromyalgia patients, a total of 75 patients had access to computer-based information about their illness. Fibromyalgia is a condition of chronic wide-spread pain, belonging to rheumatism, which mainly affects mature female patients. The majority of the patients in our study are female (93%) with an average age of 50 years. The computer-based information-tool provided the patients with detailed information about pathogenesis, typical symptoms, treatment options and prognosis. Six evaluative questions were posed to the participants concerning the assessment of the information presented, the handling of the programme, the need for an introduction to the programme, the quality of the layout and the assessment of the length of time spent in front of the computer and the assessment of the usefulness of such a tool in general practitioners' offices. Furthermore, psychological self-assessment questionnaires were filled out by the participants. RESULTS: The patients highly appreciate the possibility of using computer-based information-tools and endorse the implementation of such tools in general practitioners' offices. CONCLUSION: Computerized information leads to a better understanding of the illness and the treatment options on the part of the patient. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: For further practical use it is crucial to provide an introduction to the handling of a computer to unskilled patients

   (149)    Hoseini SS, Hoseini M, Gharibzadeh S. Sprouting phenomenon, a new model for the role of A-beta fibers in wind up. Med Hypotheses 2006; 66(4):805-807.
Abstract: Wind up is a progressive frequency-dependent facilitation of the responses of nociceptive neurons observed on the application of repetitive (usually electrical) stimuli of constant intensity. The NMDA and NK1 receptors are essentially involved in wind up. After induction of wind up, stimulation of C-fibers show the characteristics of wind up, but stimulation of Abeta fibers for induction of wind up is controversial. In this study, we have proposed a new model for the role of Abeta fibers in wind up, through sprouting of nerve fibers in the dorsal horn of spinal cord. We named it "sprouting phenomenon". It has been reported that in some clinical hyperalgesic states induced by peripheral injury or inflammation, wind up may aggravate the pain. For example, studies have indicated the presence of wind up in post-surgical states, some neuropathic pains, fibromyalgia syndrome, and post-herpetic neuralgia. According to sprouting phenomenon, it seems that some clinical interventions can be assessed to alleviate post-inflammatory pains: (1) Immediate and complete relief of inflammation by anti-inflammatory agents to prevent repetitive excitation of C-fibers and subsequent morphological changes of dorsal horn laminae; (2) using local anesthetics in order to prevent pain signal transmission; (3) prevention of sprouting by intrathecal injection of some anti-proliferation agents; (4) using NMDA or NK1 receptor antagonists to prevent central mechanism of wind up. Some clinical trials have indicated the effectiveness of these antagonists. It is worth noting that future clinical studies are needed to validate these predictions

   (150)    Hughes G, Martinez C, Myon E, Taieb C, Wessely S. The impact of a diagnosis of fibromyalgia on health care resource use by primary care patients in the UK: an observational study based on clinical practice. Arthritis Rheum 2006; 54(1):177-183.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of a diagnosis of fibromyalgia (FM) in clinical practice on health care resource use in the UK. METHODS: Rates of visits, prescriptions, referral, and diagnostic testing were estimated in patients who had been diagnosed as having FM between 1998 and March 2003 in UK primary care and compared with those in matched controls. Rates were calculated in 6-month intervals from 10 years before until 4 years after the FM diagnosis. RESULTS: Patients (2260) were newly diagnosed as having FM; 81.3% were women. Their mean age was 49 years. FM patients had considerably higher rates of visits, prescriptions, and testing from at least 10 years prior to diagnosis compared with controls. By the time of diagnosis, FM patients had 25 visits and 11 prescriptions per year compared with 12 visits and 4.5 prescriptions per year in controls. Visit rates were highest for depression, followed by fatigue, chest pain, headache, and sleep disturbance. Following diagnosis, visits for most symptoms and health care use markers declined, but within 2-3 years, most visits rose to levels at or higher than those at diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Primary care patients who had been diagnosed as having FM reported higher rates of illness and health care resource use for at least 10 years prior to their diagnosis, which suggests that illness behavior may play a role. Being diagnosed as having FM may help patients cope with some symptoms, but the diagnosis has a limited impact on health care resource use in the longer term, possibly because there is little effective treatment

   (151)    Hughes L. Physical and psychological variables that influence pain in patients with fibromyalgia. Orthop Nurs 2006; 25(2):112-119.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia is a syndrome of chronic pain. Its etiology is unknown and treatment is not well defined. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of specific variables on pain in 107 women with fibromyalgia. METHODS: Data collection included two pain measurements administered by the researcher, four survey questionnaires self-administered by the participants (measuring activity, fatigue, depression, and demographic data), and three measures of physical fitness for flexibility, strength, and endurance. FINDINGS: Fatigue, pelvic pain, and physical trauma explained 23% of the variance in sensory pain; activity, depression, and pelvic pain explained 23% of affective pain; and a flare-up of symptoms and depression explained 25% of the intensity of pain experienced by the participants. CONCLUSION: Nurses should consider decreasing depression and fatigue and increasing activity so that fibromyalgia pain may be lessened during care

   (152)    Husser D, Bollmann A, Kuhne C, Molling J, Klein HU. Evaluation of noncardiac chest pain: diagnostic approach, coping strategies and quality of life. Eur J Pain 2006; 10(1):51-55.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Approximately 30% of coronary angiograms are negative for significant coronary artery disease and patients are classified as having noncardiac chest pain (NCCP). So far, no systematic diagnostic approach to patients with NCCP investigating for possible esophageal, psychiatric and musculoskeletal abnormalities exists. Furthermore, coping strategies and quality of life are poorly characterized in NCCP patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: A simple diagnostic approach was applied to 37 consecutive patients (21 female, age 61+/-12 years) with angina-like chest pain and normal coronary angiograms. Twenty-one patients were found to suffer from psychiatric disorders (combined anxiety (A) and depression (D): n = 10, D: n = 5, panic disorder (P): n = 3, somatization (S): n = 3) based on their Symptom Check List 90 scores and according to DSM IV-R criteria. Sixteen patients had an improvement of their chest pain after oral esomeprazole (40 mg for 7 days) and were therefore diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Musculoskeletal abnormalities including chostochondritis (n = 4), thoracic spondylodynia (n = 1), and fibromyalgia (n = 1) were found in six patients. Multiple diagnoses were confirmed in six patients with GERD (additional D n = 3, additional musculoskeletal disorders n = 3). Patients with psychiatric disorders showed a diminished quality of life (MOS-SF 36), more frequent chest pain, less treatment satisfaction (Seattle Angina Questionnaire) and more rumination (Trier Coping Scales) compared to GERD patients. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate combined psychiatric and orthopedic evaluation as well as esomeprazole administration following exclusion of coronary artery disease may confirm the causes of noncardiac chest pain. Identification of psychiatric disorders seems especially warranted since these patients experience a reduced quality of life and exhibit pathologic coping strategies

   (153)    Hwang E, Barkhuizen A. Update on rheumatologic mimics of fibromyalgia. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2006; 10(5):327-332.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia is a common disorder of diffuse musculoskeletal pain. Several rheumatic diseases can mimic fibromyalgia, and a clinician would not want to miss these diagnoses because of their potential long-term sequelae, such as progressive joint damage or life- or organ-threatening disease if they remain untreated. This paper discusses the typical clinical presentations of selected rheumatic diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, polymyalgia rheumatica, and osteoarthritis) then highlights the key features in history, laboratory testing, and radiographic imaging that aid the clinician in differentiating between fibromyalgia and these rheumatic diseases

   (154)    Iaboni A, Ibanez D, Gladman DD, Urowitz MB, Moldofsky H. Fatigue in systemic lupus erythematosus: contributions of disordered sleep, sleepiness, and depression. J Rheumatol 2006; 33(12):2453-2457.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To clarify the role of sleep disorders, sleepiness, and depression in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who complain of disabling tiredness. METHODS: Patients with SLE (31 women, 4 men) with disabling tiredness were evaluated with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and overnight polysomnography, followed by daytime multiple sleep latency tests (MSLT) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Their polysomnography was compared with 17 healthy, asymptomatic controls. RESULTS: Polysomnography of the patients in comparison with healthy controls showed impaired sleep efficiency (p < 0.02), high arousal frequencies (p < 0.01), increased stage 1 sleep (p < 0.02), decreased stage 3/4 slow-wave sleep (p < 0.02), and a high percentage (77% of patients) with increased alpha-EEG non-REM sleep. In 23% of patients periodic limb movement (PLM) disorder was observed (mean PLM index 31.1 +/- 15); 26% of patients had obstructive sleep apnea (mean apnea/hypopnea index 19.3 +/- 10), and one patient had narcolepsy-cataplexy. Remarkably, 51% of patients were excessively sleepy on both the ESS and MSLT (mean sleep latency < 10 min). This excessive daytime sleepiness was not related to sleep restriction. There was no association between sleepiness and SLE disease features such as neuropsychiatric SLE, medications, fibromyalgia, or disease activity. As a whole, the study group reported mild to moderate depression (mean BDI = 15.8 +/- 9.9). Within the group, the sleepy patients had lower BDI scores than the non-sleepy patients (p < 0.02), and fewer of the sleepy patients were depressed (p < 0.04). CONCLUSION: Primary sleep disorders, sleepiness, and depression are common in tired SLE patients. Tiredness in SLE that is the result of excessive daytime sleepiness can be distinguished from tiredness of depression. Such distinctions will help identify appropriate treatment for tired patients with SLE

   (155)    Ifergane G, Buskila D, Simiseshvely N, Zeev K, Cohen H. Prevalence of fibromyalgia syndrome in migraine patients. Cephalalgia 2006; 26(4):451-456.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic pain syndrome of unknown aetiology characterized by diffuse pain over more than 3 months and tenderness in specific sites named tender points. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and severity of FMS among patients suffering from episodic migraine. Ninety-two consecutive patients (20 male, 72 female) fulfilling the International Headache Society criteria for migraine with and without aura from a tertiary headache clinic were evaluated. A headache and generalized pain history was recorded, tender points were evaluated by thumb palpation. The diagnosis of FMS was made based on the 1990 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for FMS. Sixteen (22.2%) of the female patients and none of the male patients were diagnosed as suffering from FMS. Migraine severity and characteristics were similar to other female migraine patients. Patients suffering from migraine-FMS had lower quality of life scores and higher levels of mental distress. A high incidence of FMS was found among female migraine patients but not in males. The coexistence of FMS should be considered when choosing a prophylactic migraine therapy

   (156)    Iovino P, Tremolaterra F, Consalvo D, Sabbatini F, Mazzacca G, Ciacci C. Perception of electrocutaneous stimuli in irritable bowel syndrome. Am J Gastroenterol 2006; 101(3):596-603.
Abstract: BACKGROUND AND AIM: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) are common conditions with some similarities, but different perceptual responses to somatic and visceral stimuli. The purpose of this study was to assess in a large group of IBS patients the somatic perception by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and its relation to the level of severity and presence of FMS. METHODS: In 99 patients grouped by the validated functional bowel disorder severity index (FBDSI) in mild, moderate, and severe IBS and in 33 healthy controls (HC), we studied discomfort thresholds and perception of somatic stimuli at control (hands and elbows) and active (trapezius) sites by TENS and by using a specific questionnaire. RESULTS: The use of TENS showed that IBS showed significant higher thresholds and lower perception cumulative score compared to HC. The severity of IBS is significantly associated with age and mean control site values for discomfort and borderline associated with gender in the ordinal model constructed for the ascending series protocol. The severity of IBS is also significantly associated with the active cumulative perception score in the long stimulus protocol. Due to limited sample size of IBS men with FMS, analyses of discomfort thresholds and cumulative perception score by FMS were done only for women. IBS women without FMS had significantly higher mean control site values for discomfort and significantly lower active cumulative perception score than HC. IBS women with FMS had significantly lower mean active site values for discomfort thresholds than IBS women without FMS (Dunn's test p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: IBS patients showed somatic hypoalgesia to electrical stimuli. The severity of IBS and the presence of FMS influence the perception of somatic stimuli induced by TENS

   (157)    Jackson JL, O'Malley PG, Kroenke K. Antidepressants and cognitive-behavioral therapy for symptom syndromes. CNS Spectr 2006; 11(3):212-222.
Abstract: Somatic symptoms are common in primary care and clinicians often prescribe antidepressants as adjunctive therapy. There are many possible reasons why this may work, including treating comorbid depression or anxiety, inhibition of ascending pain pathways, inhibition of prefrontal cortical areas that are responsible for "attention" to noxious stimuli, and the direct effects of the medications on the syndrome. There are good theoretical reasons why antidepressants with balanced norepinephrine and serotonin effects may be more effective than those that act predominantly on one pathway, though head-to-head comparisons are lacking. For the 11 painful syndromes review in this article, cognitive-behavioral therapy is most consistently demonstrated to be effective, with various antidepressants having more or less randomized controlled data supporting or refuting effectiveness. This article reviews the randomized controlled trial data for the use of antidepressant and cognitive-behavior therapy for 11 somatic syndromes: irritable bowel syndrome, chronic back pain, headache, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, tinnitus, menopausal symptoms, chronic facial pain, noncardiac chest pain, interstitial cystitis, and chronic pelvic pain. For some syndromes, the data for or against treatment effectiveness is relatively robust, for many, however, the data, one way or the other is scanty

   (158)    Jamil H, Nassar-McMillan SC, Salman WA, Tahar M, Jamil LH. Iraqi Gulf War veteran refugees in the U.S.: PTSD and physical symptoms. Soc Work Health Care 2006; 43(4):85-98.
Abstract: Veterans of the Gulf War present various symptoms and maladies. Reports by governmental and private entities have yielded mixed results and have been fraught with criticisms of biased research design. The vast majority of these studies have focused on U.S. veterans, with a much smaller number focusing upon British veterans. Very few have examined Iraqi Gulf War veterans. Our study involves administering a health issues questionnaire to a sample of Iraqi Gulf War veteran refugees in the U.S. Results indicate relationships between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) scores and health outcome measures of chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, functional status, quality of life, and health care utilization in terms of frequency and level of intensity. Implications for further inquiry are presented

   (159)    Janal MN, Ciccone DS, Natelson BH. Sub-typing CFS patients on the basis of 'minor' symptoms. Biol Psychol 2006; 73(2):124-131.
Abstract: The diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), an illness characterized by medically unexplained fatigue, depends on a clinical case definition representing one or more pathophysiological mechanisms. To prepare for studies of these mechanisms, this study sought to identify subtypes of CFS. In 161 women meeting 1994 criteria for CFS, principal components analysis of the 10 'minor' symptoms of CFS produced three factors interpreted to indicate musculoskeletal, infectious and neurological subtypes. Extreme scores on one or more of these factors characterized about 2/3 of the sample. Those characterized by the neurological factor were at increased risk of reduced scores on cognitive tests requiring attention, working memory, long-term memory or rapid performance. In addition, the neurological subtype was associated with reduced levels of function. Those characterized by the musculoskeletal factor were at increased risk for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia (chronic widespread pain and mechanical allodynia) and reduced physical function. Those characterized by the infectious factor were less likely to evidence co-occurring fibromyalgia, and showed lesser risk of functional impairment. The prevalence of disability was increased in those with the highest scores on any of the subtypes, as well as in those with high scores on multiple factors. Depression and anxiety, while frequently present, were not more prevalent in any particular subtype, and did not increase with the severity of specific symptom reports. Results suggest that subtypes of CFS may be identified from reports of the minor diagnostic symptoms, and that these subtypes demonstrate construct validity

   (160)    Jevremovic D, Torbenson M, Murray JA, Burgart LJ, Abraham SC. Atrophic autoimmune pangastritis: A distinctive form of antral and fundic gastritis associated with systemic autoimmune disease. Am J Surg Pathol 2006; 30(11):1412-1419.
Abstract: The 2 major recognized forms of atrophic gastritis are autoimmune and environmental atrophic gastritis. These differ in their topographical distribution in the stomach, histologic features, and etiology. Autoimmune atrophic gastritis results from immune-mediated destruction of specialized oxyntic glands, is restricted to the body and fundus, and shows characteristic neuroendocrine hyperplasia. Environmental atrophic gastritis is associated with long-standing Helicobacter pylori infection and preferentially involves antrum and transition zone mucosa. In this study, we describe a distinctive form of atrophic gastritis that differs markedly from both of these classic variants. This gastritis is characterized by: (1) intense mucosal inflammatory infiltrates, persisting even into the phase of severe glandular atrophy, (2) pangastric distribution with diffuse involvement of both body and antrum, (3) lack of association with H. pylori, and (4) lack of neuroendocrine hyperplasia. The 8 patients presented ranged from 1 to 75 years and showed a slight female predominance (5F:3M). All had systemic autoimmune and/or connective tissue diseases including autoimmune enterocolitis (4 cases), systemic lupus erythematosus, refractory sprue, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and disabling fibromyalgia. Positive serum autoimmune markers were documented in 7 of 8 (87%) patients, but serologies for antiparietal cell and anti-intrinsic factor antibodies were undertaken in only 1 patient each and were negative. We propose that the distinctive histology of this form of atrophic pangastritis and its association with systemic autoimmune disease suggests an autoimmune process directed against multiple cell lineages in the stomach. The development of multifocal low-grade dysplasia in 1 patient, a 19-year-old woman, suggests that this condition might have neoplastic potential

   (161)    Jochims A, Ludascher P, Bohus M, Treede RD, Schmahl C. [Pain processing in patients with borderline personality disorder, fibromyalgia, and post-traumatic stress disorder]. Schmerz 2006; 20(2):140-150.
Abstract: The authors review relevant experimental studies on pain perception and processing in psychiatric disorders with traumatic stress as an etiological factor. In borderline personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and fibromyalgia neurophysiological and neuropsychological patterns of pain processing appear to be different. Experimental studies in borderline patients show a desensitization of pain thresholds whereas patients with fibromyalgia show an opposite pattern, which could be explained by a central augmentation of pain processing. Furthermore, the authors outline methods to assess pain perception (peripheral and central) and describe the neurobiological mechanisms of pain processing, particularly the distinction between the sensory-discriminative lateral system and the affective-motivational medial system. Finally, suggestions for further research and implications for therapy are proposed

   (162)    Johannesson U, de Boussard CN, Brodda JG, Bohm-Starke N. Evidence of diffuse noxious inhibitory controls (DNIC) elicited by cold noxious stimulation in patients with provoked vestibulodynia. Pain 2006; .
Abstract: Provoked vestibulodynia is a common cause of superficial dyspareunia in young women. Recent evidence has pointed out the importance of studying endogenous pain modulation in these women. An impairment of diffuse noxious inhibitory controls (DNIC) has been suggested in chronic pain conditions with a female predominance such as fibromyalgia and temporomandibular disorder. Our aim was to examine whether patients with provoked vestibulodynia and healthy women with or without combined oral contraceptives (COC) display a DNIC response to cold noxious stimulation. Twenty patients with provoked vestibulodynia not using COC, 20 healthy women on COC and 20 healthy women without COC were included and tested days 7-11 of their menstrual cycle. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) and pain ratings using VAS were measured on the arm and leg before and during a cold pressor test. A socio-medical questionnaire, the Hospital and Anxiety Depression Scale and the Short Form-36 were completed. The majority of the subjects in all three study groups significantly increased their PPTs during cold noxious stimulation indicating a DNIC response. The patients displayed lower PPTs compared to the healthy women. Depression, anxiety and bodily pain were more often reported by the patients. No differences related to the intake of COC were observed between the healthy women. In conclusion, women with provoked vestibulodynia as well as healthy women irrespective of COC status display a DNIC response indicating an endogenous pain inhibition. However, the results imply a systemic hypersensitivity in women with vestibulodynia with low general pain thresholds as compared to healthy women

   (163)    Johnson EO, Kostandi M, Moutsopoulos HM. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function in Sjogren's syndrome: mechanisms of neuroendocrine and immune system homeostasis. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2006; 1088:41-51.:41-51.
Abstract: To date, evidence suggests that rheumatic diseases are associated with hypofunctioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Sjogren's syndrome (SS), the second most common autoimmune disorder, is characterized by diminished lacrimal and salivary gland secretion. To examine HPA axis activity in SS patients, the adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) response to ovine corticotropin-releasing factor (oCRH) was used as a direct measure of corticotrophic function, and the plasma cortisol response to the ACTH released during oCRH stimulation as an indirect measure of adrenal function. Significantly lower basal ACTH and cortisol levels were found in patients with SS and were associated with a blunted pituitary and adrenal response to oCRH compared to normal controls. Fibromyalgia (FM) patients demonstrated elevated evening basal ACTH and cortisol levels and a somewhat exaggerated peak, delta, and net integrated ACTH response to oCRH. A subgroup of SS patients also met the diagnostic criteria for FM and demonstrated a pituitary-adrenal response that was intermediate to SS and FM. These findings suggest not only adrenal axis hypoactivity in SS and FM patients, but also that varying patterns of adrenal and thyroid axes dysfunction may exist in patients with different rheumatic diseases

   (164)    Johnson KM, Bradley KA, Bush K, Gardella C, Dobie DJ, Laya MB. Frequency of mastalgia among women veterans. Association with psychiatric conditions and unexplained pain syndromes. J Gen Intern Med 2006; 21 Suppl 3:S70-5.:S70-S75.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and frequency of mastalgia and its association with psychiatric conditions and unexplained pain syndromes. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Cross-sectional mailed survey completed by 1,219 female veterans enrolled at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System in 1998. MEASUREMENTS: Breast pain in the past year, unrelated to pregnancy, was categorized as infrequent (< or =monthly) or frequent (> or =weekly) mastalgia. Surveys assessed posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, panic disorder, and alcohol misuse with validated screening tests, as well as self-reported past-year chronic pelvic pain, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome. RESULTS: The response rate was 63%. Fifty-five percent of the respondents reported past-year mastalgia. Of these, 15% reported frequent mastalgia. Compared to women without mastalgia, women reporting frequent mastalgia were more likely to screen positive for PTSD (odds ratio [OR] 5.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.2 to 8.4), major depression (OR 4.2, 2.6 to 6.9), panic disorder (OR 7.1, 3.9 to 12.8), eating disorder (OR 2.6, 1.5 to 4.7), alcohol misuse (OR 1.8, 1.1 to 2.8), or domestic violence (OR 3.1, 1.9 to 5.0), and to report fibromyalgia (OR 3.9, 2.1 to 7.4), chronic pelvic pain (OR 5.4, 2.7 to 10.5), or irritable bowel syndrome (OR 2.8, 1.6 to 4.8). Women with infrequent mastalgia were also more likely than women without mastalgia to screen positive for PTSD, depression, or panic disorder, or report pelvic pain or irritable bowel syndrome, although associations were weaker than with frequent mastalgia. CONCLUSIONS: Like other unexplained pain syndromes, frequent mastalgia is strongly associated with PTSD and other psychiatric conditions. Clinicians seeing patients with frequent mastalgia should inquire about anxiety, depression, alcohol misuse, and trauma history

   (165)    Johnson LM, Zautra AJ, Davis MC. The role of illness uncertainty on coping with fibromyalgia symptoms. Health Psychol 2006; 25(6):696-703.
Abstract: This study examined the role of illness uncertainty in pain coping among women with fibromyalgia (FM), a chronic pain condition of unknown origin. Fifty-one FM participants completed initial demographic and illness uncertainty questionnaires and underwent 10-12 weekly interviews regarding pain, coping difficulty, and coping efficacy. Main outcome measures included weekly levels of difficulty coping with FM symptoms and coping efficacy. Multilevel analyses indicated that pain elevations for those high in illness uncertainty predicted increases in coping difficulty. Furthermore, when participants had more difficulty coping, they reported lower levels of coping efficacy. Results were consistent with hypothesized effects. Illness uncertainty accompanied by episodic pain negatively influenced coping efficacy, an important resource in adaptation to FM

   (166)    Jonas C. [Fibromyalgia: rheumatologic or psychiatric disease?]. Presse Med 2006; 35(11 Pt 2):1679-1680.

   (167)    Jones KD, Adams D, Winters-Stone K, Burckhardt CS. A comprehensive review of 46 exercise treatment studies in fibromyalgia (1988-2005). Health Qual Life Outcomes 2006; 4:67.:67.
Abstract: The purpose of this review was to: (1) locate all exercise treatment studies of fibromyalgia (FM) patients from 1988 through 2005, (2) present in tabular format the key details of each study and (3) to provide a summary and evaluation of each study for exercise and health outcomes researchers. Exercise intervention studies in FM were retrieved through Cochrane Collaboration Reviews and key word searches of the medical literature, conference proceedings and bibliographies. Studies were reviewed for inclusion using a standardized process. A table summarizing subject characteristics, exercise mode, timing, duration, frequency, intensity, attrition and outcome variables was developed. Results, conclusions and comments were made for each study. Forty-six exercise treatment studies were found with a total of 3035 subjects. The strongest evidence was in support of aerobic exercise a treatment prescription for fitness and symptom and improvement. In general, the greatest effect and lowest attrition occurred in exercise programs that were of lower intensity than those of higher intensity. Exercise is a crucial part of treatment for people with FM. Increased health and fitness, along with symptom reduction, can be expected with exercise that is of appropriate intensity, self-modified, and symptom-limited. Exercise and health outcomes researchers are encouraged to use the extant literature to develop effective health enhancing programs for people with FM and to target research to as yet understudied FM subpopulations, such as children, men, older adults, ethnic minorities and those with common comorbidities of osteoarthritis and obesity

   (168)    Kajantie E, Phillips DI. The effects of sex and hormonal status on the physiological response to acute psychosocial stress. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2006; 31(2):151-178.
Abstract: Whether one is male or female is one of the most important determinants of human health. While males are more susceptible to cardiovascular and infectious disease, they are outnumbered by women for many autoimmune disorders, fibromyalgia and chronic pain. Recently, individual differences in the physiological response to stress have emerged as a potentially important risk factor for these disorders. This raises the possibility that sex differences in prevalence of disease could at least in part be explained by sex differences in the nature of the physiological response to stress. In a psychophysiological laboratory, the autonomic nervous system response can be provoked by many different stressors including physical, mental and psychosocial tasks, while the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) response seems to be more specific to a psychosocial challenge incorporating ego involvement. The responses of both systems to different psychosocial challenges have been subject to extensive research, although in respect of sex differences the HPAA response has probably been more systematically studied. In this review, we focus on sex differences in HPAA and autonomic nervous system responses to acute psychosocial stress. Although some differences are dependent on the stressor used, the responses of both systems show marked and consistent differences according to sex, with the phase of the menstrual cycle, menopausal status and pregnancy having marked effects. Between puberty and menopause, adult women usually show lower HPAA and autonomic responses than men of same age. However, the HPAA response is higher in the luteal phase, when for example post stress free cortisol levels approach those of men. After menopause, there is an increase in sympathoadrenal responsiveness, which is attenuated during oral hormone replacement therapy, with most evidence suggesting that HPAA activity shows the same trends. Interestingly, pregnancy is associated with an attenuated response of the sympathoadrenal and HPAA systems at least as assessed by biochemical stimulation. It is likely that these sex differences in autonomic function are a result of estrogen exposure which attenuates sympathoadrenal responsiveness. The HPAA is however somewhat more complex and evidence now suggests the influence of other modifiers such as arginine vasopressin (AVP) and the regulation of circulating cortisol bioavailability by corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG). The pronounced and multi-faceted sex differences in stress responsiveness suggest that they are a product of a strong evolutionary pressure. We hypothesise that this has to a great deal been driven by the need to protect the fetus from the adverse effects of maternal stress responses, in particular excess glucocorticoid exposure. Studying this hypothesis may have a fundamental impact on our understanding about how adult health is set during early life and how adult disease could be prevented in men and women

   (169)    Kaki AM. Pain clinic experience in a teaching hospital in Western, Saudi Arabia. Relationship of patient's age and gender to various types of pain. Saudi Med J 2006; 27(12):1882-1886.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To show the practice of a pain clinic in Saudi Arabia, to estimate the prevalence of various types of chronic pain managed in there and to find the relationship of patient's age and gender to type of pain. METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out over a period of 5 years (January 2000 - December 2004) at a teaching hospital in Jeddah. A total of 1686 patient's data was reviewed, including the giving diagnosis, types of pain and demographic data. RESULTS: The common age was 50-59 years (25.4%), with a preponderance of female (56.8%) over male (43.2%). For given diagnosis low back pain (LBP) was the most common (45.4%), followed by painful neuralgia (15.6%), headache (9.7%), cancer pain (8.7%), and cervicobrachialgia (8.1%). The prevalence of fibromyalgia (7.9%), headache (12.1%) and cervicobrachialgia (10.7%) was more common among female, in comparison to male (2.4%), (6.4%) and (4.7%) respectively. While painful neuralgia was more frequent among male (19.9%) than female (12.3%), (p<0.001). Low back pain showed higher prevalence among old patients, while headache and sickle cell disease were more common among younger age group. Combined nociceptive and neuropathic pain was the most common pathophysiological type observed (39%), followed by nociceptive pain (36.2%) and the least one was psychological pain (2.7%). CONCLUSION: Various types of chronic pain managed in the pain clinic requesting full understanding of pain neurophysiology as well as familiarity with contributing factors to the prevalence of pain

   (170)    Karper WB, Jannes CR, Hampton JL. Fibromyalgia syndrome: the beneficial effects of exercise. Rehabil Nurs 2006; 31(5):193-198.
Abstract: This article highlights positive outcomes for a convenience sample of six women (49-64 years of age) with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) who participated in an exercise program over 5 years. This group showed improvement with various FMS symptoms,fitness, and psychosocial factors early in the program, then showed further improvement as a result of adding new exercises to the protocol during the fourth and fifth years. Data suggest that certain people with FMS can improve their functional capacity with exercise over time, and move to even higher levels of physical function while aging and coping with FMS. Practical advice is provided for rehabilitation nurses regarding exercise and FMS

   (171)    Kasikcioglu E, Dinler M, Berker E. Reduced tolerance of exercise in fibromyalgia may be a consequence of impaired microcirculation initiated by deficient action of nitric oxide. Med Hypotheses 2006; 66(5):950-952.
Abstract: Although the underlying mechanism responsible for muscular fatigue and exercise intolerance remains to be elucidated, it is reported two major mechanisms, central and peripheral hypothesis. As a peripheral mechanism, there are few reports on abnormalities of the microcirculation in patients with fibromyalgia. The key point to note is that ischemia associated with a modest decline in tissue oxygen causes muscle fatigue. It has been shown that have been found low muscle levels of phosphates and abnormalities in microcirculation in fibromyalgia. Based on several novel data, production abnormalities of nitric oxide level might lead to symptoms of fatigue as a long term effect. There a vicious cycle concerning impairment of microcirculation in FM. The cycle is firstly initiated decrease of production of nitric oxide in the endothelial level by some trigger factors. Changed level of nitric oxide may cause microcirculation abnormalities in the tissue levels, muscular region. At the end of these phases, muscular fatigue and exercise intolerance may progressively develop in the FM. It is possible that this theory appears to provide a physiopathological explanation for decreased exercise capacity in patients with fibromyalgia. This paper describes a plausible mechanism for the development of exercise intolerance on microcirculation abnormalities

   (172)    Kassam A, Patten SB. Major depression, fibromyalgia and labour force participation: a population-based cross-sectional study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2006; %19;7:4.:4.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Previous studies have documented an elevated frequency of depressive symptoms and disorders in fibromyalgia, but have not examined the association between this comorbidity and occupational status. The purpose of this study was to describe these epidemiological associations using a national probability sample. METHODS: Data from iteration 1.1 of the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) were used. The CCHS 1.1 was a large-scale national general health survey. The prevalence of major depression in subjects reporting that they had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia by a health professional was estimated, and then stratified by demographic variables. Logistic regression models predicting labour force participation were also examined. RESULTS: The annual prevalence of major depression was three times higher in subjects with fibromyalgia: 22.2% (95% CI 19.4 - 24.9), than in those without this condition: 7.2% (95% CI 7.0 - 7.4). The association persisted despite stratification for demographic variables. Logistic regression models predicting labour force participation indicated that both conditions had an independent (negative) effect on labour force participation. CONCLUSION: Fibromyalgia and major depression commonly co-occur and may be related to each other at a pathophysiological level. However, each syndrome is independently and negatively associated with labour force participation. A strength of this study is that it was conducted in a large probability sample from the general population. The main limitations are its cross-sectional nature, and its reliance on self-reported diagnoses of fibromyalgia

   (173)    Kato K, Sullivan PF, Evengard B, Pedersen NL. Chronic widespread pain and its comorbidities: a population-based study. Arch Intern Med 2006; 166(15):1649-1654.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Chronic widespread pain (CWP), the cardinal symptom of fibromyalgia, is prevalent and co-occurs with numerous symptom-based conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, joint pain, headache, irritable bowel syndrome, and psychiatric disorders. Few studies have examined the comorbidities of CWP in the general population. Furthermore, little is known about the importance of familial (genetic and family environmental) factors in the etiology of co-occurrence. METHODS: Data were obtained from 44 897 individuals in the Swedish Twin Registry via computer-assisted telephone interview from 1998 through 2002 (age >/=42 years; 73.2% response rate). Screening for CWP was based on the American College of Rheumatology criteria without clinical evaluation. Measures for comorbidities were based on standard criteria when available. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated in case-control and co-twin control designs to assess the effect of familial confounding in the associations. RESULTS: Considerable co-occurrences were found in CWP cases for chronic fatigue (OR, 23.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 19.67-28.16), joint pain (OR, 7.41; 95% CI, 6.70-8.21), depressive symptoms (OR, 5.26; 95% CI, 4.75-5.82), and irritable bowel syndrome (OR, 5.17; 95% CI, 4.55-5.88). In co-twin control analyses, ORs were no longer significant for psychiatric disorders, whereas they decreased but remained significant for most other comorbidities. No changes in ORs were observed for headache. CONCLUSIONS: Associations between CWP and most comorbidities are mediated by unmeasured genetic and family environmental factors in the general population. The extent of mediation via familial factors is likely to be disorder specific

   (174)    Kato K, Sullivan PF, Evengard B, Pedersen NL. Importance of genetic influences on chronic widespread pain. Arthritis Rheum 2006; 54(5):1682-1686.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To estimate the relative importance of genetic and environmental factors in chronic widespread pain, and to assess whether there are sex differences in the type or magnitude of these influences. METHODS: Data were collected from a national sample of twins > or = 42 years of age, all of whom were participants in the Swedish Twin Registry. The presence of chronic widespread pain was assessed via computer-assisted telephone interviews, which were conducted between 1998 and 2002, using the American College of Rheumatology criteria for fibromyalgia. No clinical examinations were performed. In preliminary analyses, probandwise concordance rates and tetrachoric correlations were calculated. Structural equation modeling was then performed to estimate additive genetic, shared environmental, and nonshared environmental sources of variability in susceptibility for the development of chronic widespread pain. RESULTS: Of 61,355 eligible twins, 44,897 individuals (73.2%) responded to the interview. Both members of 15,950 pairs responded to the items regarding pain symptoms; of these pairs, 4,170 were monozygotic, 5,881 were same-sex dizygotic, and 5,755 were opposite-sex dizygotic. The prevalence of chronic widespread pain was 4.1%, and the ratio of women to men was 3.3 to 1. Probandwise concordance rates and tetrachoric correlations suggested modest genetic influences for both women and men. Genetic and shared environmental influences explained approximately half of the total variance, with no indication of sex differences in either the type or magnitude of these influences. CONCLUSION: Individual differences in the likelihood of developing chronic widespread pain reflect modest genetic influences. There are no significant sex differences in the type or expression of the genes responsible for chronic widespread pain or in the magnitude of the relative importance of these influences on chronic widespread pain

   (175)    Katz RS, Wolfe F, Michaud K. Fibromyalgia diagnosis: a comparison of clinical, survey, and American College of Rheumatology criteria. Arthritis Rheum 2006; 54(1):169-176.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for fibromyalgia are the de facto criteria used for research. However, ACR criteria are not generally utilized by nonrheumatologists, and rheumatologists may diagnose fibromyalgia in patients who do not satisfy the ACR criteria. We undertook this study to determine concordance between ACR criteria and clinician diagnosis and between proposed survey criteria and clinician diagnosis. METHODS: Consecutive patients in a clinical practice setting were evaluated by tender point examination, survey criteria for fibromyalgia (Regional Pain Scale score > or =8 and fatigue score > or =6), and clinical diagnosis. RESULTS: Among the 206 patients, the clinician diagnosed fibromyalgia in 49.0%, while 29.1% satisfied ACR criteria and 40.3% satisfied survey criteria. Clinical and survey criteria were concordant in 74.8% of cases (kappa = 0.49 [95% confidence interval 0.36, 0.60]). Clinical criteria and ACR criteria were concordant in 75.2% of cases (kappa = 0.50 [95% confidence interval 0.35, 0.59]), and survey criteria and ACR criteria were concordant in 72.3% (kappa = 0.40 [95% confidence interval 0.25, 0.51]). The ACR tender point criterion (> or =11) was not a factor in clinical and survey criteria. However, the tender point count was useful in clinical diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Clinical diagnosis and ACR and survey criteria are moderately concordant (72-75%) and address a common pool of symptoms and physical findings. Because there is no gold standard for fibromyalgia diagnosis and because fibromyalgia is often viewed as a trait diagnosis, all methods of diagnosis have utility. The survey method has the advantage that it does not require physical examination

   (176)    Kim SH, Jang TJ, Moon IS. Increased expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 2D in the skin of patients with fibromyalgia. J Rheumatol 2006; 33(4):785-788.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: We studied the expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR) in skin of patients with fibromyalgia (FM) to investigate their role. METHODS: The presence of NMDAR subtype 2B (NR2B) and subtype 2D (NR2D) was examined in skin tissues by immunohistochemistry and immunoblot. Skin tissues from 11 female patients with FM were examined and compared to those of 8 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. RESULTS: NR2D expression was increased in the skin of patients with FM versus controls. There was no difference in the expression of NR2B between FM patients and controls. CONCLUSION: The increased expression of NMDAR found in FM skin could be indicative of a more generalized increase in other peripheral nerves. This suggests that NR2D-selective antagonists may have implications in the treatment of allodynia in patients with FM

   (177)    Kone-Paut I. [Fibromyalgia]. Arch Pediatr 2006; 13(6):548-550.

   (178)    Kool MB, Woertman L, Prins MA, Van MH, Geenen R. Low relationship satisfaction and high partner involvement predict sexual problems of women with fibromyalgia. J Sex Marital Ther 2006; 32(5):409-423.
Abstract: To examine the predictive potential of relationship variables on sexual functioning in women with fibromyalgia, we instructed 63 women (age 21-54 years) to fill out several questionnaires. Low relationship satisfaction was the strongest and most-frequent predictor of problematic sexual functioning. In addition, more fatigue and--only after taking account of relationship satisfaction--more active engagement (i.e., involvement) of the spouse were associated with reduced sexual functioning and satisfaction. Our study suggests that for women with fibromyalgia, relationship satisfaction is good for sexual functioning. Although having an involved spouse is good for the relationship, it may be bad for sexual functioning

   (179)    Koulil SV, Effting M, Kraaimaat FW, Lankveld WV, Helmond TV, Cats H et al. A Review of cognitive behaviour therapies and exercise programmes for fibromyalgia patients: State of the art and future directions. Ann Rheum Dis 2006; .
Abstract: This review provides an overview of the effects of non- pharmacological treatments for patients with fibromyalgia (FM), including cognitive behaviour therapy, exercise training programmes or a combination of the two. After summarizing and discussing preliminary evidence of the rationale of non-pharmacological treatment in FM, we will review and examine controlled trials for possible predictors of treatment success such as patient and treatment characteristics. Despite support for their suitability in FM, the effects of non- pharmacological interventions are limited and positive outcomes largely disappear in the long term. However, within the various FM populations treatment outcomes showed considerable individual variations. In particular, specific subgroups of patients characterized by relatively high levels of psychological distress seem to benefit most from non-pharmacological interventions. Preliminary evidence of retrospective treatment analyses suggest that the efficacy may be enhanced by offering tailored treatment approaches in an early stage to patients who are at risk of developing chronic physical and psychological impairments

   (180)    Krakow B. Potential impact of sleep disorder treatment in fibromyalgia patients. Arch Intern Med 2006; 166(12):1323-1324.

   (181)    Kurland JE, Coyle WJ, Winkler A, Zable E. Prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome and depression in fibromyalgia. Dig Dis Sci 2006; 51(3):454-460.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the point prevalence of depressive symptoms, using the PRIME-MD questionnaire, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), while comparing the Rome II to the Rome I criteria, in patients with fibromyalgia (FM) and rheumatologic controls in an outpatient setting. The prevalence of IBS in FM patients (n = 105) was 63% by Rome I and 81% by Rome II criteria. The prevalence of IBS in controls (n = 62) was 15% by Rome I and 24% by Rome II criteria (FM vs. control; P < 0.001). Depressive symptoms were met in 40% of FM patients and 8% of controls (P < 0.001). The coexistence of IBS and depressive symptoms in the FM patients was 31% (Rome I) and 34% (Rome II). The prevalence of IBS and depressive symptoms was higher in FM patients compared to the control population. Identification of IBS and depressive symptoms in FM patients might enable clinicians to better meet the needs of this patient population

   (182)    Kurtais Y, Kutlay S, Ergin S. Exercise and cognitive-behavioural treatment in fibromyalgia syndrome. Curr Pharm Des 2006; 12(1):37-45.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia syndrome is a nonarticular rheumatic disorder characterised by diffuse musculoskeletal pain, stiffness, fatigue, disturbed sleep and tender points. The pathophysiology is not well understood and treatment remains a challenge. Although pharmacological therapy is still the primary treatment choice, a long-term effective intervention has not been demonstrated yet. Thus, besides pharmacotherapy, other multimodal interventions are often used. Exercise and cognitive-behavioural treatments which exist in the multimodal approach and encompass largely self-managed strategy, are reviewed in this article. Although, there is a great number of exercise studies, the large diversity of outcome measures and measurement instruments that have been used in studies, varying intensity and types of exercises, small sample sizes, high attrition rates, large variability in baseline function, symptom severity and psychosocial status limit to come to a conclusion about the efficacy of exercise in the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome. There are also inconclusive results about the efficacy of cognitive-behavioural treatment because of limited number of studies with small sample sizes of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. However, the results of the trials overall demonstrate the beneficial effects of both different types of exercise and cognitive-behavioural treatment, on the other hand, there is still a need for larger, more systematic and randomised controlled trials to evaluate the effectiveness

   (183)    Laske C, Stransky E, Eschweiler GW, Klein R, Wittorf A, Leyhe T et al. Increased BDNF serum concentration in fibromyalgia with or without depression or antidepressants. J Psychiatr Res 2006; .
Abstract: Fibromyalgia (FM) is still often viewed as a psychosomatic disorder. However, the increased pain sensitivity to stimuli in FM patients is not an "imagined" histrionic phenomena. Pain, which is consistently felt in the musculature, is related to specific abnormalities in the CNS pain matrix. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an endogenous protein involved in neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity of the central and peripheral nervous system (CNS and PNS). Several lines of evidence converged to indicate that BDNF also participates in structural and functional plasticity of nociceptive pathways in the CNS and within the dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord. In the latter, release of BDNF appears to modulate or even mediate nociceptive sensory inputs and pain hypersensitivity. We were interested, if BDNF serum concentration may be altered in FM. The present pilot study assessed to our knowledge for the first time BDNF serum concentrations in 41 FM patients in comparison to 45 age-matched healthy controls. Mean serum levels of BDNF in FM patients (19.6ng/ml; SD 3.1) were significantly increased as compared to healthy controls (16.8ng/ml; SD 2.7; p<0.0001). In addition, BDNF serum concentrations in FM patients were independent from age, gender, illness duration, preexisting recurrent major depression and antidepressive medication in low doses. In conclusion, the results from our study indicate that BDNF may be involved in the pathophysiology of pain in FM. Nevertheless, how BDNF increases susceptibility to pain is still not known

   (184)    Lawson K. Emerging pharmacological therapies for fibromyalgia. Curr Opin Investig Drugs 2006; 7(7):631-636.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder for which pathophysiological mechanisms are difficult to identify and current drug therapies demonstrate limited effectiveness and significant tolerability. To date, no drugs have been officially approved for the indication of fibromyalgia, and randomized, controlled clinical trials with fibromyalgia patients are taking place to identify potential therapeutic approaches. Although emerging therapies, such as the antidepressants duloxetine and milnacipran and the antiepileptic pregabalin, offer certain efficacy, randomized controlled trials are generally difficult due to factors such as a lack of understanding of the pathophysiology and a heterogenous fibromyalgia patient population. For a significant advance in the drug treatment of fibromyalgia, novel clues are still awaited that may offer an effective therapeutic approach

   (185)    Le GP. Is fibromyalgia a muscle disorder? Joint Bone Spine 2006; 73(3):239-242.
Abstract: The presence of abnormalities in fibromyalgia muscle using current methodological approaches is well established. The more serious abnormalities are demonstrated by histologic studies particularly on electron microscopy: disorganisation of Z bands and abnormalities in the number and shape of mitochondria. Biochemical studies and P 31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy show inconstant abnormalities of ATP and phosphocreatine levels. Mitochondrial abnormalities reduced capillary circulation and thickened capillary endothelium may result in decreased availability of oxygen and impaired oxidative phosphorylation as well as ATP synthesis. These abnormalities do not seem to be the consequences of the much-discussed deconditioning of muscles although these consequences are not well known. Further studies of energy metabolism of the muscle during exercise are needed

   (186)    Leavitt F, Katz RS. Distraction as a key determinant of impaired memory in patients with fibromyalgia. J Rheumatol 2006; 33(1):127-132.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Patients with fibromyalgia (FM) frequently complain of poor memory, severe enough to affect job performance and to lead to disability. Yet common practices in neurocognitive examinations often fail to document cognitive abnormalities that match the severity of their memory complaints. Often, neuropsychologists gauge memory competence with measures free of distraction and produce high rates of normality on neurocognitive examination. We hypothesized that neurocognitive tests encoded with a source of stimulus competition that interferes with the processing and/or absorption of information would be better than others in gauging FM memory competence. METHODS: Thirty-five patients with FM and 35 controls, matched for age and sex, and presenting with complaints of memory loss, completed cognitive measures with and without stimulus competition. RESULTS: Eleven (31.4%) patients with FM showed impairment on at least one measure of memory encoded free of stimulus competition. By comparison, 30 (85.7%) showed impairment on at least one measure encoded with a source of stimulus competition. The Auditory Consonant Trigram detected impairment in 29 (82.6%) cases, and was by far the most sensitive measure. FM patients lost information at a 58% rate following a 9 second distraction. This loss was disproportionate to the loss shown by both age matched controls with memory problems (40%) and to normative values (20%) based on individuals free of memory problems. CONCLUSION: The findings validate the perception of failing memory in patients with FM and are the first psychometric based evidence to our knowledge of short-term memory problems in FM linked to interference from a source of distraction. Adding a source of distraction caused the majority of FM patients to retain new information poorly, and may be integral to an understanding of FM memory problems. Much needs to be learned about why new information is disproportionately lost by FM populations when a source of distraction enters the experiential field

   (187)    Leblebici B, Pektas ZO, Ortancil O, Hurcan EC, Bagis S, Akman MN. Coexistence of fibromyalgia, temporomandibular disorder, and masticatory myofascial pain syndromes. Rheumatol Int 2006; .
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the association of fibromyalgia (FM) with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and masticatory myofascial pain (MMP). Thirty-one consecutive women diagnosed as having FM according to American College of Rheumatology criteria and 21 consecutive women diagnosed as having TMD were included in this prospective study. All patients were examined by a dentist and a physiatrist to identify the coexistence of FM and TMD. In the FM group, TMD was found in 25 (80%) patients, and only 6 (19%) patients had arthrogenous origin with MMP, whereas 19 (81%) patients had only MMP without arthrogeonous orgin of those 25 women exhibited TMD. In the TMD group, the prevalence of FM was 52%, which was significantly higher in those with TMD of arthrogenous origin with MMP. Our results indicate that coexistence of FM and TMD with MMP is high. Pain and tenderness in the masticatory muscles appear to be an important element in FM, so in some patients it may be the leading complaint

   (188)    Lee SS, Yoon HJ, Park YW. Antipolymer antibody is not associated with fibromyalgia in Korean female patients. Rheumatol Int 2006; 27(1):73-77.
Abstract: To examine the levels of antipolymer antibody (APA) in Korean female patients with fibromyalgia (FM) and to determine whether the levels of APA correlate with FM severity. Serum samples from patients with FM (n = 69), patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (n = 71), and controls (n = 75) were assayed for APA. All of the subjects were female, and the controls were age-matched healthy volunteers. FM tender point counts and scores were examined, and FM patients were asked to complete a Korean version of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). APA-positive samples were detected in five (7.2%) of the 69 FM patients, seven (9.9%) of the 71 RA patients, and four (5.3%) of the 75 controls. The prevalence of seropositivity and the level of APA in FM patients did not differ from those in RA patients and controls. The proportion positive for APA was not higher for FM patients with severe symptoms than for FM patients with mild symptoms. There was a negative association between the APA level and age. The APA level in FM patients was not correlated with age at diagnosis, age at symptom onset, disease duration, education, tender point counts and scores, FIQ, STAI, or BDI. The prevalence of APA in Korean FM patients was quite low. Owing to the low prevalence of APA in this study, the APA assay did not distinguish FM patients with severe symptoms from those with mild symptoms

   (189)    Lenaerts ME, Gill PS. At the crossroads between tension-type headache and fibromyalgia. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2006; 10(6):463-466.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia syndrome and tension-type headache have multiple clinical features in common, and pathogenic mechanisms partly overlap. Significant differences need to be recognized as well. Studying the correlations of these often comorbid conditions represents a unique opportunity to gain insight into their pathophysiology and that of other chronic pain syndromes, to increase the accuracy of their diagnosis, and to improve the therapeutic armamentarium

   (190)    Leo RJ, Brooks VL. Clinical potential of milnacipran, a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, in pain. Curr Opin Investig Drugs 2006; 7(7):637-642.
Abstract: Milnacipran is a serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) reuptake inhibitor currently available for use as an antidepressant in several countries. Phase III clinical trials are currently underway to assess its potential role in the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome, and in pursuit of US Food and Drug Administration approval for this indication. Evidence has accumulated suggesting that in animal models, milnacipran may exert pain-mitigating influences involving NE- and 5-HT-related processes at supraspinal, spinal and peripheral levels of pain transmission. Preliminary evidence suggests that milnacipran may be useful in mitigating pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia. However, its role in addressing comorbidities associated with fibromyalgia, including visceral pain and migraine, has yet to be investigated

   (191)    Li CD, Fu XY, Jiang ZY, Yang XG, Huang SQ, Wang QF et al. [Clinical study on combination of acupuncture, cupping and medicine for treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu 2006; 26(1):8-10.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at five mental points and moving cupping on the Hechelu of the back on fibromyalgia syndrome (FS). METHODS: Sixty-six cases who conformed to the criteria were randomly divided into the treatment group treated with acupuncture at five mental points, moving cupping on the Hechelu of the back and amitriptyline, and the control group treated with amitriptyline. Clinical therapeutic effects were assessed with McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) and HAMD depression scale. RESULTS: The therapeutic effect of the treatment group was better than that of the control group with a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Combination of acupuncture with cupping therapy is an effective therapy for fibromyalgia syndrome

   (192)    Liedberg GM, Burckhardt CS, Henriksson CM. Young women with fibromyalgia in the United States and Sweden: perceived difficulties during the first year after diagnosis. Disabil Rehabil 2006; 28(19):1177-1184.
Abstract: PURPOSE: The major symptoms of fibromyalgia (FM)--pain, tiredness, disrupted sleep, and muscle weakness--severely impact everyday activities, including the paid work role of women who have had FM for a long time. There are no prospective studies on young and newly diagnosed women with FM. The aim of the present study was to describe and compare difficulties young and newly diagnosed women in Sweden and the United States experienced during their first year after diagnosis. METHOD: Three interviews, 6 months apart, were conducted, with 49 Swedish and 45 US women between the ages of 18 and 39. Five open-ended questions were asked concerning physical, psychological and social difficulties and limitations, and factors that increased or decreased their difficulties and limitations. At interviews 2 and 3 the women were also asked about ways of preventing their difficulties. The answers were written down and analysed by a content analysis approach. RESULTS: Consistent categories of difficulties were reported: symptoms, movements, activities, moods, social network, external factors and coping strategies. More US women were working outside their homes than were their Swedish counterparts and they expressed more difficulties compared with the Swedish women. CONCLUSIONS: In general, difficulties decreased and coping strategies increased over the 1-year period in both groups of newly diagnosed, young women

   (193)    Littlejohn GO, Guymer EK. Fibromyalgia syndrome: which antidepressant drug should we choose. Curr Pharm Des 2006; 12(1):3-9.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia syndrome [FM] has core clinical features of widespread pain and widespread abnormal tenderness. The specific cause of the altered neurophysiology that underpins these clinical manifestations remains unclear. However, increased sensitisation of neural networks that relates to pain, as well as interacting mechanoreceptors, appear important targets for modulation by pharmacological agents. Further, many FM patients have emotional distress and some are depressed. Antidepressant agents have therapeutic benefits in FM. If depression is present antidepressant drugs will provide typical benefits to mood but not always to other key outcome measures, such as pain or tenderness. Selective serotonin receptor reuptake blockers are not as effective for overall FM improvement as drugs that block both serotonin and norepinephrine in a relatively balanced way. Thus tricyclic antidepressants will improve many important FM outcomes but are effective in only about 40 percent of individuals. Newer agents of this class, such as duloxetine and milnacipran, show improvement in key FM outcomes in about 60 percent of patients. Longer term studies will indicate the durability of these responses and the overall tolerance of the drugs. Any drug therapy will need to be integrated with appropriate education, exercise and attention to psychological modulatory factors to achieve best results

   (194)    Lofgren M, Ekholm J, Ohman A. 'A constant struggle': successful strategies of women in work despite fibromyalgia. Disabil Rehabil 2006; 28(7):447-455.
Abstract: PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore, and obtain increased knowledge of, the strategies used by working women with fibromyalgia regarding control of pain, fatigue and other symptoms. METHOD: Qualitative methods with an emergent design were used. The informants were women with fibromyalgia who had participated in rehabilitation 6-8 years earlier, and were still in work. Diaries, focus groups and individual interviews were used for data collection. Content analysis and grounded theory were used for the analyses. RESULTS: A model with three categories emerged. The core category 'constant struggle' contains eight sub-categories: enjoying life, taking care of oneself, positive thinking, setting limits, using pain as a guide, creative solutions, learning/being knowledgeable and 'walking a tightrope'. The category 'grieving process' was a prerequisite for managing the struggle and the category 'social support' contained what facilitated the struggle. CONCLUSION: The informants fought a constant struggle against the symptoms and the consequences of their fibromyalgia. Their strategies were action-oriented and evinced a positive spirit. To have grieved and accepted their situation was a prerequisite for managing, and support from the family was a help in the struggle

   (195)    Longley K. Fibromyalgia: aetiology, diagnosis, symptoms and management. Br J Nurs 2006; 15(13):729-733.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia is believed to affect about 2% of the UK population, predominantly women, and is characterized by the symptoms of widespread musculoskeletal pain, persistent fatigue, non-refreshing sleep and generalized stiffness. It is also accompanied by a variety of associated symptoms which can appear baffling to both patient and doctor alike. Research into this often dismissed syndrome has increased exponentially over the last two decades and the evidence is growing to support an underlying pathology involving pain amplification, sleep abnormalities, hormonal imbalance and autonomic nervous system dysfunction. This review looks at diagnosis, research and current treatment options and offers an insight into the patients' experience with the medical and nursing professions

   (196)    Lormeau C, Falgarone G, Roulot D, Boissier MC. Rheumatologic manifestations of chronic hepatitis C infection. Joint Bone Spine 2006; 73(6):633-638.
Abstract: The many rheumatologic manifestations associated with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection include arthralgia, myalgia, arthritis, vasculitis, and sicca syndrome. Arthralgia is the most common extrahepatic manifestation and may indicate mixed cryoglobulinemia or an adverse reaction to interferon therapy. HCV arthritis unrelated to cryoglobulinemia is far less common but constitutes an independent entity. The picture may mimic rheumatoid arthritis (RA), particularly as rheumatoid factor is present in 50-80% of cases. Tests are usually negative for antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP), which may help to differentiate the two conditions. The management of HCV arthritis is empirical and poorly standardized. Although low-dose glucocorticoid therapy, hydroxychloroquine, and methotrexate have been used successfully in several patients, little is known about their hepatic safety profile. Arthritis associated with cryoglobulinemia usually responds to antiviral treatment. Sicca syndrome is common in patients with chronic HCV infection and shares similarities with primary Sjogren syndrome, suggesting that HCV infection may deserve to be included among the causes of secondary Sjogren syndrome. HCV-associated vasculitis is usually related to cryoglobulinemia, although a few cases of polyarteritis nodosa-like disease affecting the medium-sized vessels have been reported. Other conditions reported in patients with chronic HCV infection include fibromyalgia, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), antiphospholipid syndrome, and osteosclerosis

   (197)    Lorusso A, Bruno S, L'Abbate N. [Occupational fitness of workers with fibromyalgia syndrome]. G Ital Med Lav Ergon 2006; 28(2):172-173.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by widespread musculoskeletal chronic pain and by other clinical manifestations such as stiffness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety and depression. The disorder has a considerable impact on the ability to perform work and daily living activities, often reducing workforce participation. Fitness to work, in relation to biomechanically taxing tasks execution, vibration exposure, environmental microclimatic conditions and night shift, is discussed

   (198)    Lotaif AC, Mitrirattanakul S, Clark GT. Orofacial muscle pain: new advances in concept and therapy. J Calif Dent Assoc 2006; 34(8):625-630.
Abstract: This manuscript focuses on chronic myogenous pains affecting the masticatory muscles. The differentiation of myogenous masticatory pain into subcategories is proposed by separating myogenous pains according to their location and anatomic extent. Focal myalgia, regional myalgia, myofascial pain, and fibromyalgia are classified based on specific historical and clinical examination criteria. The probable mechanisms underlying chronic myogenous pains and trigger points phenomena are discussed. Treatment options of the myogenous masticatory pain conditions including physical medicine modalities, as well as several types of pharmacologic agents, are presented

   (199)    Lowe JC, Yellin J, Honeyman-Lowe G. Female fibromyalgia patients: lower resting metabolic rates than matched healthy controls. Med Sci Monit 2006; 12(7):CR282-CR289.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Many features of fibromyalgia and hypothyroidism are virtually the same, and thyroid hormone treatment trials have reduced or eliminated fibromyalgia symptoms. These findings led the authors to test the hypothesis that fibromyalgia patients are hypometabolic compared to matched controls. MATERIAL/METHODS: Resting metabolic rate (RMR) was measured by indirect calorimetry and body composition by bioelectrical impedance for 15 fibromyalgia patients and 15 healthy matched controls. Measured resting metabolic rate (mRMR) was compared to percentages of predicted RMR (pRMR) by fat-free weight (FFW) (Sterling-Passmore: SP) and by sex, age, height, and weight (Harris-Benedict: HB). RESULTS: Patients had a lower mRMR (4,306.31+/-1077.66 kJ vs 5,411.59+/-695.95 kJ, p=0.0028) and lower percentages of pRMRs (SP: -28.42+/-15.82% vs -6.83+/-12.55%, p<0.0001. HB: -29.20+/-17.43% vs -9.13+/-9.51%, p=0.0008). Whereas FFW, age, weight, and body mass index (BMI) best accounted for variability in controls' RMRs, age and fat weight (FW) did for patients. In the patient group, TSH level accounted for 28% of the variance in pain distribution, and free T3 (FT3) accounted for 30% of the variance in pressure-pain threshold. CONCLUSIONS: Patients had lower mRMR and percentages of pRMRs. The lower RMRs were not due to calorie restriction or low FFW. Patients' normal FFW argues against low physical activity as the mechanism. TSH, FT4, and FT3 levels did not correlate with RMRs in either group. This does not rule out inadequate thyroid hormone regulation because studies show these laboratory values do not reliably predict RMR

   (200)    Lucas HJ, Brauch CM, Settas L, Theoharides TC. Fibromyalgia--new concepts of pathogenesis and treatment. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2006; 19(1):5-10.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a debilitating disorder characterized by chronic diffuse muscle pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, depression and skin sensitivity. There are no genetic or biochemical markers and patients often present with other comorbid diseases, such as migraines, interstitial cystitis and irritable bowel syndrome. Diagnosis includes the presence of 11/18 trigger points, but many patients with early symptoms might not fit this definition. Pathogenesis is still unknown, but there has been evidence of increased corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and substance P (SP) in the CSF of FMS patients, as well as increased SP, IL-6 and IL-8 in their serum. Increased numbers of activated mast cells were also noted in skin biopsies. The hypothesis is put forward that FMS is a neuro-immunoendocrine disorder where increased release of CRH and SP from neurons in specific muscle sites triggers local mast cells to release proinflammatory and neurosensitizing molecules. There is no curative treatment although low doses of tricyclic antidepressants and the serotonin-3 receptor antagonist tropisetron, are helpful. Recent nutraceutical formulations containing the natural anti-inflammatory and mast cell inhibitory flavonoid quercetin hold promise since they can be used together with other treatment modalities

   (201)    Lund I, Lundeberg T, Carleson J, Sonnerfors H, Uhrlin B, Svensson E. Corticotropin releasing factor in urine--a possible biochemical marker of fibromyalgia. Responses to massage and guided relaxation. Neurosci Lett 2006; 403(1-2):166-171.
Abstract: The purpose of this preliminary study was to evaluate the relationship between a possible biochemical marker of stress, 24-h urinary concentrations of Corticotropin Releasing Factor-Like Immunoreactivity (CRF-LI), and ratings of stress-related symptoms like depression and anxiety, as well as to evaluate pain and emotional reactions in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). Another purpose was to study the effects of massage and guided relaxation, with respect to change in the same variables. Urine sampling and ratings were performed before treatments, after and 1 month after completed treatments. Concentrations of CRF-LI was analysed with radioimmnoassay technique. For the assessment of depression, anxiety and pain the CPRS-A questionnaire was used and for rated pain and emotional reactions the NHP questionnaire was used. The 24-h urinary concentration of the CRF-LI was found to be related to depression, mood and inability to take initiative. After treatment the urinary CRF-LI concentrations and the rated levels of pain and emotional reactions were found to have decreased. In conclusion, the 24-h urinary CRF-LI concentration may be used as a biochemical marker of stress-related symptoms such as depression in patients with FM and possibly also other conditions characterized by chronic pain. Therapies such as massage and guided relaxation may be tried for the amelioration of pain and stress but further studies are required

   (202)    Luyten P, Van HB. Cortisol secretion and symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia: comment on the article by McLean et al. Arthritis Rheum 2006; 54(7):2345-2346.

   (203)    Madden S, Sim J. Creating meaning in fibromyalgia syndrome. Soc Sci Med 2006; 63(11):2962-2973.
Abstract: Gaining a diagnosis is considered to legitimate a person's illness, to both the self and the wider social world, while also giving hope that treatments, and possibly a cure, will be found. A further function of diagnosis from the patient's perspective is to give meaning to the illness experience, which is often uncertain and confusing. To do so, a diagnosis must itself have meaning. This paper explores the creation of meaning in a medically unexplained disorder, fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Semi-structured interviews, in which the diagnostic process was explored, were conducted with 17 people diagnosed with FMS in the United Kingdom, selected from a hospital database (16 women, 1 man). Documentary analysis was also undertaken on information available from support groups and health professionals. Although initially an acceptable diagnosis to sufferers, FMS was viewed as a mysterious label, which provided no meaning at the time of diagnosis. The sought information was accessed in an attempt to resolve its meaninglessness, but this proved problematic due to the ambiguous definition of FMS within the medical and support group literature, the invisible nature of the illness, and the lack of an environment where these uncertainties could be openly discussed. Informants varied in the degree of longer-term acceptance of a diagnosis of FMS, in relation to the concordance they achieved between the diagnosis and their experience of illness

   (204)    Mahaney PE, Vu AT, McComas CC, Zhang P, Nogle LM, Watts WL et al. Synthesis and activity of a new class of dual acting norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitors: 3-(1H-indol-1-yl)-3-arylpropan-1-amines. Bioorg Med Chem 2006; 14(24):8455-8466.
Abstract: Compounds with a combination of norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibition have been approved in the US and Europe for a number of indications, including major depressive disorder and pain disorders such as diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia. Efforts to design selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors based on SAR from the aryloxypropanamine series of monoamine reuptake inhibitors have led to the identification of a potent new class of dual acting norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitors, namely the 3-(1H-indol-1-yl)-3-arylpropan-1-amines

   (205)    Mannerkorpi K, Svantesson U, Broberg C. Relationships between performance-based tests and patients' ratings of activity limitations, self-efficacy, and pain in fibromyalgia. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2006; 87(2):259-264.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between performance-based tests, ratings of activity limitations, self-efficacy, and pain in fibromyalgia. DESIGN: Descriptive. SETTING: University hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-nine women with fibromyalgia (mean age, 45+/-7.8y). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The patients completed 4 performance-based tests focusing on muscle power function and 3 unloaded arm movements. The patients rated their activity limitations by means of the subscales of physical function (PF) and pain on the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), and the Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale (ASES). Spearman correlation coefficient (rho) and multivariate regression analysis were conducted. RESULTS: The highest correlations were found between the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) (rho range, -.48 to .68) and the activity limitations and between hand grip strength (rho range, -.34 to .57) and the activity limitations. The regression analysis indicated that hand grip strength explained 25% of the variation in the SF-36 PF scale. The 6MWT plus endurance of the shoulder muscles explained 24% of the variation in the FIQ PF scale and the 6MWT plus active abduction of the shoulder explained 48% of the variation in the ASES function scale. Correlations between the performance-based tests and the activity limitations tended to be higher than those between performance and pain. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the performance-based tests and the patients' subjective ratings of activity limitations showed significant relationships. The 6MWT and hand grip strength, reflecting activity limitations in the SF-36, FIQ, and ASES, are recommended for use in clinical research and in the clinical examination when planning treatment for patients with fibromyalgia

   (206)    Maquet D, Croisier JL, Demoulin C, Faymonville M, Crielaard JM. [Value of aerobic rehabilitation in the management of fibromyalgia]. Rev Med Liege 2006; 61(2):109-116.
Abstract: This study assesses the influence of a muscular aerobic revalidation program on the management of the fibromyalgia syndrome. After 3 months, benefits consisting of increased muscle performances associated with a reduction of pain and an improvement of quality of life were documented. This study confirms the value of aerobic muscle exercise in fibromyalgia patients

   (207)    Marinus J, Van Hilten JJ. Clinical expression profiles of complex regional pain syndrome, fibromyalgia and a-specific repetitive strain injury: more common denominators than pain? Disabil Rehabil 2006; 28(6):351-362.
Abstract: PURPOSE: To systematically evaluate and compare the clinical manifestations, disease course, risk factors and demographic characteristics of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type 1 (CRPS), fibromyalgia (FM) and a-specific Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). METHOD: A literature search was performed using terms related to the aforementioned topics and diseases. Only original clinical studies that included at least 20 subjects were eligible. RESULTS: Fifty-nine studies on CRPS, 73 on FM and 7 on a-specific RSI were identified. The diseases show similarities in age distribution, male-female ratio, pain characteristics and sensory signs and symptoms. Motor, autonomic and trophic changes are frequently reported in CRPS, but only occasionally in FM and RSI. Systemic symptoms are found in patients with CRPS and FM, and in a subgroup of patients with RSI. In all three disorders, symptoms usually start locally, but may spread to other body regions later, which, in the case of FM, is a prerequisite for diagnosis. Disease onset is always, usually, or occasionally of traumatic origin in RSI, CRPS and FM, respectively. Anxiety and depression are more frequent in patients compared to controls, but probably not very different from patients with other pain conditions or chronic diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Apart from some obvious differences between CRPS, FM and RSI, the similarities are conspicuous. The common features of CRPS, FM and a-specific RSI may suggest that a common pathway is involved, but until patients with these type of symptoms are assessed with a uniform assessment procedure, a thorough comparison cannot be made. A systematic evaluation of patients with a suspected diagnosis of CRPS, FM or RSI, may lead to a better appreciation of the differences and similarities in these diseases and help to unravel the underlying mechanisms

   (208)    Martin DP, Sletten CD, Williams BA, Berger IH. Improvement in fibromyalgia symptoms with acupuncture: results of a randomized controlled trial. Mayo Clin Proc 2006; 81(6):749-757.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that acupuncture improves symptoms of fibromyalgia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective, partially blinded, controlled, randomized clinical trial of patients receiving true acupuncture compared with a control group of patients who received simulated acupuncture. All patients met American College of Rheumatology criteria for fibromyalgia and had tried conservative symptomatic treatments other than acupuncture. We measured symptoms with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and the Multidimensional Pain Inventory at baseline, immediately after treatment, and at 1 month and 7 months after treatment. The trial was conducted from May 28, 2002, to August 18, 2003. RESULTS: Fifty patients participated in the study: 25 in the acupuncture group and 25 in the control group. Total fibromyalgia symptoms, as measured by the FIQ, were significantly improved in the acupuncture group compared with the control group during the study period (P = .01). The largest difference in mean FIQ total scores was observed at 1 month (42.2 vs 34.8 in the control and acupuncture groups, respectively; P = .007). Fatigue and anxiety were the most significantly improved symptoms during the follow-up period. However, activity and physical function levels did not change. Acupuncture was well tolerated, with minimal adverse effects. CONCLUSION: This study paradigm allows for controlled and blinded clinical trials of acupuncture. We found that acupuncture significantly improved symptoms of fibromyalgia. Symptomatic improvement was not restricted to pain relief and was most significant for fatigue and anxiety

   (209)    Martinez-Lavin M. Fibromyalgia is a neuropathic pain syndrome. J Rheumatol 2006; 33(4):827-828.

   (210)    Matsumoto Y. [Concept of and therapy for Fibromyalgia]. Nippon Naika Gakkai Zasshi 2006; 95(3):510-515.

   (211)    Mayhew E, Ernst E. Acupuncture for fibromyalgia--a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2006; %19;.
Abstract: Objective. Acupuncture is often used and frequently advocated for the symptomatic treatment of fibromyalgia. A systematic review has previously demonstrated encouraging findings. As it is now outdated, we wanted to update it. Methods. We searched seven electronic databases for relevant randomized clinical trials (RCTs). The data were extracted and validated independently by both authors. As no meta-analysis seemed possible, the results were evaluated in narrative form. Results. Five RCTs met our inclusion criteria, all of which used acupuncture as an adjunct to conventional treatments. Their methodological quality was mixed and frequently low. Three RCTs suggested positive but mostly short-lived effects and two yielded negative results. There was no significant difference between the quality of the negative and the positive RCTs. All positive RCTs used electro-acupunture. Conclusion. The notion that acupuncture is an effective symptomatic treatment for fibromyaligia is not supported by the results from rigorous clinical trials. On the basis of this evidence, acupuncture cannot be recommended for fibromyalgia

   (212)    McIver KL, Evans C, Kraus RM, Ispas L, Sciotti VM, Hickner RC. NO-mediated alterations in skeletal muscle nutritive blood flow and lactate metabolism in fibromyalgia. Pain 2006; 120(1-2):161-169.
Abstract: The purpose of these investigations was to determine if differences exist in skeletal muscle nutritive blood flow and lactate metabolism in women with fibromyalgia (FM) compared to healthy women (HC); furthermore, to determine if differences in nitric oxide-mediated systems account for any detected alterations in blood flow and lactate metabolism and contribute to exertional fatigue in FM. FM (n = 8) and HC (n = 8) underwent a cycle ergometry test of aerobic capacity, a muscle biopsy for determination of nitric oxide synthase (eNOS, nNOS, iNOS) content, and microdialysis for investigation of muscle nutritive blood flow and lactate metabolism. During prolonged (3h) resting conditions, the ethanol outflow/inflow ratio (inversely related to blood flow) increased in FM over time compared to HC (P < 0.05). FM also exhibited a reduced nutritive blood flow response to aerobic exercise (P < 0.05). There was an increase in dialysate lactate in response to acetylcholine in FM, and to sodium nitroprusside in both groups, with a greater rise in dialysate lactate in FM (P < 0.05). The iNOS protein content was higher in FM and was negatively correlated with total exercise time (r(2) = 0.462, P < 0.05). In conclusion: (1) There is reduced nutritive flow response to aerobic exercise and reduced maximal exercise time in FM that might relate to higher iNOS protein content and contribute to exertional fatigue in FM; (2) The increased dialysate lactate in FM in response to stimulation of NOS or a nitric oxide donor suggest that FM may be more sensitive than HC to the suppressive effect of nitric oxide on oxidative phosphorylation

   (213)    McLean SA, Williams DA, Stein PK, Harris RE, Lyden AK, Whalen G et al. Cerebrospinal fluid corticotropin-releasing factor concentration is associated with pain but not fatigue symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia. Neuropsychopharmacology 2006; 31(12):2776-2782.
Abstract: Previous studies have identified stress system dysregulation in fibromyalgia (FM) patients; such dysregulation may be involved in the generation and/or maintenance of pain and other symptoms. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is the principal known central nervous system mediator of the stress response; however, to date no studies have examined cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) CRF levels in patients with FM. The relationship between CSF CRF level, heart rate variability (HRV), and pain, fatigue, and depressive symptoms was examined in patients with FM. Among participants (n=26), CSF CRF levels were associated with sensory pain symptoms (r=0.574, p=0.003) and affective pain symptoms (r=0.497, p=0.011), but not fatigue symptoms. Increased HRV was also strongly associated with increased CSF CRF and FM pain. In multivariate analyses adjusting for age, sex, and depressive symptoms, the association between CSF CRF and sensory pain symptoms (t=2.54, p=0.027) persisted. Women with FM who reported a history of physical or sexual abuse had lower CSF CRF levels than women who did not report such a history. CSF CRF levels are associated with both pain symptoms and variation in autonomic function in FM. Differences in CSF CRF levels among women with and without a self-reported history of physical or sexual abuse suggest that subgroups of FM patients may exist with different neurobiological characteristics. Further studies are needed to better understand the nature of the association between CSF CRF and pain symptoms in FM

   (214)    McNally JD, Matheson DA, Bakowsky VS. The epidemiology of self-reported fibromyalgia in Canada. Chronic Dis Can 2006; 27(1):9-16.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a poorly understood condition characterized by chronic diffuse musculoskeletal pain. This study describes the self-reported epidemiology of FM in Canada using data collected from the Canadian Community Health Survey, Cycle 1.1 (2000). FM prevalence rates with corresponding 95 percent confidence intervals were calculated. The Canadian prevalence rate was 1.1 percent with a female-to-male ratio of six to one. In women, rates increased with age up to 65 years, declining thereafter. Data collected on-age-at- diagnosis is presented and demonstrates a surprising number of newly diagnosed FM cases among people in their 20s and 30s, signifying that FM is a problem for people of all ages. The association with FM and a number of sub-populations was also investigated. With respect to geography and environment, the FM prevalence rate in women was shown to be approximately two percent in all Canadian regions except Quebec, where it was 1.1 percent. Further analysis by language suggested that geographical and cultural differences might best explain this observation. Finally, an association with a number of behavioral and socioeconomic determinants of health, including weight, is presented

   (215)    Meeus M, Nijs J. Central sensitization: a biopsychosocial explanation for chronic widespread pain in patients with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Clin Rheumatol 2006; .
Abstract: In addition to the debilitating fatigue, the majority of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) experience chronic widespread pain. These pain complaints show the greatest overlap between CFS and fibromyalgia (FM). Although the literature provides evidence for central sensitization as cause for the musculoskeletal pain in FM, in CFS this evidence is currently lacking, despite the observed similarities in both diseases. The knowledge concerning the physiological mechanism of central sensitization, the pathophysiology and the pain processing in FM, and the knowledge on the pathophysiology of CFS lead to the hypothesis that central sensitization is also responsible for the sustaining pain complaints in CFS. This hypothesis is based on the hyperalgesia and allodynia reported in CFS, on the elevated concentrations of nitric oxide presented in the blood of CFS patients, on the typical personality styles seen in CFS and on the brain abnormalities shown on brain images. To examine the present hypothesis more research is required. Further investigations could use similar protocols to those already used in studies on pain in FM like, for example, studies on temporal summation, spatial summation, the role of psychosocial aspects in chronic pain, etc

   (216)    Menzies V, Taylor AG, Bourguignon C. Effects of guided imagery on outcomes of pain, functional status, and self-efficacy in persons diagnosed with fibromyalgia. J Altern Complement Med 2006; 12(1):23-30.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: (1) To investigate the effects of a 6-week intervention of guided imagery on pain level, functional status, and self-efficacy in persons with fibromyalgia (FM); and (2) to explore the dose-response effect of imagery use on outcomes. DESIGN: Longitudinal, prospective, two-group, randomized, controlled clinical trial. SETTING AND SUBJECTS: The sample included 48 persons with FM recruited from physicians' offices and clinics in the mid-Atlantic region. INTERVENTION: Participants randomized to Guided Imagery (GI) plus Usual Care intervention group received a set of three audiotaped guided imagery scripts and were instructed to use at least one tape daily for 6 weeks and report weekly frequency of use (dosage). Participants assigned to the Usual Care alone group submitted weekly report forms on usual care. MEASURES: All participants completed the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), Arthritis Self- Efficacy Scale (ASES), and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), at baseline, 6, and 10 weeks, and submitted frequency of use report forms. RESULTS: FIQ scores decreased over time in the GI group compared to the Usual Care group (p = 0.03). Ratings of self-efficacy for managing pain (p = 0.03) and other symptoms of FM also increased significantly over time (p = < 0.01) in the GI group compared to the Usual Care group. Pain as measured by the SF-MPQ did not change over time or by group. Imagery dosage was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the effectiveness of guided imagery in improving functional status and sense of self-efficacy for managing pain and other symptoms of FM. However, participants' reports of pain did not change. Further studies investigating the effects of mind-body interventions as adjunctive self-care modalities are warranted in the fibromyalgia patient population

   (217)    Michaud K, Wolfe F. The association of rheumatoid arthritis and its treatment with sinus disease. J Rheumatol 2006; 33(12):2412-2415.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine if rates of sinus disease are increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and whether RA treatment alters the risk of sinus disease. METHODS: As part of a longitudinal study of rheumatic disease outcomes, 7,243 patients with RA, 1,667 with osteoarthritis (OA), and 447 with fibromyalgia (FM) were evaluated for important sinus problems in 2003. We defined an important sinus problem as one that required a physician visit. RESULTS: The lifetime prevalence of sinus disorders among all patients was 42.9%. During the previous 6 months 22.3% of patients with RA, 23.9% with OA, and 25.1% with FM visited a physician for a sinus problem and 22.4%, 23.9%, and 25.1% , respectively, received a prescription medication for a sinus problem. After adjustment for age and sex, the rate of physician visits for a sinus problem was significantly lower for patients with RA (22.1%) compared to patients with OA (24.8%). The strongest predictor of sinus problems among all patients was a history of allergy or asthma. Sinus problems were more common among users of etanercept: odds ratio (OR) 1.2; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0-1.4 univariably, and OR 1.2; 95% CI: 1.0-1.4 multivariably. Sulfasalazine (OR 0.7; 95% CI: 0.5-0.9) and leflunomide (OR 0.8; 95% CI: 0.7-1.0) had a protective effect on sinus problems. CONCLUSIONS: Sinus problems are decreased in patients with RA compared to OA and FM. Slight protective effects on sinus problems are noted with sulfasalazine and leflunomide, and a slight increase in risk of sinus problems is noted with etanercept

   (218)    Michielsen HJ, Van HB, Leirs I, Vandenbroeck A, Onghena P. Depression, attribution style and self-esteem in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia patients: is there a link? Clin Rheumatol 2006; 25(2):183-188.
Abstract: The aims of the present study were to compare a single diagnosis (chronic fatigue syndrome, CFS) and a double diagnosis (CFS + fibromyalgia, CFS+FM) group regarding depression, attribution style and self-esteem as well as to examine whether attribution style is a mediator in the relationship between self-esteem and depression. Eighty-five patients (CFS: 47, CFS+FM: 38) completed questionnaires on attribution style, self-esteem and depression. The single and double diagnosis groups tended to differ slightly, but the differences were never statistically significant. In addition, only one condition was met of the four conditions mentioned by Baron and Kenny to establish that mediation exists between two variables. In conclusion, an external attribution style does not protect the CFS or CFS+FM patients with a low self-esteem from depression. The prevalence rate of depression was high in both patient samples, of which clinicians should be aware

   (219)    Mielenz T, Jackson E, Currey S, DeVellis R, Callahan LF. Psychometric properties of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Health-Related Quality of Life (CDC HRQOL) items in adults with arthritis. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2006; 4:66.:66.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Measuring health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is important in arthritis and the SF-36v2 is the current state-of-the-art. It is only emerging how well the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) HRQOL measures HRQOL for people with arthritis. This study's purpose is to assess the psychometric properties of the 9-item CDC HRQOL (4-item Healthy Days Core Module and 5-item Healthy Days Symptoms Module) in an arthritis sample using the SF-36v2 as a comparison. METHODS: In Fall 2002, a cross-sectional study acquired survey data including the CDC HRQOL and SF-36v2 from 2 North Carolina populations of adult patients reporting osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia; 2182 (52%) responded. The first item of both the CDC HRQOL and the SF-36v2 was general health (GEN). All 8 other CDC HRQOL items ask for the number of days in the past 30 days that respondents experienced various aspects of HRQOL. Exploratory principal components analyses (PCA) were conducted on each sample and the combined samples of the CDC HRQOL. The multitrait-multimethod matrix (MTMM) was used to compute correlations between each trait (physical health and mental health) and between each method of measurement (CDC HRQOL and SF36v2). The relative contribution of the CDC HRQOL in predicting the physical component summary (PCS) and the mental component summary (MCS) was determined by regressing the CDC HRQOL items on the PCS and MCS scales. RESULTS: All 9 CDC HRQOL items loaded primarily onto 1 factor (explaining 57% of the item variance) representing a reasonable solution for capturing overall HRQOL. After rotation a 2 factor interpretation for the 9 items was clear, with 4 items capturing physical health (physical, activity, pain, and energy days) and 3 items capturing mental health (mental, depression, and anxiety days). All of the loadings for these two factors were greater than 0.70. The CDC HRQOL physical health factor correlated with PCS (r = -.78, p < 0.0001) and the mental health factor correlated with MCS (r = -.71, p < 0.0001). The relative contribution of the CDC HRQOL in predicting PCS was 73% (R2 = .73) when GEN was included in the CDC HRQOL score and 65% (R2 = .65) when GEN was removed. The relative contribution of the CDC HRQOL in predicting MCS was 56% (R2 = .56) when GEN was included and removed. CONCLUSION: The CDC HRQOL appears to have strong psychometric properties in individuals with arthritis in both community-based and subspecialty clinical settings. The 9 item CDC HRQOL is a reasonable measure for overall HRQOL and the two subscales, representing physical and mental health, are reasonable when the goal is to examine those aspects

   (220)    Mitani Y, Fukunaga M, Kanbara K, Takebayashi N, Ishino S, Nakai Y. Evaluation of psychophysiological asymmetry in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2006; 31(3):217-225.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is characterized by systemic pain of unknown etiology, and is often accompanied by various psychological symptoms. In the present study, differences in surface electromyographic (SEMG) levels of the trapezius muscle, skin temperature (TEMP) and skin conductance level (SCL) were compared between the right and left side of the body in 31 FMS and 47 control subjects (Control Group). We observed significant asymmetries of SEMG level, TEMP and SCL in the FMS Group. These asymmetries might be related to central, peripheral and autonomic nervous system dysfunctions. Marked increase of SEMG levels, and a decrease of TEMP and SCL were observed at the dominant side in the FMS Group, and a negative correlation of SEMG levels with TEMP and SCL was found. These results suggest that continued antalgic postures in response to pain at the dominant side in FMS patients might lead to asymmetries of SEMG level, TEMP and SCL. Thus, a focus on pain related behaviors and muscle asymmetry might be a useful therapeutic approach

   (221)    Mizuno J, Ann Y, Kawamura G, Asahara M, Sekiyama H, Arita H et al. [Postponed or canceled drug challenge tests and side effects of the test drug--a report of four cases]. Masui 2006; 55(2):169-173.
Abstract: Drug challenge test (DCT) is performed to evaluate chronic pain pharmacologically and determine its medical treatment. One test drug is administered in one day for DCT and characterization of the test drug. Four patients developed side effects of the test drugs for DCT in whom other drug tests were postponed or canceled. A 58-year-old man with multiple arthritis of rheumatic arthritis and fibromyalgia had headache, nausea, and vomiting all day after ketamine test. A 76-year-old man with chronic general pain and failed back surgery syndrome had vomiting and abdominal discomfort two hours after morphine test and had redness and itching on his bilateral forearms the following day. A 78-year-old man with chronic lumbar and right lower limb pain due to L 4-5 lumbar disc herniation and postherpetic neuralgia felt dizzy, fell down and bruised on his lower back and left knee twelve hours after morphine test. A 32-year-old woman with chronic pelvic pain had skin eruption on her thigh the day after phentolamine test. Although the amount of the test drug in DCT is small and its half-life is short, long-term side effects might occur. We should decrease the amounts or frequencies of ketamine and morphine, and administer them taking long intervals before other tests

   (222)    Montoya P, Sitges C, Garcia-Herrera M, Rodriguez-Cotes A, Izquierdo R, Truyols M et al. Reduced brain habituation to somatosensory stimulation in patients with fibromyalgia. Arthritis Rheum 2006; 54(6):1995-2003.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To examine brain activity elicited by repetitive nonpainful stimulation in patients with fibromyalgia (FM) and to determine possible psychophysiologic abnormalities in their ability to inhibit irrelevant sensory information. METHODS: Fifteen female patients with a diagnosis of FM (ages 30-64 years) and 15 healthy women (ages 39-61 years) participated in 2 sessions, during which electrical activity elicited in the brain by presentation of either tactile or auditory paired stimuli was recorded using an electroencephalogram. Each trial consisted of 2 identical stimuli (S1 and S2) delivered with a randomized interstimulus interval of 550 msec (+/-50 msec), which was separated by a fixed intertrain interval of 12 seconds. Event-related potentials (ERPs) elicited by 40 trials were averaged separately for each sensory modality. RESULTS: ERP amplitudes elicited by the somatosensory and auditory S2 stimuli were significantly reduced compared with those elicited by S1 stimuli in the healthy controls. Nevertheless, significant amplitude reductions from S1 stimuli to S2 stimuli were observed in FM patients for the auditory, but not the somatosensory, modality. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that in FM patients, there is abnormal information processing, which may be characterized by a lack of inhibitory control to repetitive nonpainful somatosensory information during stimulus coding and cognitive evaluation

   (223)    Muller W, Fiebich BL, Stratz T. [5-HT3 receptor antagonists als analgetics in rheumatic diseases.]. Z Rheumatol 2006; %20;.
Abstract: Various rheumatic diseases like fibromyalgia, systemic inflammatory rheumatic disorders and localized diseases, such as arthritides and activated arthroses, tendinopathies and periarthropathies, as well as trigger points can be improved considerably by treatment with the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist tropisetron. Particularly in the latter group of diseases, local injections have done surprisingly rapid analgesic action. This effect matches that of local anesthetics, but lasts considerably longer and is comparable to local injections of local anesthetics combined with corticosteroids. The action of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists can be attributed to an antinociceptive effect that occurs at the same time as an antiphlogistic and probably also an immunosuppressive effect. Whereas an inhibited release of substance P from the nociceptors, and possibly some other neurokins as well, seems to be the most likely explanation for the antinociceptive action, the antiphlogistic effect is primarily due to an inhibited formation of various different phlogistic substances; in some conditions, like systemic inflammatory rheumatic diseases, for example, the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists may exert an immunosuppressive effect in addition to this

   (224)    Muller W, Fiebich BL, Stratz T. New treatment options using 5-HT3 receptor antagonists in rheumatic diseases. Curr Top Med Chem 2006; 6(18):2035-2042.
Abstract: In vitro studies have shown that a blockade of 5-HT3 receptors brings about a reduction of tumor necrosis factor, IL-1 beta, IL-2, IL-6 as well as a decrease in prostaglandins. Clinical trials have provided evidence of pain reduction in a subgroup of fibromyalgia syndrome and, moreover, have demonstrated that tropisetron injected locally for insertion tendinoses and myofascial syndromes with associated trigger points leads to an alleviation of pain that is comparable to injections with the combination of corticosteroids and local anesthetics. The effects achieved by intra-articular injections in cases of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis paralleled those exerted by intraarticular injection of corticosteroids. In addition, the positive effects produced by systemically administered tropisetron on scleroderma need to be considered since they suggest that this therapeutic principle can also be applied systemically in immunologic processes

   (225)    Munce SE, Weller I, Robertson Blackmore EK, Heinmaa M, Katz J, Stewart DE. The role of work stress as a moderating variable in the chronic pain and depression association. J Psychosom Res 2006; 61(5):653-660.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This article aims to examine the role of work stress as a moderating variable in the chronic pain-depression association, as well as sex differences in this link. METHODS: The analyses were carried out using the Canadian Community Health Survey Cycle 1.1. Key variables were chronic pain conditions (fibromyalgia, arthritis/rheumatism, back problems, and migraine headaches), work stress, and depression. The total sample comprises 78,593 working individuals. RESULTS: In this working sample, 7.6% met criteria for major depression, but the prevalence increased to 12% in those also reporting chronic pain. Both depression and comorbid chronic pain and depression were twice as prevalent in women as in men. Having a chronic pain condition and overall work stress emerged as the strongest predictors of depression. Unexpectedly, however, none of the work stress domains moderated the chronic pain and depression association. CONCLUSION: The impact of work stress should be considered in the etiology and management of major depression

   (226)    Naschitz JE, Mussafia-Priselac R, Kovalev Y, Zaigraykin N, Slobodin G, Elias N et al. Patterns of hypocapnia on tilt in patients with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, nonspecific dizziness, and neurally mediated syncope. Am J Med Sci 2006; 331(6):295-303.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To assess whether head-up tilt-induced hyperventilation is seen more often in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia, dizziness, or neurally mediated syncope (NMS) as compared to healthy subjects or those with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 585 patients were assessed with a 10-minute supine, 30-minute head-up tilt test combined with capnography. Experimental groups included CFS (n = 90), non-CFS fatigue (n = 50), fibromyalgia (n = 70), nonspecific dizziness (n = 75), and NMS (n =160); control groups were FMF (n = 90) and healthy (n = 50). Hypocapnia, the objective measure of hyperventilation, was diagnosed when end-tidal pressure of CO2 (PETCO2) less than 30 mm Hg was recorded consecutively for 10 minutes or longer. When tilting was discontinued because of syncope, one PETCO2 measurement of 25 or less was accepted as hyperventilation. RESULTS: Hypocapnia was diagnosed on tilt test in 9% to 27% of patients with fibromyalgia, CFS, dizziness, and NMS versus 0% to 2% of control subjects. Three patterns of hypocapnia were recognized: supine hypocapnia (n = 14), sustained hypocapnia on tilt (n = 76), and mixed hypotensive-hypocapnic events (n = 80). Hypocapnia associated with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) occurred in 8 of 41 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperventilation appears to be the major abnormal response to postural challenge in sustained hypocapnia but possibly merely an epiphenomenon in hypotensive-hypocapnic events. Our study does not support an essential role for hypocapnia in NMS or in postural symptoms associated with POTS. Because unrecognized hypocapnia is common in CFS, fibromyalgia, and nonspecific dizziness, capnography should be a part of the evaluation of patients with such conditions

   (227)    Nelson PJ, Tucker S. Developing an intervention to alter catastrophizing in persons with fibromyalgia. Orthop Nurs 2006; 25(3):205-214.
Abstract: PURPOSE: The purpose of this pilot study was to develop and evaluate a brief psychoeducational intervention to decrease pain catastrophizing, a focus on pain and its negative consequences in patients with fibromyalgia. DESIGN: A case-study design was used to design the targeted intervention. The intervention was piloted with 2 small groups of patients and family members. SAMPLE: Thirty-nine patients with fibromyalgia completed the surveys; patients/family members (N = 9) and ten interdisciplinary staff members participated in separate focus groups or e-mail surveys to provide data to develop the intervention. Two additional groups of patients and family members (N = 7) participated in the pilot intervention sessions. FINDINGS: Catastrophic thinking and associated declines in function were confirmed by survey results and focus group themes. A 2-hour session using self-efficacy theory was developed from these findings and other data sources. The patients/family members in pilot groups reported an increased knowledge of pain catastrophizing and satisfaction with the intervention. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: A brief, psychoeducational offering that targets the reduction of catastrophizing is a feasible addition to the usual treatment protocol in a fibromyalgia treatment program and warrants further study

   (228)    Nilsen KB, Westgaard RH, Stovner LJ, Helde G, Ro M, Sand TH. Pain induced by low-grade stress in patients with fibromyalgia and chronic shoulder/neck pain, relation to surface electromyography. Eur J Pain 2006; 10(7):615-627.
Abstract: The mechanisms of pain causation in fibromyalgia (FMS) and chronic shoulder/neck pain (SNP) are still debated. We wanted to compare muscle activity and pain development during and after low-grade mental stress in FMS and SNP patients. Twenty-three women with FMS, 29 women with chronic SNP and 35 healthy women performed a stressful task lasting 60 min followed by a 30 min recovery period. We recorded surface electromyography over the trapezius, neck, temporalis and frontalis muscles. Subjects reported their pain at the corresponding locations together with the development of fatigue and perceived tension. Significant differences between FMS and SNP groups were not observed either for muscular or subjective responses. SNP patients and controls responded with more pain in the trapezius and neck regions than in the forehead, in contrast to FMS patients who had a more generalized pain response. Development of pain, tension and fatigue was not related to muscle activity for any group. We conclude that FMS and SNP patients have similar pain and electromyographic responses. The results suggest that similar pathophysiological mechanisms are involved although the responses are more generalised in FMS than in SNP patients. Muscular activity did not explain the pain which developed during the stressful task for either group. Pain lasted longer during recovery in both FMS and SNP patients compared to healthy controls, possibly a result of disease-related sensitisation in pain pathways

   (229)    Nishishinya MB, Rivera J, Alegre C, Pereda CA. [Non pharmacologic and alternative treatments in fibromyalgia]. Med Clin (Barc ) 2006; 127(8):295-299.

   (230)    O'neill S, Manniche C, Graven-Nielsen T, rendt-Nielsen L. Generalized deep-tissue hyperalgesia in patients with chronic low-back pain. Eur J Pain 2006; .
Abstract: Some chronic painful conditions including e.g. fibromyalgia, whiplash associated disorders, endometriosis, and irritable bowel syndrome are associated with generalized musculoskeletal hyperalgesia. The aim of the present study was to determine whether generalized deep-tissue hyperalgesia could be demonstrated in a group of patients with chronic low-back pain with intervertebral disc herniation. Twelve patients with MRI confirmed lumbar intervertebral disc herniation and 12 age and sex matched controls were included. Subjects were exposed to quantitative nociceptive stimuli to the infraspinatus and anterior tibialis muscles. Mechanical pressure (thresholds and supra-threshold) and injection of hypertonic saline (pain intensity, duration, distribution) were used. Pain intensity to experimental stimuli was assessed on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Patients demonstrated significantly higher pain intensity (VAS), duration, and larger areas of pain referral following saline injection in both infraspinatus and tibialis anterior. The patients rated significantly higher pain intensity to supra-threshold mechanical pressure stimulation in both muscles. In patients, the pressure pain-threshold was lower in the anterior tibialis muscle compared to controls. In conclusion, generalized deep-tissue hyperalgesia was demonstrated in chronic low-back pain patients with radiating pain and MRI confirmed intervertebral disc herniation, suggesting that this central sensitization should also be addressed in the pain management regimes

   (231)    Ofluoglu D, Gunduz OH, Kul-Panza E, Guven Z. Hypermobility in women with fibromyalgia syndrome. Clin Rheumatol 2006; 25(3):291-293.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between hypermobility and fibromyalgia syndrome (FS) in women. Ninety-three women with FS who met the American College of Rheumatology criteria for FS and 58 healthy women without FS were included in this study. All women were examined for hypermobility by blinded observers using the Beighton criteria. The mean age was 43.5+/-9.9 (21-68) and 40.2+/-11.1 (21-63) years in the FS and control groups, respectively, and the two groups were statistically similar (p>0.05). The mean Beighton total score was 4.7+/-2.1 and 2.9+/-2.4 in the FS and control groups, respectively (p<0.0001). The frequency of joint hypermobility was 64.2% in the FS group and 22% in the control group. In accordance with the Beighton criteria (p<0.05), we found that the joint hypermobility ratio was significantly higher in patients with FS than in subjects without FS. Additionally, we evaluated the correlation between the total Beighton score and the age and number of trigger points. There were negative correlations between the total Beighton score and the age (r=-0.42, p<0.001) and number of trigger points (r=-0.24, p=0.03) in all patients. Hypermobility syndrome is more common in women with FS than in those in the control group. Therefore, the relationship between hypermobility and FS should be taken into consideration in the diagnosis and follow-up of women, especially those with widespread pain

   (232)    Okifuji A, Turk DC. Sex hormones and pain in regularly menstruating women with fibromyalgia syndrome. J Pain 2006; 7(11):851-859.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is more prevalent in women than in men. The skewed sex distribution in the prevalence has prompted questions of if and how sex hormones may be involved in the pathophysiology of FMS. In this study, we evaluated the levels of sex hormones and pain sensitivity at different phases of a menstrual cycle in regularly menstruating women with FMS relative to age-matched healthy women. Participants (n = 74 in each group) underwent a 9-day urine test to identify the date of ovulation. Three laboratory visits were scheduled to ascertain the varying levels of estrogen (E) and progesterone (P): Late-follicular phase (high E, low P); mid-luteal phase (high E, high P); and perimenstrual phase (low E, low P). At each visit, blood was drawn and ischemic pain testing was performed. The groups did not differ in the fluctuation of luteal hormone, follicular-stimulating hormone, E, and testosterone across a menstrual cycle. FMS patients showed slightly elevated P levels during the mid-luteal phase relative to healthy women but levels were within the normal range. Women with FMS showed consistently lower pain thresholds and tolerance relative to healthy women throughout the menstrual cycle. Pain threshold at the late follicular phase was modestly related to the P level. The results suggest that the disproportionate prevalence of females with FMS is not likely to be attributable to hormonal factors. Furthermore, the role of sex hormones in pain sensitivity for both FMS and healthy women seems to be limited. PERSPECTIVE: Normally menstruating women with FMS and healthy women do not seem to show fluctuating threshold and tolerance to the ischemic pain test. The role of sex hormones in the hyperalgesia of FMS appears limited

   (233)    Okumus M, Gokoglu F, Kocaoglu S, Ceceli E, Yorgancioglu ZR. Muscle performance in patients with fibromyalgia. Singapore Med J 2006; 47(9):752-756.
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a syndrome expressed by chronic widespread body pain which leads to reduced physical function and frequent use of healthcare services. This study was performed to examine the muscle performance comprising abdominal and lumbar muscle strength, and measurement of chest expansion in osteoporotic patients with FMS; to evaluate the relation between muscle performance, pain severity, clinical findings and physical activity; and to compare the results with the osteoporotic control group. METHODS: 44 osteoporotic women with FMS and 46 osteoporotic women who were physically inactive underwent measurements of three parameters: abdominal and lumbar muscle strength, and chest expansion. Student's t-test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The strength of lumbar muscles and measurement of chest expansion were significantly decreased in the FMS patients as compared to the controls (p-value is less than 0.001). However, lumbar and abdominal muscles strength was low in both patients and controls. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that osteoporotic patients with FMS have impairment in strength of lumbar and abdominal muscles and in measurement of chest expansion. Further studies are needed to investigate the mechanism of reduced muscle performance and the effects of aerobic exercise in this patient group

   (234)    Omura Y. Asbestos as a possible major cause of malignant lung tumors (including small cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma & mesothelioma), brain tumors (i.e. astrocytoma & glioblastoma multiforme), many other malignant tumors, intractable pain including fibromyalgia, & some cardio-vascular pathology: safe & effective methods of reducing asbestos from normal & pathological areas. Acupunct Electrother Res 2006; 31(1-2):61-125.
Abstract: High incidences of Small Cell Carcinoma & Adenocarcinoma of the lung, Astrocytoma & Glioblastoma Multiforme of the brain and Mesothelioma of the lung were found in those who had a high accumulation of Asbestos in the eyes and upper respiratory system (nose, larynx, trachea, etc.). When measured non-invasively using the Bi-Digital O-Ring Test (BDORT), brain tumors had the highest concentration of Asbestos (0.2 approximately 2.1 mg BDORT units). Relatively high levels of Asbestos (0.2 approximately 0.6 mg BDORT units) were found in: Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the lungs & esophagus, Adenocarcinoma of the larynx & breast, myelogenic leukemia, arteries of these cancers, left ventricle of failing heart, myocardial infarction, some of the narrowed arteries, varicose veins, cataracts, balding heads, hot flashes, Alzheimer's Disease and Autism. A small, round or ellipsoidal area, with diameter of 5 mm or less, was found near the center of every cancer tissue with a higher level of Asbestos (1 approximately 3 mg), As, Zn, Cr and Se, than in the rest of the tumor; this small area may be where the cancer initiated. Among areas of intractable pain with frequent recurrence and gradual worsening, about 0.2 approximately 0.5 mg BDORT units (or higher) of Asbestos were found. The author found that in the Astrocytoma and many other cancer patients, the optimal dose of DHEA produced very significant reductions of cancer cell telomere from over 1400 ng in the brain tumors (and over 900 ng in other cancers) to close to or less than 1 yg (=10(-24) g), with circulatory improvement by reduction of TXB2. Unlike the standard, widely used treatment with DHEA 25 approximately 50 mg daily, which is an overdose; we only gave one optimal dose (1.5 approximately 12.5 mg) and the beneficial effects usually lasted anywhere between 3-6 months, unless inhibiting factors were introduced. In addition, once one optimal dose of DHEA was given, the amount of Asbestos from these tumors decreased very significantly (30 approximately 99% reduction) with marked increase in urine Asbestos. One optimal dose of special Cilantro tablet reduced more Asbestos than DHEA or (+) Qi Gong Energy Stored Paper. In addition, the application of (+) Solar Energy Stored Paper often reduces 70 approximately 99% of the Asbestos, while (+) Qi Gong Energy Stored Paper reduces 50 approximately 99% of the Asbestos

   (235)    Osorio CD, Gallinaro AL, Lorenzi-Filho G, Lage LV. Sleep quality in patients with fibromyalgia using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. J Rheumatol 2006; 33(9):1863-1865.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To characterize and quantify the sleep complaints of patients with fibromyalgia (FM) using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). METHODS: The PSQI was applied to 30 patients with FM according to American College of Rheumatology classification criteria and to 30 healthy controls in individual sessions under similar conditions. RESULTS: The median global PSQI scores were [median (25-75%)] 12.0 (10-16) and 3.0 (2.0-5.0) in patients with FM and controls, respectively (p < 0.001). All PSQI component scores except sleep medications were significantly higher in patients than controls. Sleep latency, sleep disturbances, and daytime dysfunction were the most frequent sleep difficulties experienced by patients with FM. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the PSQI is a useful instrument for characterizing and quantifying sleep disturbances in patients with FM

   (236)    Ouyang A, Wrzos HF. Contribution of Gender to Pathophysiology and Clinical Presentation of IBS: Should Management Be Different in Women? Am J Gastroenterol 2006; 101 Suppl 3:S602-9.:S602-S609.
Abstract: The irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is found more commonly in women than men. It is more prevalent in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and chronic pelvic pain, all syndromes characterized by pain and found predominantly in women. This article reviews evidence for a role of biological sex factors and gender on the pathways mediating visceral pain. The effect of gonadal hormones on gastrointestinal motility and the sensory afferent pathway and central processing of visceral stimuli and the contribution of gender role to the clinical presentation are discussed. Although differences in responses to treatment modalities between genders exist, the approach to IBS patients in both genders is quite similar. Nevertheless, a special attention to gender role and stress-related factors should be addressed. New developments in research, outlined in the paper, might bring more gender-specific treatments in the future

   (237)    Ozerbil O, Okudan N, Gokbel H, Levendoglu F. Comparison of the effects of two antidepressants on exercise performance of the female patients with fibromyalgia. Clin Rheumatol 2006; 25(4):495-497.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of two antidepressants on exercise performance of the female patients with fibromyalgia. METHODS: Fifteen patients with fibromyalgia participated in this randomized, double-blind crossover study composed of two trials separated by a 2-week washout phase. The pharmacy randomly assigned patients to two groups: (a) placebo (glucose) in the morning and 25 mg amitriptyline at bedtime or (b) 20 mg fluoxetine in the morning and placebo at bedtime. The VO(2max) and Wingate anaerobic test were evaluated. Within 24 h after 15-day medication, the tests were repeated. RESULTS: Peak power and fatigue index increased, and VO(2max) and VT did not change with both fluoxetine and amitriptyline. Mean power significantly increased after fluoxetine but not after amitriptyline. CONCLUSION: Both amitriptyline administration and fluoxetine administration in patients with fibromyalgia have beneficial effects on anaerobic performance. These effects may be important in life quality of the female patients with fibromyalgia

   (238)    Ozgocmen S, Ozyurt H, Sogut S, Akyol O. Current concepts in the pathophysiology of fibromyalgia: the potential role of oxidative stress and nitric oxide. Rheumatol Int 2006; 26(7):585-597.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common chronic pain syndrome with an unknown etiology. Recent years added new information to our understanding of FM pathophysiology. Researches on genetics, biogenic amines, neurotransmitters, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hormones, oxidative stress, and mechanisms of pain modulation, central sensitization, and autonomic functions in FM revealed various abnormalities indicating that multiple factors and mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of FM. Oxidative stress and nitric oxide may play an important role in FM pathophysiology, however it is still not clear whether oxidative stress abnormalities documented in FM are the cause or the effect. This should encourage further researches evaluating the potential role of oxidative stress and nitric oxide in the pathophysiology of FM and the efficacy of antioxidant treatments (omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, vitamins and others) in double blind and placebo controlled trials. These future researches will enhance our understanding of the complex pathophysiology of this disorder

   (239)    Ozgocmen S, Ozyurt H, Sogut S, Akyol O, Ardicoglu O, Yildizhan H. Antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide in fibromyalgia: etiologic and therapeutic concerns. Rheumatol Int 2006; 26(7):598-603.
Abstract: We proposed to assess the oxidant/antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide (NO) in untreated fibromyalgia (FM) patients and controls. The effect of amitriptyline (A, 20 mg daily) and sertraline (S, 100 mg daily) treatment on patients' superoxide dismutase (SOD), xanthine oxidase (XO), adenosine deaminase (ADA) enzyme activities, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and NO levels was investigated. Thirty female patients with primary FM and age-matched 16 healthy female controls were included. Patients received an 8-week course of treatment with either A or S. FM patients had higher serum levels of TBARS (particularly malondialdehyde) and lower levels of nitrite compared to controls whereas enzyme activities were similar. A and S significantly improved Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) pain scores, Hamilton anxiety and depression rating scales. But neither A nor S had significant effects on measured oxidative stress parameters, except SOD activity that was significantly reduced after S treatment. Total myalgic scores negatively correlated with XO activity, and depression scales negatively correlated with levels of TBARS. Our results indicate that patients with FM are under oxidative stress. These findings represent a rationale for further research assessing the effect of free radical scavengers or antioxidant agents like vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids on peripheral and central mechanisms in FM

   (240)    Ozgocmen S, Yoldas T, Yigiter R, Kaya A, Ardicoglu O. R-R interval variation and sympathetic skin response in fibromyalgia. Arch Med Res 2006; 37(5):630-634.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: This study proposed to assess the autonomic nervous system (ANS) functions in fibromyalgia (FM) by using two electrophysiological tests, sympathetic skin response (SSR) and the heart rate variability named R-R interval variation (RRIV). METHODS: Sympathetic skin response and RRIV were studied in 29 female patients with FM and 22 healthy age-matched female controls. R-R interval variation at rest (R%), during deep breathing (D%), the difference between D% and R% (D-R) and the ratio of D-R% (D/R) were determined. Pain threshold was measured using a mechanical algometer. RESULTS: R-R interval variation at rest (R%) and D/R did not show significant difference between patients and controls, whereas D% and D-R were significantly lower in patients compared to controls. SSR latencies of patients' hands and feet had no significant difference compared to controls' hand and feet SSR latencies. SSR latencies of patients' hands correlated significantly with control point score, total myalgic score, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Sympathetic skin response latencies of patients' feet correlated only with HARS. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of heart rate variability may be useful and complementary to clinical examination in patients with symptoms of dysfunction in cardiovascular reflex pathways

   (241)    Ozgocmen S. New strategies in evaluation of therapeutic efficacy in fibromyalgia syndrome. Curr Pharm Des 2006; 12(1):67-71.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia (FM) is continuing to be a challenging and confusing disorder for researchers and clinicians with its diverse symptoms, poorly understood etiology and pathophysiology. The use of multiple outcome variables reflecting the complexity of FM and co-morbid syndromes, makes it difficult to evaluate the efficacy or effectiveness of the treatment in clinical trials. Additionally researchers inevitably rely on patients' self-reported outcome data, which is prone to error and bias. In this paper, new researches in the field of FM and practical issues on methodology of pain assessment (visual analogue scales, paper or electronic diaries and compliance), core outcome domains in chronic pain assessment (IMMPACT recommendations), and advances in neuroimaging techniques like functional magnetic resonance imaging have been reviewed. Consequently, clinicians and researchers have various highly validated and adequate outcome domains to assess FM symptoms and new researches continue to add new valuable domains. Nevertheless the current problem is to conclude, which treatment works best for whom and which are the outcome domains suitable for FM patients or patients' subgroups with different prominent features. Standardised and appropriate core outcome domains for FM clinical trails will encourage more complete investigations, relevant outcome reporting and well-designed multicenter trials

   (242)    Pace F, Zuin G, Di GS, Molteni P, Casini V, Fontana M et al. Family history of irritable bowel syndrome is the major determinant of persistent abdominal complaints in young adults with a history of pediatric recurrent abdominal pain. World J Gastroenterol 2006; 12(24):3874-3877.
Abstract: AIM: To assess the late outcome of teen-agers with a previous history of recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). METHODS: A group of 67 children with RAP referred to the department from January 1986 to December 1995 was followed up between 5 and 13 years after the initial diagnosis by means of a structured telephone interview. We hypothesized that those patients with persistent adult IBS-like symptoms would be significantly more likely to report a family history of IBS in comparison with adults with no persistent abdominal complaint. RESULTS: Out of the 52 trackable subjects, 15 were found to present IBS-like symptoms at follow-up (29%) whereas the majority (37 subjects) did not. Subjects with IBS-like symptoms were almost three times more likely to present at least one sibling with similar symptoms compared to subjects not complaining (40.0% vs 16.0%), respectively (P < 0.05 at Student t test). Subjects with IBS-like symptoms also reported a higher prevalence of extra-intestinal symptoms, such as back pain, fibromyalgia, headache, fatigue and sleep disturbances. CONCLUSION: The study confirms previous observations indicating that pediatric RAP can predict later development of IBS. The latter appears to be greatly influenced by intrafamilial aggregation of symptoms, possibly through the learning of a specific illness behavior

   (243)    Page K, Pagidas K, Derosa MC, Quddus MR. Eosinophilic perifolliculitis presenting as a painful cystic ovarian mass in a woman with fibromyalgia: a case report. J Reprod Med 2006; 51(2):141-144.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Autoimmune oophoritis is characterized by an ovarian lymphocytic infiltrate and is a rare finding in women with premature ovarian failure. Eosinophilic perifolliculitis is a possible variant of autoimmune oophoritis, of which the pathogenesis and natural history are largely unknown. CASE: A 45-year-old woman, gravida 2, para 2, status post total abdominal hysterectomy, presented to her internist complaining of cyclic, throbbing, right lower quadrant pain. Her past medical history was significant forfibromyalgia. Pelvic ultrasound demonstrated a 2.3-cm, physiologic-appearing right ovarian cyst. Follow-up ultrasound showed a 2.2-cm, complex cyst on the right ovary that increased in size to 4.2 x 3.2 x 3.5 cm on repeat ultrasound 12 weeks later. Exploratory laparotomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were performed. Pathologic evaluation of the ovaries revealed a 3 x 2 cm regressing corpus luteal cyst with numerous eosinophils, lymphocytes, macrophages and plasma cells, infiltrating the cyst zoall. Serum antiovarian antibodies were positive. CONCLUSION: The patient's pathologic findings are consistent with the rare entity of eosinophilic perifolliculitis. The patient's history offibromyalgia is of particular interest given that both of these diseases may have an autoimmune etiology. Eosinophilic perifolliculitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of premenopausal and perimenopausal women with pelvic pain and persistent cystic ovarian enlargement

   (244)    Pamuk ON, Yesil Y, Cakir N. Factors that affect the number of tender points in fibromyalgia and chronic widespread pain patients who did not meet the ACR 1990 criteria for fibromyalgia: are tender points a reflection of neuropathic pain? Semin Arthritis Rheum 2006; 36(2):130-134.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare fibromyalgia (FM) and chronic widespread pain (CWP) patients who do not fulfill the criteria for tender points (TP). METHODS: We included 150 patients diagnosed with FM according to ACR 1990 criteria and 42 patients with CWP who did not fulfill TP criteria for FM into the study. The clinical features of the patients were recorded, and the TP count was determined. By means of a visual analog scale (VAS), all patients were questioned about the severity of pain and FM-related symptoms. In addition, the patients were administered the Duke Anxiety Depression (Duke-AD) scale and somatization symptom questionnaire. Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) pain scale was used to determine the neuropathic pain score. RESULTS: According to VAS, the severity of pain, sleep disturbance, the number of somatization symptoms, LANSS, and Duke-AD scores were significantly higher in FM patients than in patients with CWP (all P values <0.05). The number of TP correlated with severity of pain (r = 0.32, P < 0.001), the number of somatization symptoms (r = 0.26, P = 0.01), sleep disturbance (r = 0.18, P = 0.01), and LANSS score (r = 0.4, P < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that independent factors that affected the presence of > or =11 TP were the severity of pain on VAS (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.06, P = 0.045) and LANSS score (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.12-1.62, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: CWP patients have symptoms similar to FM patients, though less severe. The most important factor that affects the criteria for fulfilling the number TP in CWP patients is the neuropathic pain score, which suggests that FM is primarily a neuropathic pain syndrome

   (245)    Panton LB, Kingsley JD, Toole T, Cress ME, Abboud G, Sirithienthad P et al. A comparison of physical functional performance and strength in women with fibromyalgia, age- and weight-matched controls, and older women who are healthy. Phys Ther 2006; 86(11):1479-1488.
Abstract: BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare functionality and strength among women with fibromyalgia (FM), women without FM, and older women. SUBJECTS: Twenty-nine women with FM (age [X+/-SD]=46+/-7 years), 12 age- and weight-matched women without FM (age=44+/-8 years), and 38 older women who were healthy (age=71+/-7 years) participated. METHODS: The Continuous Scale-Physical Functional Performance Test (CS-PFP) was used to assess functionality. Isokinetic leg strength was measured at 60 degrees/s, and handgrip strength was measured using a handgrip dynamometer. RESULTS: The women without FM had significantly higher functionality scores compared with women with FM and older women. There were no differences in functionality between women with FM and older women. Strength measures for the leg were higher in women without FM compared with women with FM and older women, and both women with and without FM had higher grip strengths compared with older women. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that women with FM and older women who are healthy have similar lower-body strength and functionality, potentially enhancing the risk for premature age-associated disability

   (246)    Pardi D, Black J. gamma-Hydroxybutyrate/sodium oxybate: neurobiology, and impact on sleep and wakefulness. CNS Drugs 2006; 20(12):993-1018.
Abstract: gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is an endogenous short chain fatty acid and a, mostly oral, pharmacological compound that has been utilised in a variety of ways. Endogenously, GHB is synthesised locally within the CNS, mostly from its parent compound GABA. Sodium oxybate is the sodium salt of GHB and is used for the exogenous oral administration of GHB. It is likely that supraphysiological concentrations of GHB from exogenous administration produce qualitatively different neuronal actions than those produced by endogenous GHB concentrations.Evidence suggests a role for GHB as a neuromodulator/neurotransmitter. Under endogenous conditions and concentrations, and depending on the cell group affected, GHB may increase or decrease neuronal activity by inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters that are co-localised with GHB. After exogenous administration, most of the observed behavioural effects appear to be mediated via the activity of GHB at GABA(B) receptors, as long as the concentration is sufficient to elicit binding, which does not happen at endogenous concentrations. Endogenous and exogenous GHB is rapidly and completely converted into CO(2) and H(2)O through the tricarboxylic acid cycle (Krebs cycle). Sodium oxybate has been observed to modulate sleep in nonclinical study participants, and sleep and wakefulness in clinical populations, including groups with insomnia, fibromyalgia and narcolepsy. In narcolepsy, sodium oxybate has shown dose-related effects on various properties of sleep, including increases in slow-wave sleep duration and delta power, and a reduced number of night-time awakenings. Furthermore, multiple measures of daytime sleepiness and cataplexy demonstrated consistent short- and long-term improvement in response to night-time sodium oxybate therapy. The most common reported adverse events include dose-related headache, nausea, dizziness and somnolence

   (247)    Patten SB, Williams JV, Wang J. Mental disorders in a population sample with musculoskeletal disorders. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2006; 7:37.:37.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Studies using clinical and volunteer samples have reported an elevated prevalence of mood disorders in association with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Clinical studies using anxiety rating scales have reported inconsistent results, but studies using diagnostic instruments have reported that anxiety disorders may be even more strongly associated with arthritis than is depression. One study reported an association between lifetime substance use disorders and arthritis. METHODS: Data from iteration 1.2 of the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) were used. This was a large-scale national Canadian health survey which administered the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview to a sample of 36,984 subjects randomly selected from the national population. In the CCHS 1.2, subjects were asked whether they had been diagnosed by a health professional with arthritis or rheumatism. RESULTS: Subjects reporting arthritis or rheumatism had an elevated prevalence of mood, anxiety and substance use disorders. The strength of association resembled that seen in an omnibus category reporting any chronic condition, but was weaker than that seen with back pain or fibromyalgia. The effect of arthritis or rheumatism interacted with age, such that the odds ratios became smaller with increasing age. Mood and anxiety disorders, along with arthritis or rheumatism made an independent contribution to disability. CONCLUSION: Arthritis is associated with psychiatric morbidity in the general population, and this morbidity is seen across a variety of mental disorders. The strength of association is consistent with that seen in persons with other self-reported medical conditions

   (248)    Pedersen BK, Saltin B. Evidence for prescribing exercise as therapy in chronic disease. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2006; 16 Suppl 1:3-63.:3-63.
Abstract: Considerable knowledge has accumulated in recent decades concerning the significance of physical activity in the treatment of a number of diseases, including diseases that do not primarily manifest as disorders of the locomotive apparatus. In this review we present the evidence for prescribing exercise therapy in the treatment of metabolic syndrome-related disorders (insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, obesity), heart and pulmonary diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary heart disease, chronic heart failure, intermittent claudication), muscle, bone and joint diseases (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome) and cancer, depression, asthma and type 1 diabetes. For each disease, we review the effect of exercise therapy on disease pathogenesis, on symptoms specific to the diagnosis, on physical fitness or strength and on quality of life. The possible mechanisms of action are briefly examined and the principles for prescribing exercise therapy are discussed, focusing on the type and amount of exercise and possible contraindications

   (249)    Perahia DG, Pritchett YL, Desaiah D, Raskin J. Efficacy of duloxetine in painful symptoms: an analgesic or antidepressant effect? Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2006; 21(6):311-317.
Abstract: The evidence that the effects of the antidepressant duloxetine on painful physical symptoms in depression and chronic pain disorders are a direct analgesic effect rather than an indirect antidepressant effect is reviewed. Data from placebo-controlled acute studies of duloxetine in major depressive disorder, diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia syndrome are included in this review. In placebo-controlled studies of duloxetine in patients with major depressive disorder, non-depressed diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, and fibromyalgia syndrome, duloxetine has a statistically significantly greater effect on pain than placebo. Path analysis suggests that in these patient populations, approximately 50, 90, and 80%, respectively, of the observed effect on pain is a direct analgesic effect rather than an indirect antidepressant effect. In fibromyalgia syndrome studies, duloxetine had similar and substantial effects on pain regardless of whether patients had comorbid major depressive disorder. Pain is a complex experience, involving both the physiological responses of the nociceptive system and the processing of that information in brain regions associated with emotion. While some effects of duloxetine on painful symptoms can be accounted for by its antidepressant action, the data strongly suggest that duloxetine also exerts a substantial direct analgesic effect over and above its antidepressant effects, in patients with major depressive disorder, diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, and fibromyalgia syndrome

   (250)    Petrella RJ, Davis P. Improving management of musculoskeletal disorders in primary care: the Joint Adventures Program. Clin Rheumatol 2006; .
Abstract: Musculoskeletal disorders represent a large and growing clinical challenge to primary care clinicians. Unfortunately, there appears to be a gap in current training and continuing education to meet this challenge. We used script concordance within a continuing medical education program entitled "Joint Adventures" to assist family physicians to acquire the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to improve their management of musculoskeletal disorders. Program workshops were coordinated through a national continuing education program of the College of Family Physicians of Canada. A group of 54 experts in musculoskeletal disorders including family physicians, rheumatologists, and orthopedists developed cases for six areas of management that were identified by family physicians during a needs survey delivered at a national scientific congress in primary care. Script concordance methodology was used in the Joint Adventures workshop to address knowledge gaps or lack of group consensus in the six areas including (1) diagnosis of osteoarthritis, (2) treatment and management of osteoarthritis, (3) treatment and management of rheumatoid arthritis, (4) diagnosis and treatment of back pain, (5) diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia and diagnosis, and (6) treatment of shoulder pain. Each workshop session included 5-30 family physicians, a specialist expert, and a family physician facilitator. Before each session, a group needs assessment was conducted to identify which one or two of the six cases would be used. Perceived knowledge and skill acquisition, self-assessed change in practice, and satisfaction with the program were measured at the conclusion of each session and again at 3 months post program. All programs were delivered from March 2003 to September 2005. Six hundred and fifty family physicians from across Canada completed the program. In general, participants reached concordance with each case. Measures of knowledge and skill acquisition and self-assessed change in practice were significantly improved with high rates of program satisfaction. The Joint Adventures program provided family physicians with knowledge and skills that changed their care of musculoskeletal disorders. This was achieved using consensus that was sensitive to local needs. Further use should be evaluated in other areas of medical practice as well

   (251)    Pisetsky DS. Rheumatology in 2006 - crossroads or crisis? Bull Hosp Jt Dis 2006; 64(1-2):9-11.
Abstract: Rheumatology has made remarkable advances in patient treatment in the past decade related to the impressive array of new drugs that have been approved or are undergoing clinical trial. While this situation should engender optimism for the future, concerns about sustaining momentum have been raised. These concerns relate to uncertainty in the research agenda for major diseases such as osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia, lack of informatics systems to allow accurate assessment of risks and benefits of new treatments, and a paucity of clinical trials in rheumatoid arthritis aimed at sustained remission or cure. Fortunately, the opportunities for the future remain very bright because of burgeoning research in biomedicine and outcomes assessment as well as progress in developing personalized medicine to individualize treatment better

   (252)    Porter-Moffitt S, Gatchel RJ, Robinson RC, Deschner M, Posamentier M, Polatin P et al. Biopsychosocial profiles of different pain diagnostic groups. J Pain 2006; 7(5):308-318.
Abstract: Different pain diagnoses have been examined separately in various research studies. The major aim of the present investigation was to add to the current understanding of the various groups of patients who make up the chronic pain population. This study expanded the research literature by including 7 different predominantly chronic pain syndromes (fibromyalgia, upper extremity pain, cervical pain, thoracic pain, lumbar pain, lower extremity pain, and headache). These 7 groups were examined by using a broad array of variables focusing on demographic, self-reported psychosocial, and physical/functional factors. There were 661 patients included from an interdisciplinary treatment program who had been given 1 physical pain diagnosis. Results revealed differences among the 7 groups with regard to self-reported physical/functional limitations. The headache group had less physical/functional impairment than most of the other groups. On the other hand, the lumbar, fibromyalgia, and lower extremity groups had the most physical/functional problems. On self-reported psychosocial measures, the fibromyalgia group had the most difficulties, and the lower extremity and lumbar groups had fewer problems in this area. Overall, though, besides the fibromyalgia group, there was a lack of differences among the other groups on the psychosocial measures. PERSPECTIVE: Biopsychosocial profiles were examined for different pain diagnostic groups. Seven different pain groups were compared. It was discovered that, in general, the lumbar, fibromyalgia, and lower extremity groups reported more physical/functional limitations, and the fibromyalgia and headache groups reported more psychosocial difficulties

   (253)    Price DD, Zhou Q, Moshiree B, Robinson ME, Nicholas VG. Peripheral and central contributions to hyperalgesia in irritable bowel syndrome. J Pain 2006; 7(8):529-535.
Abstract: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder seen by gastroenterologists. We discuss some recent evidence for potential neural mechanisms that could contribute to somatic and visceral hyperalgesia in IBS patients. The combination of research studies of human IBS patients and studies of rats with delayed rectal hypersensitivity after recovery from experimentally induced neonatal colitis strongly suggests a mechanism wherein both primary visceral hyperalgesia and secondary widespread cutaneous hyperalgesia are dynamically maintained by tonic impulse input from the noninflamed colon and/or rectum. The secondary hyperalgesia is likely to be at least partly related to sensitization of spinal cord dorsal horn neurons and in this respect might be similar to other persistent pain conditions such as fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome. PERSPECTIVE: Pain in irritable bowel syndrome is likely to be at least partly maintained by peripheral impulse input from the colon/rectum and central sensitization, yet it is also highly modifiable by psychological factors such as nocebo and placebo effects. A synergistic interaction might occur between psychological factors and abnormal afferent processing

   (254)    Prins MA, Woertman L, Kool MB, Geenen R. Sexual functioning of women with fibromyalgia. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2006; 24(5):555-561.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To examine sexual functioning at the specific phases of the sexual response cycle among women with fibromyalgia. METHODS: The Questionnaire for screening Sexual Dysfunctions - Short Form (QSD-SF) was filled out by 63 premenopausal, heterosexual women with fibromyalgia (age: 21-54 years) who were recruited at meetings of regional patient associations. RESULTS: The women with fibromyalgia did not differ from healthy women of an age reference group with respect to functioning in the excitement and the orgasm phases, but reported more problems with sexual desire and satisfaction, more pain in their body, and insensitivity (but not pain) in their genitals before, during or after having sex. Mental distress, but not pain, was a significant predictor of virtually all aspects of sexual dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Our study generates the hypothesis that the psychological but not the physiological aspect of the sexual response cycle is more disturbed than normal in fibromyalgia. This finding needs confirmation in a more representative population

   (255)    Qin L, Guo W. Functional mixed-effects model for periodic data. Biostatistics 2006; 7(2):225-234.
Abstract: Periodic data are frequently collected in biomedical experiments. We consider the underlying periodic curves giving rise to these data, and account for the periodicity in their functional model to improve estimation and inference. We propose to incorporate the periodic constraint in the functional mixed-effects model setting. Both the fixed functional effects and random functional effects are modeled in the same periodic functional space, hence the population-average estimates and subject-specific predictions are all periodic. An efficient algorithm is given to estimate the proposed model by an O(N) modified Kalman filtering and smoothing algorithm. The proposed method is evaluated in different scenarios through simulations. Treatments to none-full period data and missing observations along the period are also given. Analysis of a cortisol data set obtained from a study on fibromyalgia is conducted as illustration

   (256)    Raheim M, Haland W. Lived experience of chronic pain and fibromyalgia: women's stories from daily life. Qual Health Res 2006; 16(6):741-761.
Abstract: The hermeneutic-phenomenological study presented in this article is grounded in a lifeworld perspective. The authors aimed at rich descriptions of women's lived experience of chronic pain and fibromyalgia. They conducted individual life-form interviews with 12 women with fibromyalgia. On the basis of the women's stories, three typologies were developed: at the will of the treacherous body-powerlessness; struggling to escape the treacherous body- ambivalence; and caring for the treacherous body-coping. The lived experience described in the typologies were further interpreted according to the existentials: lived body, lived time and space, and lived relations. The women's stories point to a world experienced as fundamentally changed by a body in chronic pain, describing a struggle in which they feel that their existence is at stake

   (257)    Raphael KG, Janal MN, Nayak S, Schwartz JE, Gallagher RM. Psychiatric comorbidities in a community sample of women with fibromyalgia. Pain 2006; 124(1-2):117-125.
Abstract: Prior studies of careseeking fibromyalgia (FM) patients often report that they have an elevated risk of psychiatric disorders, but biased sampling may distort true risk. The current investigation utilizes state-of-the-art diagnostic procedures for both FM and psychiatric disorders to estimate prevalence rates of FM and the comorbidity of FM and specific psychiatric disorders in a diverse community sample of women. Participants were screened by telephone for FM and MDD, by randomly selecting telephone numbers from a list of households with women in the NY/NJ metropolitan area. Eligible women were invited to complete physical examinations for FM and clinician-administered psychiatric interviews. Data were weighted to adjust for sampling procedures and population demographics. The estimated overall prevalence of FM among women in the NY/NJ metropolitan area was 3.7% (95% CI=3.2, 4.4), with higher rates among racial minorities. Although risk of current MDD was nearly 3-fold higher in community women with than without FM, the groups had similar risk of lifetime MDD. Risk of lifetime anxiety disorders, particularly obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, was approximately 5-fold higher among women with FM. Overall, this study found a community prevalence for FM among women that replicates prior North American studies, and revealed that FM may be even more prevalent among racial minority women. These community-based data also indicate that the relationship between MDD and FM may be more complicated than previously thought, and call for an increased focus on anxiety disorders in FM

   (258)    Reich JW, Johnson LM, Zautra AJ, Davis MC. Uncertainty of illness relationships with mental health and coping processes in fibromyalgia patients. J Behav Med 2006; 29(4):307-316.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic musculoskeletal pain condition poorly understood in terms of etiology and treatment by both physicians and patients. This condition of "uncertainty of illness" was examined as a variable involved in the adjustment of FMS patients, relating it to their depression, anxiety, affect, and coping styles. Fifty-one community-residing FMS patients provided self-report information on subsets of adjustment variables. Both cross-sectional and more dynamic longitudinal analyses showed that illness uncertainty was significantly associated with anxiety, negative affect, and avoidant and passive coping. Its positive relationship with depression was eliminated when a control variable, pain helplessness, was included as a covariate. Longitudinally, illness uncertainty interacted with interpersonally stressful daily events in predicting reports of reduced positive affect, suggesting that illness uncertainty acts as a risk factor for affective disturbances during stressful times. Implications of these results for therapeutic interventions are discussed

   (259)    Reich JW, Olmsted ME, van Puymbroeck CM. Illness uncertainty, partner caregiver burden and support, and relationship satisfaction in fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis patients. Arthritis Rheum 2006; 55(1):86-93.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is characterized by uncertainty in diagnosis, treatment, and outcome. This study assessed the role of uncertainty of illness in relationship satisfaction in patients with FMS and osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: A total of 51 patients with FMS responded to self-report instruments assessing their uncertainty about their illness, functional ability, average pain, and relationship satisfaction. Their partners independently reported on their sense of caregiver burden and their supportiveness toward the patients. Thirty-two patients with OA and their partners served as a control group. RESULTS: Patients' functional ability and pain were related to partner caregiver burden. Partner caregiver burden was related to lower levels of partner supportiveness for the FMS dyads, but not for the OA dyads. Relationship satisfaction of patients with FMS was related to their higher levels of uncertainty of illness in interaction with their functional disability and pain and their partners' supportiveness. Under high levels of uncertainty of illness, low levels of partner supportiveness were related to lower patient relationship satisfaction, whereas low levels of uncertainty of illness were significant interacting variables in the OA sample. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that uncertainty of illness is a prominent feature affecting patients with FMS in their relationships with their partners. Suggestions for additional research to explore the role of uncertainty of illness in social relationships are presented, and the therapeutic implications for patient/partner relationships are explored

   (260)    Robinson RL, Jones ML. In search of pharmacoeconomic evaluations for fibromyalgia treatments: a review. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2006; 7(8):1027-1039.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia is characterised by chronic widespread pain of unknown aetiology and affects approximately 2% of the population. It can cause significant patient disability, sizeable economic costs, complex management decisions and controversy for healthcare providers. In lieu of uniformly approved treatments for fibromyalgia, patients may try multiple pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies with questionable efficacy. The literature lacks pharmacoeconomic studies that balance the cost and benefit of interventions. In the absence of this work, cost outcomes are reviewed in this paper. Due to inconclusive results, further study is needed on fibromyalgia treatment cost-effectiveness. These analyses could provide useful information for policy and evidence-based practice guidelines toward optimal disease management. Medical professionals should be a driving force in understanding the clinical and economic challenges of fibromyalgia

   (261)    Rosado ML, Pereira JP, da Fonseca JP, Branco JC. [Cultural adaptation and validation of the "Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire"--Portuguese version]. Acta Reumatol Port 2006; 31(2):157-165.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to translate the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) into Portuguese (Portugal) and to evaluate its reliability and validity by use with Portuguese--speaking patients with Fibromyalgia. After translating the FIQ into Portuguese we administered it to 68 patients with Fibromyalgia together with an informed consent, a Portuguese version of the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and a formulary with the socio-demographic characteristics and duration of the complaints. The content validity was assessed with a panel of experts, with high consensus. In the concurrent validity, we obtained significant correlations between the FIQ first item and the HAQ [r = 0,531 (p = 0,001)]. Cronbach's alpha was 0,814, indicating an acceptable level of internal consistency. In conclusion, the Portuguese version of the FIQ is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring health status and physical functioning in Portuguese patients with Fibromyalgia. This instrument is available for use in the clinical practice

   (262)    Ruiz MR, Rodriguez SJ, Perula L, Fernandez I, Martinez J, Fernandez MJ et al. [Problems and Solutions in Health Care for Chronic Diseases. A Qualitative Study With Patients and Doctors.]. Aten Primaria 2006; 38(9):483-489.
Abstract: BACKGROUND. Chronic diseases represent a challenge for health systems and the professionals most involved in chronic care. Despite biomedical advances, the results of care for chronic problems are not as good as they should be. OBJECTIVE. To find out what doctors and patients think of care for some of the main chronic illnesses; to detect concrete areas of deficit and lack of satisfaction felt by both sides and possible lines of improvement; to raise mutual understanding between patients and doctors. PARTICIPANTS. Forty-one patients with fibromyalgia or diabetes mellitus, carers for people with Alzheimer's and breast cancer patients. Forty-three family doctors involved in health care delivery to this kind of patient. METHODS. Four discussion groups. Transcription and syntactical, semantic and pragmatic contents analysis, with both pre-established and emerging categories of consensus. RESULTS. Patients thought, with different nuances as a function of the problem put forward, that questions of respectful, human and integrated care, clear and suitable information, and consistent follow-up were important and insufficiently covered by doctors and health services. Doctors thought that many of their efforts in caring for these patients were useless, and thought it important to reconsider their clinical responsibilities and the patient-doctor relationship. Doctors highlighted the limitations in the health care resources available for working with these patients. CONCLUSIONS. To tackle prevalent chronic problems requires, in the view of doctors and patients, important modifications that are related mainly to the kind of relationship between the two, with new clinical responsibilities and certain organisational care delivery features

   (263)    Sampson SM, Rome JD, Rummans TA. Slow-frequency rTMS reduces fibromyalgia pain. Pain Med 2006; 7(2):115-118.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Evidence suggests that fibromyalgia (FM) is a centrally mediated pain disorder. Antidepressants, including electroconvulsive therapy, provide some symptomatic relief in FM and other pain disorders. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a new antidepressant treatment, which may also be useful in treating chronic pain. DESIGN: As part of a larger study, four women with depression, FM, and borderline personality disorder received 1-Hz rTMS applied to the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Subjects rated pain using an 11-point Likert scale. RESULTS: Pretreatment pain averaged 8.2 (7-9.5) and reduced to 1.5 (0-3.5) after treatment (P < 0.009). All had improvement in pain, and two had complete resolution of pain. Only one of the four subjects had an antidepressant response. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary findings suggest a possible role for rTMS in treating FM

   (264)    Sarac AJ, Gur A. Complementary and alternative medical therapies in fibromyalgia. Curr Pharm Des 2006; 12(1):47-57.
Abstract: This article describes the studies that have been performed evaluating complementary or alternative medical (CAM) therapies for efficacy and some adverse events fibromyalgia (FM). There is no permanent cure for FM; therefore, adequate symptom control should be goal of treatment. Clinicians can choose from a variety of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic modalities. Unfortunately, controlled studies of most current treatments have failed to demonstrate sustained, clinically significant responses. CAM has gained increasing popularity, particularly among individuals with FM for which traditional medicine has generally been ineffective. Some herbal and nutritional supplements (magnesium, S- adenosylmethionine) and massage therapy have the best evidence for effectiveness with FM. Other CAM therapies such as chlorella, biofeedback, relaxation have either been evaluated in only one randomised controlled trials (RCT) with positive results, in multiple RCTs with mixed results (magnet therapies) or have positive results from studies with methodological flaws (homeopathy, botanical oils, balneotherapy, anthocyanidins and dietary modifications). Another CAM therapy such as chiropractic care has neither well-designed studies nor positive results and is not currently recommended for FM treatment. Once CAM therapies have been better evaluated for safety and long-term efficacy in randomised, placebo-controlled trials, they may prove to be beneficial in treatments for FM. It would then be important to assess studies assessing cost-benefit analyses comparing conventional therapies and CAM

   (265)    Sarchielli P, Alberti A, Candeliere A, Floridi A, Capocchi G, Calabresi P. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor and somatostatin levels in cerebrospinal fluid of patients affected by chronic migraine and fibromyalgia. Cephalalgia 2006; 26(4):409-415.
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to verify cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and somatostatin, both measured by sensitive immunoassay, in: 16 chronic migraine (CM) patients, 15 patients with an antecedent history of migraine without aura diagnosed as having probable chronic migraine (PCM) and probable analgesic-abuse headache (PAAH), 20 patients affected by primary fibromyalgia syndrome (PFMS), and 20 control subjects. Significantly lower levels of GDNF and somatostatin were found in the CSF of both CM and PCM + PAAH patients compared with controls (GDNF =P < 0.001, P < 0.002; somatostatin = P < 0.002, P < 0.0003), without significant difference between the two groups. PFMS patients, with and without analgesic abuse, also had significantly lower levels of both somatostatin and GDNF (P < 0.0002, P < 0.001), which did not differ from those of CM and PCM + PAAH patients. A significant positive correlation emerged between CSF values of GDNF and those of somatostatin in CM (r = 0.70, P < 0.02), PCM + PAAH (r = 0.78, P < 0.004), and PFMS patients (r = 0.68, P < 0.008). Based on experimental findings, it can be postulated that reduced CSF levels of GDNF and somatostatin in both CM and PCM + PAAH patients can contribute to sustained central sensitization underlying chronic head pain. The abuse of simple or combination analgesics does not seem to influence the biochemical changes investigated, which appear to be more strictly related to the chronic pain state, as demonstrated also for fibromyalgia

   (266)    Sarkar S, Woolf CJ, Hobson AR, Thompson DG, Aziz Q. Perceptual wind-up in the human oesophagus is enhanced by central sensitisation. Gut 2006; 55(7):920-925.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Oesophageal acid infusion induces enhanced pain hypersensitivity in non-acid exposed upper oesophagus (secondary hyperalgesia) in patients with non-cardiac chest pain, thus suggesting central sensitisation contributes to visceral pain hypersensitivity in functional gut disorders (FGD). Perceptual wind-up (increased pain perception to constant intensity sensory stimuli at frequencies>or=0.3 Hz) is used as a proxy for central sensitisation to investigate pain syndromes where pain hypersensitivity is important (for example, fibromyalgia). AIMS: Wind-up in central sensitisation induced human visceral pain hypersensitivity has not been explored. We hypothesised that if wind-up is a proxy for central sensitisation induced human visceral pain hypersensitivity, then oesophageal wind-up should be enhanced by secondary hyperalgesia. METHODS: In eight healthy volunteers (seven males; mean age 32 years), perception at pain threshold to a train of 20 electrical stimuli applied to the hand and upper oesophagus (UO) at either 0.1 Hz (control) or 2 Hz was determined before and one hour after a 30 minute lower oesophageal acid infusion. RESULTS: Wind-up occurred only with the 2 Hz train in the UO and hand (both p=0.01). Following acid infusion, pain threshold decreased (17 (4)%; p=0.01) in the UO, suggesting the presence of secondary hyperalgesia. Wind-up to the 2 Hz train increased in the UO (wind-up ratio 1.4 (0.1) to 1.6 (0.1); p=0.03) but not in the hand (wind-up ratio 1.3 (0.1) and 1.3 (0.1); p=0.3) CONCLUSION: Enhanced wind-up after secondary oesophageal hyperalgesia suggests that visceral pain hypersensitivity induced by central sensitisation results from increased central neuronal excitability. Wind-up may offer new opportunities to investigate the contribution of central neuronal changes to symptoms in FGD

   (267)    Sarzi-Puttini P, Atzeni F, Diana A, Doria A, Furlan R. Increased neural sympathetic activation in fibromyalgia syndrome. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2006; 1069:109-17.:109-117.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, although the mechanisms underlying the pain have not been fully elucidated. FM patients describe a number of nonspecific symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, and gastrointestinal complaints, which appear after a flu-like illness, or after physical or emotional trauma in half of the patients, and are often exacerbated by exertion, stress, lack of sleep, and weather changes. There may also be symptoms of orthostatic intolerance, which suggests underlying abnormalities in cardiovascular neural regulation. Research suggests that various components of the central nervous system are involved, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, pain-processing pathways, and the autonomic nervous system (ANS). This review discusses the general aspects of the altered HPA and ANS, sympathetic overactivity, and alterations in cardiovascular autonomic responses to gravitational stimuli

   (268)    Schley M, Legler A, Skopp G, Schmelz M, Konrad C, Rukwied R. Delta-9-THC based monotherapy in fibromyalgia patients on experimentally induced pain, axon reflex flare, and pain relief. Curr Med Res Opin 2006; 22(7):1269-1276.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by a distinct mechanical hyperalgesia and chronic pain. Recently, cannabinoids have been demonstrated as providing anti-nociceptive and anti-hyperalgesic effects in animal and human studies. Here, we explored in nine FM patients the efficacy of orally administered delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on electrically induced pain, axon reflex flare, and psychometric variables. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHods: Patients received a daily dose of 2.5-15 mg of delta-9-THC, with a weekly increase of 2.5 mg, as long as no side effects were reported. Psychometric variables were assessed each week by means of the West Haven-Yale Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Medical outcome survey-short form (MOS SF-36), the Pain Disability Index (PDI), and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). In addition, patients recorded daily, in a diary, their overall pain intensity on a numeric scale. Each week, pain and axon reflex flare was evoked experimentally by administration of high intensity constant current pulses (1 Hz, pulse width 0.2 ms, current increase stepwise from 2.5-12.5 mA every 3 minutes) delivered via small surface electrodes, attached to the volar forearm skin. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Daily pain recordings by the patient, experimentally induced pain, and axon reflex flare recorded by a laser Doppler scanner. RESULTS: Five of nine FM patients withdrew during the study due to adverse side effects. Delta-9-THC had no effect on the axon reflex flare, whereas electrically induced pain was significantly attenuated after doses of 10-15 mg delta-9-THC (p < 0.05). Daily-recorded pain of the FM patients was significantly reduced (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study demonstrated that a generalized statement that delta-9-THC is an analgetic drug cannot be made. However, a sub-population of FM patients reported significant benefit from the delta-9-THC monotherapy. The unaffected electrically induced axon reflex flare, but decreased pain perception, suggests a central mode of action of the cannabinoid

   (269)    Schneider MJ, Brady DM, Perle SM. Commentary: differential diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome: proposal of a model and algorithm for patients presenting with the primary symptom of chronic widespread pain. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2006; 29(6):493-501.

   (270)    Schofferman J. Restoration of function: the missing link in pain medicine? Pain Med 2006; 7 Suppl 1:S159-65.:S159-S165.
Abstract: ABSTRACT The goals of treatment for patients with chronic pain are reduction in pain, improvement in function, and restoration of psychological health. In order to meet these goals, there must be specific attention directed toward rehabilitation and restoration of function in parallel with the treatment of pain. Functional impairments have been demonstrated in patients with chronic pain in the back, neck, and extremities, and other sites, as well as in patients with fibromyalgia. Functional impairment in chronic pain can be diffuse or focal. In addition to nociceptive and neuropathic problems, there may be psychological problems including fear-avoidance. Common fears include the fear that activity will cause more pain, the fear due to misunderstandings that pain with activity means further damage, or the fear that the pain is a symptom of serious pathology. Functional restoration requires first quantifying deficits using interviews, validated questionnaires for physical function and psychological condition, and when possible, direct measurements of focal and general function. A cognitive-behavioral approach appears to work best. Treatment stresses education and clarification of possible misconceptions, exercise to targeted levels, and graded exposure to painful activities. Patients are taught that it is safe to exercise despite pain and that there is no risk of harm. Graded exposure requires progressive activity and exercise that emphasizes training in strength, flexibility range of motion, and endurance despite pain. Exercises are quota or goal-directed, and not influenced by the pain. After specific deficits in muscle strength and flexibility are identified and quantified, they become the major foci of therapy. Repeated single effort strength maximums are established. Each week or twice weekly, new goals are set based on the individual's progress. Although rehabilitation concentrates on function and does not specifically address pain, quite often as function improves, there is reduction in pain and improvement in psychological health

   (271)    Schug SA. Combination analgesia in 2005-a rational approach: focus on paracetamol-tramadol. Clin Rheumatol 2006; 25 Suppl 1:16-21. Epub;%2006 Jun 2.:16-21.
Abstract: A multimodal (or balanced) approach to anaesthesia is a familiar concept that offers important benefits in the management of both acute and chronic pain. Rational combinations of analgesic agents with different mechanisms of action can achieve improved efficacy and/or tolerability and safety compared with equianalgesic doses of the individual drugs. Combining different agents also enhances efficacy in complex pain states that involve multiple causes. Combinations of paracetamol plus a weak opioid agent are widely used. One such combination, paracetamol plus tramadol, exploits the well-established complementary pharmacokinetics and mechanisms of action of these two drugs. This combination has demonstrated genuine synergy in animal studies and also combines paracetamol's rapid onset of efficacy with tramadol's prolonged analgesic effect. Numerous studies have confirmed the efficacy and tolerability of paracetamol plus tramadol in both acute and chronic pain. As a single-dose treatment for acute post-operative pain, this combination delivers rapid and sustained pain relief that is greater than either agent alone. There is also extensive evidence for efficacy in the long-term management of chronic pain conditions, including osteoarthritis, low back pain and fibromyalgia. In the setting of chronic pain, paracetamol plus tramadol has shown sustained efficacy, safety and tolerability for up to 2 years without the development of tolerance. The efficacy of this combination has been demonstrated as well in respect to reduction of pain intensity and, more importantly, with regard to improvement of function and quality of life and the reduction of disability. Comparative trials have shown that paracetamol plus tramadol has comparable efficacy to paracetamol plus codeine, but with reduced somnolence and constipation compared with the codeine combination. The paracetamol plus tramadol combination is also free of organ toxicity associated with selective and non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Hence, paracetamol plus tramadol offers an effective and well-tolerated alternative to anti-inflammatory drugs or other paracetamol plus weak opioid combinations

   (272)    Sendur OF, Gurer G, Bozbas GT. The frequency of hypermobility and its relationship with clinical findings of fibromyalgia patients. Clin Rheumatol 2006; .
Abstract: The etiology and pathogenic mechanisms of fibromyalgia (FM) are unknown. A number of studies have suggested that there was a link between hypermobility and FM. In this study, we aimed to expose the frequency of hypermobility in FM patients and its relation with clinical findings. For this reason, 236 women (118 FM women as study group and 118 healthy women as control group) were enrolled in the study. Joint hypermobility was evaluated in the participants by using Beighton scoring system. The rate of joint hypermobility among FM patients (Beighton score of at least 4 or more) was found to be higher than the control group (46.6 vs 28.8%). This result was also statistically meaningful (p<0.05). In addition, the mean Beighton score of FM group was observed to be higher than the control (3.68 vs 2.55, p<0.001). Although not reaching statistical difference (p>0.05), more severe clinical findings were observed in FM patients with hypermobility when compared with ones without

   (273)    Seng JS, Clark MK, McCarthy AM, Ronis DL. PTSD and physical comorbidity among women receiving Medicaid: results from service-use data. J Trauma Stress 2006; 19(1):45-56.
Abstract: Patterns of physical comorbidity among women with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were explored using Michigan Medicaid claims data. PTSD-diagnosed women (n = 2,133) were compared with 14,948 randomly selected women in three health outcome areas: ICD-9 categories of disease, chronic conditions associated with sexual assault history in previous research, and reproductive health conditions. PTSD was associated with increased risk of all categories of diseases (OR range = 1.3-4.8), endometriosis (OR = 2.7), and dyspareunia (OR = 3.4). When PTSD was not complicated by other mental health conditions, odds ratios for chronic conditions ranged from 1.9 for fibromyalgia to 4.3 for irritable bowel. Comorbidity with depression or a dissociative or borderline personality disorder raised risk in a dose-response pattern

   (274)    Serdaroglu M, Capkin E, Ucuncu F, Tosun M. Case report of a patient with osteopoikilosis. Rheumatol Int 2006; .
Abstract: Osteopoikilosis (OPK) is a benign osteosclerotic dysplasia of unknown origin, which is an inherited autosomal disorder. Males and females are equally affected. It is usually asymptomatic and may only be recognized on radiological examination. In this study we report a 33-year-old woman with fibromyalgia who suffers from back and leg pain and was diagnosed OPK by radiologically and review literature

   (275)    Shah MA, Feinberg S, Krishnan E. Sleep-disordered breathing among women with fibromyalgia syndrome. J Clin Rheumatol 2006; 12(6):277-281.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: In clinical practice, polysomnograms ("sleep studies") are seldom ordered for patients with fibromyalgia, although sleep issues dominate the symptom complex. One reason for this is the lack of understanding how information from these studies could aid clinical decisions. METHODS: The authors conducted a chart review of one rheumatologist's community-based practice where polysomnograms were offered routinely to all women who met the American College of Rheumatology criteria for fibromyalgia. Interpretation of these standardized protocol-based polysomnograms was performed by a board-certified neurologist using standard criteria. RESULTS: Mean age of the study subjects (n = 23) was 45 (standard deviation, 7.8) years. Median body mass index was 27 kg/m2 (interquartile range 20-48). These women had poor sleep with many arousals (median arousal index 23), apnea-hypopneas (median apnea-hypopnea index 22, interquartile range 17-30). Desaturation was common with half the patients having nadir oxygen saturation less than 87%. Restless legs were detected in polysomnograms among many women who clinically denied it (mean leg movement index 5.8). CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of women with fibromyalgia in a general rheumatology practice had sleep-disordered breathing, which can be detected using sleep polysomnograms. Studies are needed to examine if treatment of the commonly detected sleep apnea will have a beneficial effect on symptoms of fibromyalgia

   (276)    Shaver JL, Wilbur J, Robinson FP, Wang E, Buntin MS. Women's health issues with fibromyalgia syndrome. J Womens Health (Larchmt ) 2006; 15(9):1035-1045.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) involves multiple sensory, somatic, and cognitive symptoms that are bound to affect or be affected by physical and mental health status and behavioral components of daily life. METHODS: From a telephone survey of 442 women with and 205 women without FMS as volunteers, data were compared on (1) general health status, (2) reproductive and sleep-related diagnoses, and (3) lifestyle health behaviors. RESULTS: All multiple or logistics regression analyses for group differences were controlled for age, body mass index (BMI), race, employment status, marital status, having a college degree, low household income, and having ever been diagnosed with depression, with a Bonferroni p value correction for multiple indicators. Accordingly, FMS negatively impacted both perceived physical and mental health status, although relatively more so for physical (p < 0.017). Women with FMS were more likely to have had reproductive health or sleep-related diagnoses, including premenstrual syndrome, dysmenorrhea, breast cysts, bladder cystitis, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and abnormal leg movements (p < 0.0125). They were calculated to use less than half as many calories per week as control women (689 +/- 1293 vs. 1499 +/- 1584 kcal/week, p < 0.05) and had more sleep pattern difficulties (p < 0.0125), more negative changes in sexual function (greater odds for 5 of 10 indicators at p < 0.005), and lower alcohol use (odds ratio = 0.39, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with FMS deserve careful assessment for reproductive conditions and sleep-related functional disorders. Besides more research into mechanisms underlying symptoms, intervention testing specifically to alleviate sleep problems, low physical activity levels, and sexual dysfunction should be paramount

   (277)    Shir Y, Pereira JX, Fitzcharles MA. Whiplash and fibromyalgia: an ever-widening gap. J Rheumatol 2006; 33(6):1045-1047.

   (278)    Shupak NM, McKay JC, Nielson WR, Rollman GB, Prato FS, Thomas AW. Exposure to a specific pulsed low-frequency magnetic field: a double-blind placebo-controlled study of effects on pain ratings in rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia patients. Pain Res Manag 2006; 11(2):85-90.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Specific pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) have been shown to induce analgesia (antinociception) in snails, rodents and healthy human volunteers. OBJECTIVE: The effect of specific PEMF exposure on pain and anxiety ratings was investigated in two patient populations. DESIGN: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled parallel design was used. METHOD: The present study investigated the effects of an acute 30 min magnetic field exposure (less than or equal to 400 microTpk; less than 3 kHz) on pain (McGill Pain Questionnaire [MPQ], visual analogue scale [VAS]) and anxiety (VAS) ratings in female rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (n=13; mean age 52 years) and fibromyalgia (FM) patients (n=18; mean age 51 years) who received either the PEMF or sham exposure treatment. RESULTS: A repeated measures analysis revealed a significant pre-post-testing by condition interaction for the MPQ Pain Rating Index total for the RA patients, F(1,11)=5.09, P<0.05, estimate of effect size = 0.32, power = 0.54. A significant pre-post-effect for the same variable was present for the FM patients, F(1,15)=16.2, P<0.01, estimate of effect size = 0.52, power =0.96. Similar findings were found for MPQ subcomponents and the VAS (pain). There was no significant reduction in VAS anxiety ratings pre- to post-exposure for either the RA or FM patients. CONCLUSION: These findings provide some initial support for the use of PEMF exposure in reducing pain in chronic pain populations and warrants continued investigation into the use of PEMF exposure for short-term pain relief

   (279)    Simon LS. Is milnacipran effective in treating pain in patients with fibromyalgia? Nat Clin Pract Rheumatol 2006; 2(3):126-127.

   (280)    Singh BB, Wu WS, Hwang SH, Khorsan R, Der-Martirosian C, Vinjamury SP et al. Effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Altern Ther Health Med 2006; 12(2):34-41.
Abstract: CONTEXT: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder associated with pain, mood state alteration, and disability. A structured and effective treatment plan for palliative care has not been established. The genesis of FMS is not clear. FMS occurs primarily in adult women. DESIGN: Using a quasi-experimental clinical design and following the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), for FMS, 21 participants completed the study. The mean age was 53.6 years. The data were collected at baseline and at 1 and 2 months. Acupuncture treatments included 17 points for FMS symptoms, and 8 outcome measures were collected. RESULTS: The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) showed significant differences at 1 and 2 months. For the SF-12, 3 subscales showed significant differences between baseline and 2 months. Four of 6 items were significantly changed. The mean number of general health symptoms was significantly decreased by 2 months. For the Catastrophe Index, significant differences were found for baseline vs 2 months. Pain threshold scores were significantly different at end of treatment for 5 bilateral tender points. There was significant improvement in Beck Depression items for both 1- and 2-month periods. In a multivariate regression model, 5 covariates were included--age, number of weeks in treatment, number of doctors treating, number of general symptoms, and baseline FIQ score. The results indicated significant age effect. This analysis showed that the higher the FIQ score, the more positive the change experienced by study participants. Number of weeks in treatment, number of doctors who treated, and total number of general health symptoms did not have a significant effect on outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Significant improvement was experienced by participants at 8 weeks of treatment. Acupuncture treatment as delivered was effective at reducing FMS symptoms in this outcome study

   (281)    Singh SR, Levine MA. Natural health product use in Canada: analysis of the National Population Health Survey. Can J Clin Pharmacol 2006; 13(2):e240-e250.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The use of natural health products (NHPs) in Western countries has increased dramatically over the past two decades. Although prevalence estimates have been published in the U.S. and elsewhere, little is known about the characteristics of persons who use NHPs. OBJECTIVES: To measure the prevalence of NHP use among adults in Canada, identify the most commonly used agents, and determine the socioeconomic, demographic, and health-related correlates of use. METHODS: NHP use by adults was assessed using the 2000-2001 National Population Health Survey (NPHS), a biennial general health survey conducted by Statistics Canada. A total of 11,424 adults completed the survey in 2000-2001. NHPs were defined as botanical and naturally-derived non-botanical products, excluding essential vitamins and minerals. Prevalence of use estimates were calculated nationally, and by age, gender, socioeconomic status, disease states, and health care practices. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was used to simultaneously assess the correlations of these variables with NHP use. RESULTS: The prevalence of past 2-day NHP use in Canada was 9.3% in 2000-2001. Fifty-seven percent of users also reported taking a conventional medicine in the same period. Glucosamine, echinacea, and garlic were the most frequently used products. Women reported NHP use more frequently than men (11.5% vs. 7.1%). As compared to young adults, NHP use was about 50% higher in middle-aged and older Canadians. There were no associations with either income or education level. Several disease states were associated with a high prevalence of NHP use: respondents with fibromyalgia (23.3%), inflammatory bowel disease (17.4%), and urinary incontinence (16.8%) were most likely to be NHP users. However, in the multivariate analysis, age and the use of vitamins or minerals were most predictive of NHP use, while health status variables were of less importance. CONCLUSIONS: NHP use is an important health phenomenon in Canada. Although respondents in poor health were more likely to use NHPs, a significant proportion of healthy Canadians also reported NHP use. The use of NHPs also cut across different socioeconomic groups. Concurrent use of conventional medications was common and suggests a need for health professionals to monitor for potential interactions

   (282)    Skouen JS, Grasdal A, Haldorsen EM. Return to work after comparing outpatient multidisciplinary treatment programs versus treatment in general practice for patients with chronic widespread pain. Eur J Pain 2006; 10(2):145-152.
Abstract: Former studies have questioned the quality and effectiveness of multidisciplinary rehabilitation for working-age adults with fibromyalgia and chronic widespread pain (CWP). High-quality trials are needed, and return to work should also be included as an outcome variable. This randomized study evaluated the return-to-work outcome of an extensive and a light multidisciplinary treatment program combining cognitive strategies and exercise versus treatment-as-usual initiated by a general practitioner, for CWP patients. The patients (n=208), on sick leave for 3 months on average, were randomized to the extensive program including group sessions, a light and more individual program, and to treatment-as-usual. The number of days absent from work and full return to work were used as an outcome, and follow-up lasted 54 months after the programs ended. The regression analysis showed that the extensive program was associated with significantly fewer days absent from work among women. For women, the mean effect of extensive treatment versus treatment-as-usual on total number of days absent from work was estimated to -206.95 days. Among men, the light program was associated with significantly more days absent from work compared to treatment-as-usual. Both among men and women, independent of type of treatment, patients with poorer health (poor prognosis) were absent from work more days than patients with good prognosis. In our sample, higher age significantly increased the number of days absent from work, but only for women. The extensive outpatient multidisciplinary treatment program was effective in returning women to work

   (283)    Smith WR, White PD, Buchwald D. A case control study of premorbid and currently reported physical activity levels in chronic fatigue syndrome. BMC Psychiatry 2006; 6:53.:53.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome typically report high levels of physical activity before becoming ill. Few studies have examined premorbid and current activity levels in chronically fatigued patients. METHODS: In a case-control study, 33 patients with chronic, unexplained, disabling fatigue attending a university-based clinic specializing in fatigue were compared to 33 healthy, age- and sex-matched controls. Patients rated their activity levels before their illness and currently, using scales designed for this purpose. Controls reported their level of activity of 2 years previously and currently. Chi-square analyses, Student's t tests, and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used in pair matched analyses. RESULTS: Compared to healthy controls, patients with chronic, unexplained fatigue rated themselves as more active before their illness (p < or = 0.001) and less active currently (p < or = 0.001). The patients also reported they currently stood or walked less than the controls (median [inter-quartile range] = 4 2345 versus 9 [7.5-12] hours, p < or = 0.001), and spent more time reclining (median [inter-quartile range] = 12 10111213141516 versus 8 [8-9.5] hours, p < or = 0.001). These differences remained significant for the subset of patients who met strict criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia. CONCLUSION: Patients with chronic, unexplained, disabling fatigue reported being more active before becoming ill than healthy controls. This finding could be explained by greater premorbid activity levels that could predispose to illness, or by an overestimation of previous activity. Either possibility could influence patients' perceptions of their current activity levels and their judgments of recovery. Perceived activity should be addressed as part of management of the illness

   (284)    Smyth J, Nazarian D. Development and preliminary results of a self-administered intervention for individuals with fibromyalgia syndrome: a multiple case control report. Explore (NY) 2006; 2(5):426-431.

   (285)    Smythe H. The Symptom Intensity Scale, fibromyalgia, and the meaning of fibromyalgia-like symptoms. A review. J Rheumatol 2006; 33(11):2113-2114.

   (286)    Solau-Gervais E, Legrand JL, Cortet B, Duquesnoy B, Flipo RM. Magnetic resonance imaging of the hand for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis in the absence of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies: a prospective study. J Rheumatol 2006; 33(9):1760-1765.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To assess the practical usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in establishing a positive diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a cohort of patients with early inflammatory polyarthralgia, in the absence of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies. METHODS: We prospectively followed 30 outpatients with inflammatory polyarthralgia and/or synovitis of at least one joint. Patients were disease modifying antirheumatic drug-naive and received no corticosteroids. At the initial visit a clinical examination, radiographs of hands, wrists and feet, and MRI of hands were performed. Rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies were assessed. The MRI procedure was T1 fat saturation with gadolinium injection [scores were established on the basis of the axial view of the carpal and metacarpal joints, using the RA MRI scoring system (RAMRIS) defined in the OMERACT study]. In all patients, radiographs at baseline were normal and anti-CCP antibodies were negative. RESULTS: At one-year followup, the final diagnosis was: 16 RA; the non-RA group was composed of 4 cases of spondyloarthropathy, 2 cases of fibromyalgia, 4 cases of undifferentiated arthritis (3 of which were self-limiting), 1 sicca syndrome, 1 hemochromatosis, 1 polymyositis, and 1 paraneoplastic syndrome. No statistical difference was found between patients with and without RA for carpal erosion, synovitis, and tenosynovitis. However, a statistical difference was observed between the RA and non-RA group where metacarpophalangeal (MCP) erosion scores were concerned (p = 0.024). This difference persisted when we compared erosions of the second and third MCP in the 2 groups (p = 0.044). ROC curve analysis revealed a positive MCP score at 15, with a specificity of 70% and a sensitivity of 64%. CONCLUSION: In our population of 30 anti-CPP negative patients with normal radiographs, MRI of hands, showing MCP erosions, can be helpful for the diagnosis of RA

   (287)    Soy M, Guldiken S, Arikan E, Altun BU, Tugrul A. Frequency of rheumatic diseases in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease. Rheumatol Int 2006; .
Abstract: We aimed to investigate the frequency of rheumatic diseases in patients suffering from autoimmune thyroid diseases (ATD). Sixty-five patients (56 F, 9 M), who were followed by diagnosis of ATD, were questioned and examined for the presence of rheumatic disease. Basic laboratory tests and antithyroid antibodies, antinuclear antibody and rheumatoid factor (RF) levels were also measured by appropriate methods. Various rheumatic diseases were detected in 40 (62%) of patients with ATD. The most frequent rheumatic conditions were fibromyalgia, recurrent aphthous stomatitis, osteoarthritis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca and xerostomia and carpal tunnel syndrome which were detected in 20 (31%), 13 (20%), 10 (15%), 9 (14%) and 8 (12%) of patients, respectively. Autoimmune diseases, except Sjogren's syndrome, which were detected in ten patients with ATD, are as follows-vitiligo: two; autoimmune hepatitis: two; oral lichen planus: one, ulcerative colitis: one, inflammatory arthritis in four patients (two of them had rheumatoid arthritis, one had psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and one had mixed collagen tissue disease). RF was positive in two patients, one of them had rheumatoid arthritis and FANA was positive in six (9%) patients; all of them had hypothyroidism. The frequency of rheumatic diseases seems to be higher in patients suffering from ATD. Initial evaluation and a regular checking for rheumatic diseases in patients suffering from ATD were recommended

   (288)    Staud R, Rodriguez ME. Mechanisms of disease: pain in fibromyalgia syndrome. Nat Clin Pract Rheumatol 2006; 2(2):90-98.
Abstract: Despite extensive research, the pathogenesis of pain in fibromyalgia syndrome is incompletely understood. Fibromyalgia pain is consistently felt in deep tissues including ligaments, joints and muscles. Increasing evidence points towards these tissues as relevant contributors of nociceptive input that might either initiate or maintain central sensitization, or both. Persistent or intense nociception can lead to transcriptional and translational changes in the spinal cord and brain resulting in central sensitization and pain. This mechanism represents a hallmark of fibromyalgia and many other chronic pain syndromes, including irritable bowel syndrome, temporomandibular disorder, migraine, and low back pain. Importantly, after central sensitization has been established, only minimal nociceptive input is required for the maintenance of the chronic pain state. Other factors, including pain-related negative affect, have been shown to significantly contribute to clinical fibromyalgia pain. An improved understanding of the mechanisms that characterize central sensitization and clinical pain will provide new approaches for the prevention and treatment of fibromyalgia and other chronic pain syndromes

   (289)    Staud R. Are tender point injections beneficial: the role of tonic nociception in fibromyalgia. Curr Pharm Des 2006; 12(1):23-27.
Abstract: Characteristic symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) include widespread pain, fatigue, sleep abnormalities, and distress. FM patients show psychophysical evidence for mechanical, thermal, and electrical hyperalgesia. To fulfill FM criteria, the mechanical hyperalgesia needs to be widespread and present in at least 11 out of 18 well-defined body areas (tender points). Peripheral and central abnormalities of nociception have been described in FM and these changes may be relevant for the increased pain experienced by these patients. Important nociceptor systems in the skin and muscle seem to undergo profound changes in FM patients by yet unknown mechanisms. These changes may result from the release of algesic substances after muscle or other soft tissue injury. These pain mediators can sensitize important nociceptor systems, including the transient receptor potential channel, vanilloid subfamily member 1 (TRPV1), acid sensing ion channel (ASIC) receptors, and purino-receptors (P2X3). Subsequently, tissue mediators of inflammation and nerve growth factors can excite these receptors and cause substantial changes in pain sensitivity. FM pain is widespread and does not seem to be restricted to tender points (TP). It frequently comprises multiple areas of deep tissue pain (trigger points) with adjacent much larger areas of referred pain. Analgesia of areas of extensive nociceptive input has been found to provide often long lasting local as well as general pain relief. Thus interventions aimed at reducing local FM pain seem to be effective but need to focus less on tender points but more on trigger points (TrP) and other body areas of heightened pain and inflammation

   (290)    Staud R, Price DD. Mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia for clinical and experimental pain. Expert Rev Neurother 2006; 6(5):661-667.
Abstract: There is convincing evidence that acupuncture (AP) is effective for the treatment of postoperative and chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting, as well as postoperative dental pain. Less convincing data support AP's efficacy for chronic pain conditions, including headache, fibromyalgia and low back pain. There is no evidence that AP is effective in treating addiction, insomnia, obesity, asthma or stroke deficits. AP seems to be efficacious for alleviating experimental pain by increasing pain thresholds in human subjects and it appears to activate analgesic brain mechanisms through the release of neurohumoral factors, some of which can be inhibited by the opioid antagonist naloxone. In contrast to placebo analgesia, AP-related pain relief takes some time to develop and to resolve. Furthermore, repetitive use of AP analgesia can result in tolerance that demonstrates cross-tolerance with morphine. However, it appears that not all forms of AP are equally effective for providing analgesia. In particular, electro-AP seems to best deliver stimuli that activate powerful opioid and nonopioid analgesic mechanisms. Thus, future carefully controlled clinical trials using adequate electro-AP may be able to provide the necessary evidence for relevant analgesia in chronic pain conditions, such as headache, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome and low back pain

   (291)    Staud R. Biology and therapy of fibromyalgia: pain in fibromyalgia syndrome. Arthritis Res Ther 2006; 8(3):208.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia (FM) pain is frequent in the general population but its pathogenesis is only poorly understood. Many recent studies have emphasized the role of central nervous system pain processing abnormalities in FM, including central sensitization and inadequate pain inhibition. However, increasing evidence points towards peripheral tissues as relevant contributors of painful impulse input that might either initiate or maintain central sensitization, or both. It is well known that persistent or intense nociception can lead to neuroplastic changes in the spinal cord and brain, resulting in central sensitization and pain. This mechanism represents a hallmark of FM and many other chronic pain syndromes, including irritable bowel syndrome, temporomandibular disorder, migraine, and low back pain. Importantly, after central sensitization has been established only minimal nociceptive input is required for the maintenance of the chronic pain state. Additional factors, including pain related negative affect and poor sleep have been shown to significantly contribute to clinical FM pain. Better understanding of these mechanisms and their relationship to central sensitization and clinical pain will provide new approaches for the prevention and treatment of FM and other chronic pain syndromes

   (292)    Staud R. Are patients with systemic lupus erythematosus at increased risk for fibromyalgia? Curr Rheumatol Rep 2006; 8(6):430-435.
Abstract: Widespread chronic pain, fatigue, and distress do not represent risk factors for future systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or other autoimmune syndromes. On the other hand, SLE seems to be a significant risk factor for fibromyalgia (FM). Up to 47% of SLE patients fulfill FM criteria. SLE patients with concomitant FM are often highly symptomatic and dysfunctional. The presence of FM symptoms in SLE patients, however, does not predict more extensive organ involvement or lupus activity. The high concordance of SLE with FM suggests common mechanisms related to pain and distress in both patient groups. Recent research suggests involvement of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and neurokinin receptor systems. Thus, autoimmune activity against these receptor systems in SLE patients could result in pain, cognitive defects, and chronic pain states including FM. Conversely, treatment of SLE-FM patients with inhibitors of NMDA or neurokinin receptors may prevent or alleviate cognitive abnormalities and chronic pain, as well as FM

   (293)    Staud R, Vierck CJ, Robinson ME, Price DD. Overall fibromyalgia pain is predicted by ratings of local pain and pain-related negative affect--possible role of peripheral tissues. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2006; 45(11):1409-1415.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Despite variable numbers and intensities of local pain areas, fibromyalgia (FM) patients can provide overall clinical pain ratings. We hypothesized that the overall clinical pain is largely determined by the pain intensity of local body areas. Thus, we assessed the role of local body pains as predictors of overall clinical pain in FM patients. METHODS: Ratings of overall clinical pain intensity and pain-related negative affect (PRNA) were obtained from 277 FM patients. In addition, the patients identified painful body areas by shading a body pain diagram and rated the intensity of each pain area using a mechanical visual analogue scale (VAS). Hierarchical regression analyses were used to examine predictors of overall clinical FM pain intensity including PRNA, number of local pain areas, and maximal/average intensity of local pain areas. RESULTS: The average overall clinical pain rating of all FM patients was 4.6 (S.D. 2.3) VAS. The PRNA accounted for 19%, number of painful body areas for 9% and maximal/average local pain for 27% of the variance of overall clinical FM pain (P-values < 0.001). The combination of all factors predicted 55% of the variance in overall clinical pain intensity of FM patients. CONCLUSION: Peripheral factors (maximal/average local pain and number of painful body areas) predicted most of the variance of overall clinical FM pain, suggesting that the input of pain by the peripheral tissues is clinically relevant. About 19% of the pain variance was predicted by PRNA. Thus, peripheral pain and negative affect appear to be particularly relevant for overall FM pain and may represent important targets for future therapies

   (294)    Stier-Jarmer M, Liman W, Stucki G, Braun J. [Structures of acute rheumatic care.]. Z Rheumatol 2006; .
Abstract: Severe rheumatological systemic diseases demand high levels of diagnostic and therapeutic measures and differentiated and complex methods of care. In Germany, specialised rheumatologists and, if hospitalisation is indicated, specialised rheumatology hospitals or departments are responsible for the treatment of these patients. Early rehabilitation procedures, provided by a multidisciplinary therapeutic team, are an important component of the treatment concept in these facilities. Early rehabilitation is integrated into the patients' acute medical treatment plan, with careful consideration of the patients' current health problems and functional capabilities (body functions and structures, activities and participation as outlined in the ICF), thereby providing a comprehensive, integrated therapy strategy which has long been acknowledged as necessary for the successful treatment of rheumatoid patients. This article presents an analysis concerning the development, organisation, facilities and processes of the acute medical in-patient care for patients with rheumatological disorders in Germany.In total there are 4188 beds in 88 acute hospitals exclusively available for rheumatological in-patients in Germany at present. There is at least one facility specialised in rheumatology in every German federal state. The density of care in the German federal states varies between 131.8 beds per 1 million inhabitants in Bremen and 9 beds per 1 million inhabitants in Saxony. In most regions of Germany the acute in-patient care for patients with rheumatological disorders is provided by hospitals specialised in rheumatology.Rheumatological patients are treated in a variety of hospital departments. In the year 2000 only 47% of the inpatients with rheumatoid arthritis, 56% of those with ankylosing spondylitis and 28% of those with systemic lupus erythematosus were treated in a ward specialising in rheumatology. Rheumatoid arthritis, with a total share of nearly 30%, was the most frequently treated rheumatic disease in wards specialising in rheumatology, followed by soft tissue disorders (e.g. fibromyalgia), diseases with systemic involvement of connective tissue and inflammatory spinal disorders such as ankylosing spondylitis

   (295)    Stuifbergen AK, Phillips L, Voelmeck W, Browder R. Illness perceptions and related outcomes among women with fibromyalgia syndrome. Womens Health Issues 2006; 16(6):353-360.
Abstract: PURPOSE: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, multiple tender points, and fatigue, and affects 3-6 million Americans, 75% of whom are female. The purpose of the present study was to examine the illness perceptions of women with FMS using Leventhal's common sense self-regulation model. DESIGN: Ninety-one women with FMS took part in this study. Pearson correlations and stepwise multiple regressions were used to assess relationships among variables and explanation of variance in the outcomes of health behaviors, FMS impact, and subjective physical and mental health. RESULTS: Participants viewed their FMS as chronic with a somewhat fluctuating course, having serious consequences in their lives, and difficult to understand in a coherent fashion. The women tended to find their FMS emotionally distressing and unamenable to personal control or efficacious treatment. Emotional representations explained 41% of the variance in mental health scores and 17% in reported health behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this sample of women with FMS had fairly negative perceptions of their illness. As suggested by Leventhal's model, cognitive and emotional representations predicted different outcomes. Interventions that address psychological as well as the physical components of the illness experience may offer benefits for women with FMS

   (296)    Sukenik S, bu-Shakra M, Kudish S, Flusser D. [Dead Sea and Tiberias as health resort areas for patients suffering from different types of arthritis]. Harefuah 2006; 145(2):117-22, 165.
Abstract: In the last two decades balneotherapy and climatotherapy have been shown to be effective in cases of inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis and non-inflammatory arthritis such as osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. This review presents different modalities of balneotherapy, their mechanism of action, side-effects and major contraindications. The article also summarizes all the publications on clinical trials conducted in the Dead Sea and Tiberias

   (297)    Sule AA, Leow MK. Association of polycystic ovary syndrome and fibromyalgia in a patient with primary hyperparathyroidism: a novel triad? Clin Chem 2006; 52(6):1208-1209.

   (298)    Tastekin N, Birtane M, Uzunca K. Which of the three different tender points assessment methods is more useful for predicting the severity of fibromyalgia syndrome? Rheumatol Int 2006; .
Abstract: Digital palpation, myalgic scoring and dolorimetry are frequently used to count tender points in fibromyalgia syndrome. We aimed to investigate the probable relation between tender points count and fibromyalgia impact questionnaire and to assess which of the tender point counting methods is the most successful in predicting the severity of the disease. Tender point areas of 36 patients with fibromyalgia syndrome were assessed with three methods which are myalgic scoring, digital and dolorimetric tender points counting methods. Fibromyalgia impact questionnaire was used to measure the disease severity. The correlation between each of the assessment methods and fibromyalgia impact questionnaire was investigated. The mean count of digitally evaluated tender points was 14.86 +/- 2.67 and by dolorimetry was 11.81 +/- 4.48. The mean total myalgic score was found to be 24.61 +/- 8.91. All of the tender point evaluation methods correlated positively with each other (P < 0.01). Fibromyalgia impact questionnaire score was also correlated with only digital palpation tender point count of these three evaluation methods (r = 0.427, P < 0.05). Digital tender point count seemed to be sufficient for assessment, and there is no need for an additional instrument for tender point evaluation

   (299)    Teitelbaum JE, Johnson C, St CJ. The use of D-ribose in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia: a pilot study. J Altern Complement Med 2006; 12(9):857-862.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Fibromyalgia (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are debilitating syndromes that are often associated with impaired cellular energy metabolism. As D-ribose has been shown to increase cellular energy synthesis in heart and skeletal muscle, this open-label uncontrolled pilot study was done to evaluate if D-ribose could improve symptoms in fibromyalgia and/or chronic fatigue syndrome patients. DESIGN: Forty-one (41) patients with a diagnosis of FMS and/or CFS were given D-ribose, a naturally occurring pentose carbohydrate, at a dose of 5 g t.i.d. for a total of 280 g. All patients completed questionnaires containing discrete visual analog scales and a global assessment pre- and post-D-ribose administration. RESULTS: D-ribose, which was well-tolerated, resulted in a significant improvement in all five visual analog scale (VAS) categories: energy; sleep; mental clarity; pain intensity; and well-being, as well as an improvement in patients' global assessment. Approximately 66% of patients experienced significant improvement while on D-ribose, with an average increase in energy on the VAS of 45% and an average improvement in overall well-being of 30% (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: D-ribose significantly reduced clinical symptoms in patients suffering from fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome

   (300)    Tennen H, Affleck G, Zautra A. Depression history and coping with chronic pain: a daily process analysis. Health Psychol 2006; 25(3):370-379.
Abstract: This study examined how a previous episode of depression is related to daily pain and reactions to pain among individuals with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain syndrome. Seventy-one women with fibromyalgia (including 30 who were previously depressed) rated their pain and mood 3 times daily for 30 days. Each night, participants rated the extent to which they responded to pain by catastrophizing, how much control they had over that day's pain, their ways of coping with pain that day, and the effectiveness of their coping efforts. Multivariate multilevel regression models revealed that after controlling for neuroticism and current depressive symptoms, formerly depressed and never-depressed individuals differed in how they coped with increased pain and in how they appraised the efficacy of their coping efforts. Formerly depressed participants who also reported more current depressive symptoms showed a greater decline in pleasant mood on more painful days than did formerly depressed participants who were experiencing fewer current depressive symptoms. These findings illustrate how a history of depression can be captured in the dynamics of daily life

   (301)    Thieme K, Rose U, Pinkpank T, Spies C, Turk DC, Flor H. Psychophysiological responses in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. J Psychosom Res 2006; 61(5):671-679.
Abstract: Physical and emotional stress and altered reactivity of the autonomic nervous system have been implicated in the development and maintenance of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). This study investigated blood pressure, heart rate (HR), skin conductance levels (SCL), and surface electromyograms (EMG) from the trapezius muscle in 30 FMS patients and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs). All measures were continuously recorded during baseline (BL), social conflict, mental arithmetic, and relaxation tasks. The FMS patients showed significantly higher stress ratings and self-reported stress responses. Baseline EMG levels were significantly lower, and BL HR was significantly elevated. During both stress tasks, HR reactivity was significantly lower, and SCL reactivity was significantly higher in the FMS group. This pattern of low BL muscle tension and high BL HR, along with low HR and high SCL reactivity to stress, is discrepant to other chronic pain syndromes and suggests unique psychophysiological features associated with FMS. Several potential mechanisms for these psychophysiological responses are discussed

   (302)    Thieme K, Turk DC. Heterogeneity of psychophysiological stress responses in fibromyalgia syndrome patients. Arthritis Res Ther 2006; 8(1):R9.
Abstract: Dysregulated psychophysiological responses have been observed in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), although the results are inconsistent. Surface electromyographic (EMG), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate (HR), and skin conductance levels (SCLs) were continuously recorded at baseline, and during a series of stress and relaxation tasks in 90 FMS patients and 30 age and sex matched healthy controls (HCs). The patient sample demonstrated lower baseline EMG levels compared to the HCs on all tasks. In contrast, the patients displayed elevated HR and SCL (sympathetic vasomotor and sudomotor indices, respectively) during both stress tasks. A cluster analysis identified four psychophysiological response patterns: 63.3% of HCs showed increased muscle tension and stable cardiovascular responses; 34.8% of FMS patients showed a pattern of increased sympathetic vasomotor reactivity with stable sudomotor and reduced muscular response; 12.2% of FMS patients showed a pattern of increased sympathetic sudomotor reactivity connected with increased sympathetic vasomotor response and reduced muscular response; and, in contrast, 46.7% of FMS patients showed a pattern of parasympathetic vasomotor reactivity and reduced sudomotor as well as muscular response. The identification of low baseline muscle tension in FMS is discrepant with other chronic pain syndromes and suggests that unique psychophysiological features may be associated with FMS. The different psychophysiological response patterns within the patient sample support the heterogeneity of FMS

   (303)    Thieme K, Flor H, Turk DC. Psychological pain treatment in fibromyalgia syndrome: efficacy of operant behavioural and cognitive behavioural treatments. Arthritis Res Ther 2006; 8(4):R121.
Abstract: The present study focused on the evaluation of the effects of operant behavioural (OBT) and cognitive behavioural (CBT) treatments for fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). One hundred and twenty-five patients who fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology criteria for FMS were randomly assigned to OBT (n = 43), CBT (n = 42), or an attention-placebo (AP) treatment (n = 40) that consisted of discussions of FMS-related problems. Assessments of physical functioning, pain, affective distress, and cognitive and behavioural variables were performed pre-treatment and post-treatment as well as 6 and 12 months post-treatment. Patients receiving the OBT or CBT reported a significant reduction in pain intensity post-treatment (all Fs > 3.89, all Ps < 0.01). In addition, the CBT group reported statistically significant improvements in cognitive (all Fs > 7.95, all P < 0.01) and affective variables (all Fs > 2.99, all Ps < 0.02), and the OBT group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in physical functioning and behavioural variables (all Fs > 5.99, all Ps < 0.001) compared with AP. The AP group reported no significant improvement but actually deterioration in the outcome variables. The post-treatment effects for the OBT and CBT groups were maintained at both the 6- and 12-month follow-ups. These results suggest that both OBT and CBT are effective in treating patients with FMS with some differences in the outcome measures specifically targeted by the individual treatments compared with an unstructured discussion group. The AP group showed that unstructured discussion of FMS-related problems may be detrimental

   (304)    Thomas HV, Stimpson NJ, Weightman AL, Dunstan F, Lewis G. Systematic review of multi-symptom conditions in Gulf War veterans. Psychol Med 2006; 36(6):735-747.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Gulf War veterans have a number of health complaints. We therefore decided to carry out a systematic review to identify and summarize the findings from studies that have assessed multi-symptom conditions in Gulf War veterans and in an unexposed comparison group. METHOD: Studies published between January 1990 and May 2004 were identified by searching a large number of electronic databases. Reference lists and websites were also searched and key researchers were contacted. Studies were included if they compared the prevalence of chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivity, CDC-defined chronic multi-symptom illness, fibromyalgia, or symptoms of either fatigue or numbness and tingling in Gulf War veterans and non-Gulf veterans. A total of 2401 abstracts were independently reviewed by two authors. RESULTS: Twenty-three publications fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Gulf deployment was most strongly associated with chronic fatigue syndrome (OR 3.8, 95% CI 2.2-6.7). Gulf War veterans were also approximately three and a half times more likely than non-Gulf veterans to report multiple chemical sensitivity or chronic multi-symptom illness as defined by CDC. The methodological quality of the studies varied but the later and larger studies were of a high methodological standard with robust sampling strategies, adequate response rates and good adjustment for confounders. CONCLUSIONS: The results support the hypothesis that deployment to the Gulf War is associated with greater reporting of multi-symptom conditions

   (305)    Tian XP, Zeng XF, Xu WB. Fibromyalgia after severe acute respiratory syndrome: a case report. Chin Med J (Engl ) 2006; %20;119(10):875-877.

   (306)    Tishler M, Levy O, Maslakov I, Bar-Chaim S, mit-Vazina M. Neck injury and fibromyalgia-- are they really associated? J Rheumatol 2006; 33(6):1183-1185.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether whiplash injury may be a trigger for the onset of fibromyalgia (FM). METHODS: One hundred fifty-three patients presenting to the emergency room with the diagnosis of whiplash injury were examined. The control group included 53 patients hospitalized with fractures of the limbs, spine, and ribs due to road accident. The study and control groups were interviewed shortly after presenting and then followed prospectively. Patients complaining of musculoskeletal symptoms during followup were examined and a count of 18 tender points was conducted. FM was diagnosed if the patient fulfilled currently accepted 1990 American College of Rheumatology criteria. RESULTS: The mean followup period for the study and control groups was 14.5 months (range 12-18) and 9 months (range 6-14), respectively. There were no differences between the groups with regard to age, sex, marital, education, or employment status. During the followup period only one patient in the study group and no patients in the control group developed signs and symptoms of FM. Three patients in the study group (2%) and 15 patients in the control group (16%) filed insurance claims; none was associated with FM. CONCLUSION: Whiplash injury and road accident trauma were not associated with an increased rate of FM after more than 14.5 months of followup

   (307)    Toda K, Kimura H. Efficacy of neurotropin in chronic fatigue syndrome: a case report. Hiroshima J Med Sci 2006; 55(1):35-37.
Abstract: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disorder that causes general fatigue and chronic widespread pain. A 28-year-old male visited an outpatient department due to general fatigue and pain involving the entire body. He did not suffer from fibromyalgia, but he was diagnosed with CFS. At the initial visit, he complained of lack of concentration, memory decline, frequent urination, insomnia and occasional difficulty of emotional control, as well as general fatigue and pain involving the entire body. Four tablets of Neurotropin per day alone were administered. General fatigue and pain were gradually alleviated one week later. His sleep condition, concentration power, and memory also improved two weeks later. Medication was discontinued from 11 weeks based on the patient's judgment as he felt little general fatigue and pain involving the entire body. Treatment was completed 3 months later. The symptoms disappeared and did not recur five months after the discontinuation of Neurotropin. He was looking for a job without fatigue and pain 8 months later (5 months after the cessation of treatment). The functional mechanisms of Neurotropin in CFS are unknown

   (308)    Toda K, Harada T, Ishizaki F, Horie N, Yamada T. Parkinson disease patient with fibromyalgia: A case report. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2006; .
Abstract: Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by motor disturbances such as tremor, slow movement and rigidity. Also, pain is a common symptom in patients with PD. The prevalence of pain is 40-75% in patients with PD. Physicians should pay attention to pain in patient with PD. We report a PD patient who suffered from fibromyalgia (FM). If the amount of pain is not maximal in the side more affected by parkinsonism and pain is not markedly relieved when the patient is in the "on" state, the pain may be due to FM

   (309)    Uceyler N, Valenza R, Stock M, Schedel R, Sprotte G, Sommer C. Reduced levels of antiinflammatory cytokines in patients with chronic widespread pain. Arthritis Rheum 2006; 54(8):2656-2664.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The term chronic widespread pain refers to a group of painful diseases of poorly understood pathophysiology. One major subgroup is fibromyalgia (FM), as defined by the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology. Among other hypotheses, a potential pathophysiologic role of cytokines in chronic widespread pain has been proposed. We undertook this study to investigate whether cytokine profiles differ in patients with chronic widespread pain and controls. METHODS: We analyzed cytokine expression patterns in 40 patients with chronic widespread pain (26 of whom had FM), 40 age- and sex-matched healthy controls, and an additional 15 patients with chronic widespread pain who were recruited from a different center. Expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) for interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), and transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) in peripheral blood was analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Serum protein levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: We found significantly lower relative gene expression (P < 0.0001 for IL-4; P = 0.03 for IL-10) and lower levels of serum protein concentrations (P < 0.0001 for IL-4; P = 0.04 for IL-10) of the Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 in patients with chronic widespread pain than in the control group. This finding was corroborated in an additional group of 15 patients with chronic widespread pain. There were no significant differences between the groups in levels of mRNA for IL-2, IL-8, TNFalpha, or TGFbeta1. Protein data paralleled the real-time PCR results. CONCLUSION: Chronic widespread pain is associated with a lack of antiinflammatory and analgesic Th2 cytokine activity, which may contribute to its pathogenesis

   (310)    Ulas UH, Unlu E, Hamamcioglu K, Odabasi Z, Cakci A, Vural O. Dysautonomia in fibromyalgia syndrome: sympathetic skin responses and RR Interval analysis. Rheumatol Int 2006; 26(5):383-387.
Abstract: This study was planned to investigate the dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system in fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) using sympathetic skin responses (SSR) and RR interval analysis. Thirty-four FM and 22 healthy subjects were recruited for the study. They were questioned for symptoms that are characteristic for FM and medical outcome study short form-36 (SF-36) was used to determine the quality of life of the subjects. Tender points were counted and the disease duration was noted. SSR was recorded from palm and sole with stimulation of contralateral median and tibial nerves respectively. R-R interval variation was evaluated at rest (R%) and during deep breathing (DR%). The mean ages of the patients were 37+/- 10.2 and 37+/-10.6, respectively. The mean tender point count was 14.9+/-2.3 and the disease duration was 16.6+/-12.1 months. The symptoms were discrepant in FM (P<0.001). The scores of the eight items of SF-36 in FMS patients were significantly lower than the control group (P<0.001). We could not elicit SSR in five FM patients (15%) from the sole and in two patients (6%) from the palm. The latencies of SSR recorded from both palms and soles of FM patients were significantly longer than healthy subjects (P<0.001). The mean amplitude of SSR recorded from both palm and sole was not statistically different from control subjects (P>0.05). RRIV obtained from FM and the control subjects at rest and during deep breathing showed that the decrease in DR% was significant compared to normal subjects (P<0.001). As a result, we can state that sympathetic as well as parasympathetic nervous system dysfunction occurs in FM patients and this abnormality could be determined by SSR and RRIV analysis

   (311)    Unlu E, Ulas UH, Gurcay E, Tuncay R, Berber S, Cakci A et al. Genital sympathetic skin responses in fibromyalgia syndrome. Rheumatol Int 2006; 26(11):1025-1030.
Abstract: The study was designed to investigate the autonomic dysfunction in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) by recording sympathetic skin response (SSR) from palmar, plantar and genital regions. The second aim was to evaluate the relation between sexual problems and autonomic dysfunction in FMS. SSR potential was recorded from palmar, plantar and genital regions in 28 married, female FMS patients and 18 married, healthy females. Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) was used to show the clinical severity and functional disability in FMS patients. Glombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS), a 28-item questionnaire, was used to assess the existence and severity of sexual problems. Beck test was used to evaluate anxiety and depression. The amplitude of SSR recorded from palmar, plantar and genital regions was lower than in the control subjects (P < 0.05). GRISS (total and subscale), Beck test and FIQ scores of FMS patients were higher than in the control subjects (P < 0.05). No correlation was found between the SSR potential and GRISS scores. The results of our study reveal that abnormality in SSR recorded from palmar, plantar and genital regions reflects the abnormality in the autonomic nervous system (ANS) of FMS patients. These patients have more sexual problems than healthy subjects, and we think this finding is related to increased anxiety and depression in these patients

   (312)    Usui C, Doi N, Nishioka M, Komatsu H, Yamamoto R, Ohkubo T et al. Electroconvulsive therapy improves severe pain associated with fibromyalgia. Pain 2006; 121(3):276-280.
Abstract: The pathophysiology of fibromyalgia remains unknown. Several reports have recently suggested the novel concept that fibromyalgia is due to the central nervous system becoming hyper-responsive to a peripheral stimulus. The effect of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as pain remedication in cases of fibromyalgia without major depressive disorder was studied in a prospective trial lasting three months. All of the patients taking part in the study fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia. Technetium-99m ethyl cysteinate dimer single photon emission computed tomography was used to assess regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) before and after a course of ECT. Pain assessment in the patients was undertaken by use of the visual analog scale (VAS) and by evaluation of tender points (TPs). Beck's depression inventory (BDI) was further used to assess depressive mood change in the patients. Our study clearly demonstrated that pain was significantly less severe after ECT, as indicated by the VAS scale for pain and the evaluation of TPs. A further notable observation was that thalamic blood flow was also improved. We conclude that a course of ECT produced notable improvements in both intractable severe pain associated with fibromyalgia and also in terms of thalamic blood flow

   (313)    Valkeinen H, Hakkinen A, Hannonen P, Hakkinen K, Alen M. Acute heavy-resistance exercise-induced pain and neuromuscular fatigue in elderly women with fibromyalgia and in healthy controls: effects of strength training. Arthritis Rheum 2006; 54(4):1334-1339.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To examine heavy-resistance exercise-induced acute neuromuscular fatigue, blood lactate concentration, and muscle pain in elderly women with fibromyalgia (FM) and in healthy controls before and after a period of strength training. METHODS: Thirteen elderly women with FM (mean+/-SD age 60+/-2 years) and 10 healthy women (mean+/-SD age 64+/-3 years) performed a heavy-resistance fatiguing protocol (5 sets of leg presses with 10 repetitions maximum) before and after a 21-week strength training period. Maximal isometric force and electromyography (EMG) activity of leg extensors and blood lactate concentration were measured during the loading. Pain was assessed by visual analog scale. RESULTS: The strength training led to large increases in maximal force and EMG activity of the muscles and contributed to the improvement in loading performance (average load/set) at week 21. The fatiguing loading sessions typically applied in strength training before and after the experimental period caused remarkable and comparable acute decreases in maximal force and increases in blood lactate concentration in both groups. Acute exercise-induced muscle pain increased similarly in both groups, and the pain level in women with FM was lowered after the 21-week training period. CONCLUSION: The increased strength in women with FM improved high-load performance and also seemed to attenuate perceived pain. Acute exercise-induced neuromuscular changes and the time course of muscle pain in women with FM were comparable with findings in healthy controls, which suggests a typical fatiguing process and a similar trainability of the muscles in elderly women with FM

   (314)    Vandvik PO, Lydersen S, Farup PG. Prevalence, comorbidity and impact of irritable bowel syndrome in Norway. Scand J Gastroenterol 2006; 41(6):650-656.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and its comorbidity in a Norwegian adult population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 2001, 11,078 inhabitants (aged 30-75 years) in Oppland County were invited to take part in a public health survey. A total of 4622 subjects (42%) completed the questionnaires on symptoms of IBS (Rome II criteria), comorbidity, health-care visits and medications. The impact of comorbidity on global health, working disability and use of health-care resources in subjects with IBS was explored by stepwise logistic regression. RESULTS: The population prevalence of IBS was 388/4622 (8.4% (95% CI: 7.6-9.4%)) with a female predominance and an age-dependent decrease. The proportion who had consulted for IBS ranged from 51% among 30-year-olds to 79% in 75-year-olds (p=0.05). IBS was associated with musculoskeletal complaints (OR = 2.4-3.4 for six different items), fibromyalgia (OR = 3.6 [2.7-4.8]), mood disorder (OR = 3.3 (2.6-4.3)), reduced global health (OR = 2.6 (2.1-3.2)), working disability (OR = 1.6 (1.2-2.1)), more frequent health-care visits and use of medications (OR 1.7-2.3). When controlling for comorbidity, reduced global health (OR = 1.5 (1.1-2.0)) and use of alternative health care (OR = 1.7 (1.3-2.4)) remained associated with IBS. Severity of abdominal pain/discomfort was a predictor of having to seek a physician for IBS (OR = 1.3 (1.2-1.5)). CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms of IBS were reported by 8% of Norwegian adults and had resulted in consultations with physicians for the majority in the long run. Subjects with IBS in the community were characterized by frequent somatic and psychiatric comorbidity. Their observed reduced health, working disability and increased use of health resources were largely explained by comorbid symptoms and disorders

   (315)    Vargas A, Vargas A, Hernandez-Paz R, Sanchez-Huerta JM, Romero-Ramirez R, mezcua-Guerra L et al. Sphygmomanometry-evoked allodynia--a simple bedside test indicative of fibromyalgia: a multicenter developmental study. J Clin Rheumatol 2006; 12(6):272-274.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: One of the 2 classification criteria for fibromyalgia (FM) is the presence of tender points on specific anatomic sites. It has been established that these tender points reflect a state of generalized allodynia (defined as pain resulting from a stimulus that does not normally provoke pain). Patients with FM often describe pain elicitation during blood pressure testing (sphygmomanometry). OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to define if a universally used clinical test, sphygmomanometry, is helpful in the identification of patients with FM. METHODS: The authors conducted a prospective multicenter study in 3 different public rheumatology outpatient services. Each center studied 20 patients with FM, 20 with rheumatoid arthritis, 20 with osteoarthritis, and 20 healthy individuals. The following question was asked of each participant: "When I take your blood pressure, tell me if the cuff's pressure brings forth pain." The blood pressure cuff was inflated at an approximate rate of 10 mm Hg per second up to 180 mm Hg or to the point when pain was elicited. RESULTS: Sixty-nine percent of patients with FM had sphygmomanometry-evoked allodynia in contrast to 10% of patients with osteoarthritis, 5% with rheumatoid arthritis, and 2% of healthy individuals (P < 0.001). The mean blood pressure value at which allodynia was elicited was lower in patients with FM (143 +/- 40 mm Hg) when compared with the other 3 groups (176 +/- 11 mm Hg) or higher (P < 0.001). In patients with FM, there was a significant negative correlation between the blood pressure value at which allodynia developed and total Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) score, number of tender points, and the FIQ visual analog scales for pain intensity and fatigue (P < 0.05). The test yields a diagnostic sensitivity for FM of 0.7, specificity 0.96, positive predictive value 0.86, and negative predictive value 0.91. CONCLUSIONS: In this developmental study of patients attending rheumatology clinics, the generation of pain during blood pressure testing was strongly associated with the diagnosis of FM. This robust linkage probably reflects a tautologic phenomenon. A sine qua nonelement for FM diagnosis is the presence of tender points in discrete anatomic sites. These tender points in turn reflect a state of generalized mechanical allodynia that can be locally elicited by the cuff pressure during blood pressure testing. Sphygmomanometry is a simple bedside test that may be useful in the recognition of patients with FM. Blood pressure testing is a universal procedure in all clinical environments. Based on our results, we suggest searching for FM features in any person who has sphygmomanometry-evoked allodynia

   (316)    Venables PJ. Management of patients presenting with Sjogren's syndrome. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2006; 20(4):791-807.
Abstract: Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune exocrinopathy that predominantly affects salivary and lachrymal glands, leading to dry eyes and mouth. The most common clinical problems faced by the rheumatologist are those of dry eyes and mouth, parotid swelling, fatigue and extraglandular manifestations. The first stage in management is to make an accurate diagnosis based on the American/European consensus criteria. The most frequent differential diagnoses are dry eyes and mouth symptoms, a variant of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, and sialosis, which causes a non-inflammatory enlargement of the parotid glands. The mainstay of treatment for the sicca symptoms is local therapy, and that for the milder systemic symptoms is hydroxychloroquine. Steroids and immunosuppressive drugs are reserved for more severe extraglandular disease. In spite of intensive research in other systemic treatments including biologic therapies, there is limited evidence to support their use in routine clinical practice

   (317)    Vierck CJ, Jr. Mechanisms underlying development of spatially distributed chronic pain (fibromyalgia). Pain 2006; 124(3):242-263.
Abstract: Chronic fibromyalgia (FM) pain is prevalent (estimated as high as 13%), predominantly affects women, and is associated with a variety of focal pain conditions. Ongoing FM pain is referred to deep tissues and is described as widespread but usually is maximally located within a restricted region such as the shoulders. Palpation of deep tissues reveals an enhanced nociceptive sensitivity that is not restricted to regions of clinical pain. Similarly, psychophysical testing reveals allodynia and hyperalgesia for cutaneous stimulation at locations beyond regions of clinical pain referral. The combination of widely distributed clinical pain and generalized hypersensitivity is highly disabling, but no satisfactory treatment is regularly prescribed. A thorough understanding of mechanisms will likely be required to develop and document adequate therapies. The generalized hypersensitivity associated with FM has focused considerable interest on central (CNS) mechanisms for the disorder. These include central sensitization, central disinhibition and a dysfunctional hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. However, the central effects associated with FM can be produced by a peripheral source of pain. Chronic nociceptive input induces central sensitization, magnifying pain, and it activates the HPA and the sympathetic nervous system. Chronic sympathetic activation indirectly sensitizes peripheral nociceptors and sets up a vicious cycle. Thus, it appears that central mechanisms of FM pain are dependent on abnormal peripheral input(s) for development and maintenance of this condition. A substantial literature defines peripheral-CNS-peripheral interactions that are integral to FM pain. These reciprocal actions and related phenomena of relevance to FM pain are reviewed here, leading to suggestions for testing of therapeutic approaches

   (318)    Vitorino DF, Carvalho LB, Prado GF. Hydrotherapy and conventional physiotherapy improve total sleep time and quality of life of fibromyalgia patients: randomized clinical trial. Sleep Med 2006; 7(3):293-296.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To compare hydrotherapy (HT) and conventional physiotherapy (CP) in the treatment of fibromyalgia (FM), regarding quality of life (QOL), total sleep time (TST), and total nap time (TNT). METHODS: Fifty outpatients, all female, 30-60 years old, diagnosed with FM, were randomly assigned to two groups to carry out 3 weeks of treatment with HT or CP. In the beginning and in the end of treatment, patients were evaluated with the SF-36 questionnaire to measure QOL and the sleep diary for TST and TNT. Data analyses were blind. RESULTS: All 24 HT patients increased 1h in TST compared to 19 CP patients. TNT decreased in the HT group. QOL improved for the two groups in all domains when pre- and post-intervention were compared, but there was no difference between groups. CONCLUSION: HT is more effective than CP to improve TST and to decrease TNT in FM patients

   (319)    Walker JG, Littlejohn GO. Measuring quality of life in rheumatic conditions. Clin Rheumatol 2006; .
Abstract: Musculoskeletal disorders often have associated pain, functional impairment and work disability, and, not surprisingly, are the most common reasons for utilizing healthcare resources. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and fibromyalgia (FM) are causes of musculoskeletal pain and disability. Research indicates that there is a widespread impact of RA and FM on physical, psychological and social factors in affected individuals, and thus, outcome measures that encompass multiple aspects of quality of life are needed. Generic measures of quality of life identify associations between physical conditions and mental health and highlight the need to address psychological functioning to ultimately improve the individuals' quality of life

   (320)    Wallace DJ. Is there a role for cytokine based therapies in fibromyalgia. Curr Pharm Des 2006; 12(1):17-22.
Abstract: Cytokines are glycoproteins that serve as chemical messengers between cells. They assist in the regulation of cell growth and repair and also have immune modulating properties. Cytokines play a role in diverse clinical processes and phenomena such as fatigue, fever, sleep, pain, stress and aching. A review of the fibromyalgia literature and related studies suggest that IL-1, IL-6 and IL-8 are dysregulated in the syndrome. Therapies directed against these cytokines may be of potential importance in the management of fibromyalgia

   (321)    Weiner DK, Sakamoto S, Perera S, Breuer P. Chronic low back pain in older adults: prevalence, reliability, and validity of physical examination findings. J Am Geriatr Soc 2006; 54(1):11-20.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To develop a structured physical examination protocol that identifies common biomechanical and soft-tissue abnormalities for older adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP) that can be used as a triage tool for healthcare providers and to test the interobserver reliability and discriminant validity of this protocol. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey and examination. SETTING: Older adult pain clinic. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred eleven community-dwelling adults aged 60 and older with CLBP and 20 who were pain-free. MEASUREMENTS: Clinical history for demographics, pain duration, previous lumbar surgery or advanced imaging, neurogenic claudication, and imaging clinically serious symptoms. Physical examination for scoliosis, functional leg length discrepancy, pain with lumbar movement, myofascial pain (paralumbar, piriformis, tensor fasciae latae (TFL)), regional bone pain (sacroiliac joint (SIJ), hip, vertebral body), and fibromyalgia. RESULTS: Scoliosis was prevalent in those with (77.5%) and without pain (60.0%), but prevalence of SIJ pain (84% vs 5%), fibromyalgia tender points (19% vs 0%), myofascial pain (96% vs 10%), and hip pain (48% vs 0%) was significantly different between groups (P < .001). Interrater reliability was excellent for SIJ pain (0.81), number of fibromyalgia tender points (0.84), and TFL pain (0.81); good for scoliosis (0.43), kyphosis (0.66), lumbar movement pain (0.75), piriformis pain (0.71), and hip disease by internal rotation (0.56); and marginal for leg length (0.00) and paravertebral pain (0.39). CONCLUSION: Biomechanical and soft tissue pathologies are common in older adults with CLBP, and many can be assessed reliably using a brief physical examination. Their recognition may save unnecessary healthcare expenditure and patient suffering

   (322)    Weir PT, Harlan GA, Nkoy FL, Jones SS, Hegmann KT, Gren LH et al. The incidence of fibromyalgia and its associated comorbidities: a population-based retrospective cohort study based on International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision codes. J Clin Rheumatol 2006; 12(3):124-128.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of fibromyalgia is poorly defined. The incidence of fibromyalgia has not been determined using a large population base. Previous studies based on prevalence data demonstrated that females are 7 times more likely to have fibromyalgia than males and that the peak age for females is during the childbearing years. OBJECTIVE: We have calculated the incidence rate of fibromyalgia in a large, stable population and determined the strength of association between fibromyalgia and 7 comorbid conditions. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of a large, stable health insurance claims database (62,000 nationwide enrollees per year). Claims from 1997 to 2002 were examined using the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes to identify fibromyalgia cases (ICD code 729.1) and 7 predetermined comorbid conditions. RESULTS: A total of 2595 incident cases of fibromyalgia were identified between 1997 and 2002. Age-adjusted incidence rates were 6.88 cases per 1000 person-years for males and 11.28 cases per 1000 person-years for females. Females were 1.64 times (95% confidence interval = 1.59-1.69) more likely than males to have fibromyalgia. Patients with fibromyalgia were 2.14 to 7.05 times more likely to have one or more of the following comorbid conditions: depression, anxiety, headache, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis. CONCLUSION: Females are more likely to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia than males, although to a substantially smaller degree than previously reported, and there are strong associations for comorbid conditions that are commonly thought to be associated with fibromyalgia

   (323)    Weissbecker I, Floyd A, Dedert E, Salmon P, Sephton S. Childhood trauma and diurnal cortisol disruption in fibromyalgia syndrome. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2006; 31(3):312-324.
Abstract: Adults with fibromyalgia syndrome report high rates of childhood trauma. Neuroendocrine abnormalities have also been noted in this population. Exploratory analyses tested relationships between retrospective reports of childhood trauma and diurnal salivary cortisol patterns among 85 women with fibromyalgia. Subjects with fibromyalgia completed self-reports of childhood physical, sexual and emotional abuse, as well as emotional and physical neglect. Recent major life events, current perceptions of stress, and depressive symptoms were also assessed. Salivary cortisol was collected six times per day for two consecutive days to assess diurnal rhythm, awakening response and mean cortisol levels. Hierarchical regression analyses were performed, controlling for age, relevant medications, life events, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms. Childhood physical abuse predicted flattened diurnal cortisol rhythms as well as greater cortisol responses to awakening. Sexual abuse was a second predictor of increased awakening cortisol responses. Patients with a history of trauma had markedly low levels of cortisol at the time of first awakening, partly explaining the results. These findings suggest that severe traumatic experiences in childhood may be a factor of adult neuroendocrine dysregulation among fibromyalgia sufferers. Trauma history should be evaluated and psychosocial intervention may be indicated as a component of treatment for fibromyalgia

   (324)    Wennemer HK, Borg-Stein J, Gomba L, Delaney B, Rothmund A, Barlow D et al. Functionally oriented rehabilitation program for patients with fibromyalgia: preliminary results. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2006; 85(8):659-666.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate function and disability in patients with fibromyalgia before and after participation in a functionally oriented, multidisciplinary, 8-wk treatment program. DESIGN: A total of 23 patients who met American College of Rheumatology criteria for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia were enrolled in the study. Outcome measures included: range of motion, 6-min walk test, a modified Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, a modified SF-36 Physical Functioning Scale, and the Fibromyalgia Health Assessment Questionnaire. Pretreatment and posttreatment scores were analyzed using paired t tests. RESULTS: All subjects completed the program, and there were no reported injuries. Three subjects failed to complete the survey instruments at the conclusion of the study. Intention to treat analysis including these subjects was carried out but did not significantly change results. For the remaining subjects (n = 20), a significant improvement was found on the Physical Functioning Scale (P = 0.01). Trends toward improvement on the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (P = 0.40) and Fibromyalgia Health Assessment Questionnaire (P = 0.14) were seen but did not achieve statistical significance. Range of motion testing revealed significant improvements in lumbar spine extension (P < 0.001), straight-leg raise (P < 0.001), cervical spine flexion (P < 0.01), cervical spine rotation (P < 0.05), and cervical spine side bending (P < 0.05). Distance traveled during the 6-min walk test increased significantly (P < 0.01), whereas perceived exertion as measured by the Borg scale did not change. There were no injuries or other adverse consequences of the program. CONCLUSIONS: This study utilized multiple functional outcome measures to demonstrate improved function and decreased disability in patients with fibromyalgia. Our patients reported significantly improved physical function after participation in the 8-wk intensive multidisciplinary treatment program. This progressive, functionally based exercise training program was well tolerated by all participants and outlines an effective exercise prescription for patients with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia patients in this study responded favorably to a treatment program that focused on function instead of pain

   (325)    Wermelinger F. [Polymyalgia rheumatica--fibromyalgia-syndrome: symptoms, syndromes or diseases?]. Ther Umsch 2006; 63(3):195-200.
Abstract: Polymyalgia rheumatica and Fibromyalgia are probably not distinct clinical entities. Rather polymyalgia rheumatica is the common denomiator of a large spectrum of different diseases. The historical separation between Polymyalgia rheumatica and Giant-Cell Arteritis is no more clinically applicable in most cases. A better clinical approach is to view them as extrems of a continuum. Similarly, fibromyalgia is one manifestation of chronic pain syndromes of undetermined etiology. In addition, fibromyalgia can often not be delineated clearely from functional disorders, including depression

   (326)    Wik G, Fischer H, Finer B, Bragee B, Kristianson M, Fredrikson M. Retrospenial cortical deactivation during painful stimulation of fibromyalgic patients. Int J Neurosci 2006; 116(1):1-8.
Abstract: To study fibromyalgic pain this article contrasts positron emission tomographic measures of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) during externally induced acute pain and rest in eight fibromyalgia syndrome patients. An expected pattern of frontal and parietal cortical activation during acute pain as compared to rest was observed. However, reduced rCBF was additionally found in the retrosplenial cortex during acute pain as compared to rest. This may reflect that externally induced pain inhibits fibromyalgic pain and syndrome-related evaluative processes located in the retrosplenial cortex, and that fibromyalgic pain results from exaggerated attention to sub-noxious pain signaling, that is, secondary hyperalgesia

   (327)    Wilbur J, Shaver J, Kogan J, Buntin M, Wang E. Menopausal transition symptoms in midlife women living with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. Health Care Women Int 2006; 27(7):600-614.
Abstract: We aimed to determine how menopausal transition symptoms cluster across 216 midlife women with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndromes (FMS/CFS), or both and subsequently to compare symptom factor severity scores by menopausal status among these women and compare symptom reporting with prior community-based samples of women without obvious illness. We designed a cross-sectional telephone survey of 216 women aged 35 to 55, diagnosed with FMS/CFS, symptomatic in the prior 6 months, and without hysterectomy. Thirty-six of 61 symptoms loaded on five factors: aroused/anxious mood, depressed mood/withdrawal, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal (GI), and vasomotor. Peri- and postmenopausal women had higher symptom severity scores for musculoskeletal, GI, and vasomotor factors but not mood factors. Symptoms for the women we studied who had FMS/CFS clustered similar to those in previous community-based samples of midlife women without major illness; however, the number of women experiencing symptoms was much higher among our sample

   (328)    Williams DA. Utility of cognitive behavioral therapy as a treatment for insomnia in patients with fibromyalgia. Nat Clin Pract Rheumatol 2006; 2(4):190-191.

   (329)    Wilson HD, Wilson JR, Fuchs PN. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment decreases inflammation and mechanical hypersensitivity in an animal model of inflammatory pain. Brain Res 2006; 1098(1):126-128.
Abstract: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been used to treat a variety of ailments from carbon monoxide poisoning to fibromyalgia. The purpose of this experiment was to explore the effect of hyperbaric oxygen treatment on carrageenan-induced inflammation and pain in rats. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment significantly decreased inflammation and pain following carrageenan injection. Clinically hyperbaric oxygen may be used in situations where NSAIDS are contraindicated or in persistent cases of inflammation

   (330)    Wolfe F, Rasker JJ. The Symptom Intensity Scale, fibromyalgia, and the meaning of fibromyalgia-like symptoms. J Rheumatol 2006; 33(11):2291-2299.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To characterize a scale for the measurement of fibromyalgia (FM)-like symptoms; to investigate whether FM is a discrete disorder; to understand the significance of FM-like symptoms; and to investigate causal and noncausal factors in the development of such symptoms. METHODS: We evaluated 25,417 patients with rheumatic disease using the Symptom Intensity (SI) Scale, a self-report scale that combines a count of pain in 19 nonarticular regions with a visual analog scale for fatigue. We studied this scale in relation to demographics, clinical symptoms, and serious outcomes, including serious medical illnesses, hospitalization, work disability, and death. RESULTS: Compared with other rheumatic disease assessments, the SI scale was the best identifier of symptoms associated with FM content, including an increase in general medical symptoms. SI scale elevations were associated with increases in cardiovascular disorders, hospitalization, work disability, and death. Persons with socioeconomic disadvantage by reason of sex, ethnicity, household income, marital status, smoking, and body mass had increased SI scores. For almost all clinical variables studied, the prevalence and/or severity of the variable increased linearly with SI scores. CONCLUSION: We identified a clinical marker for general symptom intensification that applies in all patients and is independent of a diagnosis of FM. We found no clinical basis by which FM may be identified as a separate entity. Higher scores on the SI scale were associated with more severe medical illness, greater mortality, and sociodemographic disadvantage, and these factors appear to play a role in the development of FM-like symptoms and symptom intensification

   (331)    Wolfe F, Michaud K, Li T. Sleep disturbance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: evaluation by medical outcomes study and visual analog sleep scales. J Rheumatol 2006; 33(10):1942-1951.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Except for some polysomnography studies, there have been no large quantitative studies of sleep disturbance (SD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). SD has taken on new importance with the observation that etanercept and infliximab reduce daytime sleepiness, and patient groups indicate that sleep is an important issue. METHODS: We evaluated 8676 patients with RA and a comparison group of 1364 subjects with non-fibromyalgia, noninflammatory disorders (NID) using the Medical Outcome Study (MOS) sleep questionnaire, including 2 MOS sleep problem indexes (SPI-I, SPI-II) and the MOS SD scale. In addition, patients completed a visual analog scale (VAS) sleep disturbance scale (SDS). RESULTS: The scales had similar mean values: SPI-I 35.4 (19.4), SPI-II 36.0 (19.1), SDS 35.0 (24.7), and VAS sleep 36.1 (29.7), and the values for the MOS scales exceeded population norms by 25% (VAS by 42%). In multivariable analyses SD was primarily determined by pain and mood. Patients receiving anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) did not have less abnormal sleep scores. SD was comparable in RA and NID. The VAS scale was more strongly associated with RA clinical variables than the MOS scales; however, the distributional characteristics of the scales differed, with the VAS scales capturing more extreme values. The standard error of the measurement (SEM), which is related to minimal (important) change, was SPI-I 9.0, SPI-II 7.3, SDS 9.6, and VAS sleep 10.4. CONCLUSION: SD is increased in RA, and 25% to 42% of SD can be attributed to RA. SD is linked to pain, mood, and disease activity. SD is slightly greater in women and is less with increasing age. All scales appear to be valid in RA, with minimal differences in SEM

   (332)    Wood PB. A reconsideration of the relevance of systemic low-dose ketamine to the pathophysiology of fibromyalgia. J Pain 2006; 7(9):611-614.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia is a common disorder characterized by chronic widespread pain that affects an estimated 2% of the general population. Recent advances have shed insight on this mysterious disorder, leading to the growing conclusion that disturbances of pain-related processes within the central nervous system, termed central sensitization, represent its most likely source. The phenomenon of central sensitization depends on plasticity in function of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) subtype glutamate receptors. Earlier studies implicated increased sensitivity of central NMDA receptors as playing a primary role in fibromyalgia, as evidenced by a significant reduction in symptoms among a large subset of patients in response to low doses of ketamine, a noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist. However, recent insights into the pharmacology of this drug cast doubt on a direct contribution of NMDA receptors and add credence to a model of the disorder that suggests that the primary pathology of fibromyalgia is a suppression of the normal activity of dopamine-releasing neurons within the limbic system. The implications for future therapies for fibromyalgia, and indeed many other chronic pain conditions, are discussed in light of these insights. PERSPECTIVE: The current lack of a demonstrable pathology underlying the pain of fibromyalgia has hampered progress toward adequate treatment of this mysterious disorder. Accumulating evidence suggests that fibromyalgia may represent a dysregulation of dopaminergic neurotransmission, which may provide insights to guide both rational clinical interventions as well as system-specific research models

   (333)    Wu EQ, Birnbaum H, Kang YJ, Parece A, Mallett D, Taitel H et al. A retrospective claims database analysis to assess patterns of interstitial cystitis diagnosis. Curr Med Res Opin 2006; 22(3):495-500.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Interstitial cystitis (IC) is often misdiagnosed as one of several other conditions manifesting similar symptoms. This analysis assesses the potential extent of IC misdiagnosis while considering concomitant conditions in a managed care population and identifies predictors of IC diagnosis. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Administrative insurance claims data covering 1.7 million lives (1999-2003) were analyzed. Insurance enrollees with >or= 1 IC diagnosis (ICD-9-CM of 595.1x) were identified as IC patients. A random sample of non-IC controls was selected using a 10:1 matching ratio. Six-month incidence rates of 'commonly misdiagnosed conditions', (overactive bladder, urinary tract infection, chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, prostatitis) were compared before and after patients' initial IC diagnosis and the reduction in incidence rate of commonly misdiagnosed conditions was used as a suggestive measure of the extent of IC misdiagnosis. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess the extent that commonly misdiagnosed conditions were predictors of subsequent IC. A Cox Proportional Hazards regression model (that adjusts for patient demographics, concomitant and misdiagnosed conditions) was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of these conditions. Similar analyses were performed for the 'commonly concomitant conditions' (fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, vulvodynia). RESULTS: There were 992 IC patients and 9920 controls identified. The reduced incidence of commonly misdiagnosed conditions after initial IC diagnosis suggests that the misdiagnosis rate could be as high as 38% within the 6-month period before initial IC diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnoses of commonly misdiagnosed conditions are significant predictors of future IC diagnosis. When overlooked, potential misdiagnosis of IC can lead to underestimation of the true prevalence of IC. Similarly, diagnoses of commonly concomitant conditions are significant predictors of future IC diagnosis. These initial findings based on claims data suggest hypotheses for further investigation with clinical data. These results suggest more consideration of IC as a diagnosis is warranted, especially when certain diagnoses are repeatedly made and the resulting treatments do not alleviate the patient's symptoms

   (334)    Yildiz S, Uzun G, Kiralp MZ. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in chronic pain management. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2006; 10(2):95-100.
Abstract: Chronic pain is one of the frequently encountered clinical problems that is difficult to cure. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy has been reported in chronic pain syndromes with promising results. In this review, we focus on the effectiveness of HBO in fibromyalgia syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, myofascial pain syndrome, migraine, and cluster headaches. HBO may be beneficial if appropriate patients are selected. HBO is a reliable method of treatment. However, physicians performing HBO must be aware of oxygen toxicity. Another problem regarding HBO is the scarcity of centers administering it. Further research is required focusing on the optimal treatment protocol, the cost/benefit ratio, and the safety of HBO in chronic pain management

   (335)    Zapata AL, Pantoja Moraes AJ, Leone C, Doria-Filho U, meida Silva CA. Pain and musculoskeletal pain syndromes related to computer and video game use in adolescents. Eur J Pediatr 2006; 165(6):408-414.
Abstract: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the presence of pain and musculoskeletal pain syndromes in adolescents and associate them to computer and video game use. A cross-sectional study was performed on the entire adolescent population (n=833) of a private situated in the city of Sao Paulo. The research included a questionnaire and physical examination of the musculoskeletal system. Statistical analysis was carried out with Fisher, chi-square, Mann Whitney tests and logistic regression. A total of 791 adolescent was evaluated. A computer was used by 99% and video games by 58%. Pain was reported by 312 (39.4%) students: 23% complained of back pain, 9% of upper limb pain, 4% of diffuse pain and 4% of pain in the trapezium muscle. A clinical examination was carried out in 359 students, and one or more musculoskeletal pain syndromes were present in 56 students (15.6%): benign joint hypermobility syndrome in 10%, myofascial syndrome in 5%, tendonitis in 2% and fibromyalgia in 1%. In the multivariate analysis, the logistical regression showed that the independent variables in the prediction of pain were sex [odds ratio (OR): 2.19, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.33-3.61] and age (OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.07-1.28) and that the prediction of musculoskeletal pain syndromes were sex (OR: 3.17, 95% CI: 1.69-6.22) and number of days a week using the computer (OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.05-1.42). However, the variations in the dependent variables by the mathematical regression models were low. Despite the frequent use of computer and video games among adolescents, this was not associated with the presence of pain and musculoskeletal pain syndromes

   (336)    Zautra AJ, Fasman R, Parish BP, Davis MC. Daily fatigue in women with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. Pain 2006; %19;.
Abstract: We examined between and within-person variability, affective correlates, and diagnostic differences in daily fatigue in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Two hundred and fifty-five female patients recruited from the community served as participants for this project. The patients had a physician-confirmed diagnosis of RA (n=89), OA (n=76), or FMS (n=90). Individuals completed an initial questionnaire and up to 32 daily diaries assessing illness symptoms and psychosocial variables (i.e., fatigue, pain, sleep problems, depression, and affect). The primary outcome for the current project was variability in fatigue. We examined affective, pain, and sleep correlates of fatigue, and tested whether these relations varied by diagnosis. Results indicated that FMS patients had higher overall levels of and greater daily variability in fatigue compared with the other pain groups. For all patients, fatigue correlated highly with lower positive affect (PA). Moreover, day-to-day increases in fatigue were associated with decreases in PA, particularly among FMS patients, and with increases in negative affect (NA). Daily pain was associated with increased fatigue in all groups, although OA patients showed less pain reactivity than either FMS or RA patients. These findings indicate that fatigue is a common feature of rheumatologic conditions. Nonetheless, there are important differences between RA, OA, and FM patients in both the everyday manifestations and the biopsychosocial correlates of fatigue

   (337)    Zolnoun D, Hartmann K, Lamvu G, As-Sanie S, Maixner W, Steege J. A conceptual model for the pathophysiology of vulvar vestibulitis syndrome. Obstet Gynecol Surv 2006; 61(6):395-401.
Abstract: Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (vestibulitis), the most common type of chronic vulvovaginal pain, impairs the psychologic, physical, and reproductive health of approximately 10% of women at some point in their lives. Research on the pathophysiology of vestibulitis suggests abnormalities in 3 interdependent systems: vestibular mucosa, pelvic floor muscles, and central nervous system pain regulatory pathways. To date, causes and relative contributions of these abnormalities to the development and maintenance of vestibulitis remain poorly understood. Research consistently supports the conceptualization of vestibulitis as a chronic pain disorder-akin to fibromyalgia, irritable bowel disorder, and temporomandibular disorder (TMD)-that is far more complex than vestibular hypersensitivity alone. Nevertheless, the clinical diagnosis of vestibulitis continues to rely on subjective report of pain during intercourse and vestibular sensitivity on clinical examination after exclusion of other gynecologic disorders. We propose that current diagnostic criteria, which are based on highly subjective patient and clinician measures, are not sufficient to describe and properly classify the heterogeneous clinical presentations of this disorder. To inform clinical care or research, we must be able to objectively characterize women with vestibulitis. This narrative review critically appraises current conceptualization of vestibulitis and presents a context for studying vestibulitis as a chronic pain disorder, emphasizing the need for objective assessment of clinical features. TARGET AUDIENCE: Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After completion of this article, the reader should be able to state that vulvar vestibulitis is common; recall that the disorder has three major pathophysiological pathways and that understanding of these pathways is important in selecting treatment options, and explain that the clinician must attempt to properly classify the clinical presentations of the disorder

   (338)    Zucker DR, Ruthazer R, Schmid CH, Feuer JM, Fischer PA, Kieval RI et al. Lessons learned combining N-of-1 trials to assess fibromyalgia therapies. J Rheumatol 2006; 33(10):2069-2077.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Applying population research to individual treatment requires understanding the connections between patient-specific characteristics, population-based studies, and treatment responses. Conducting practice-based research using individual-focused (N-of-1) trials may aid this process. We combined N-of-1 trials to compare fibromyalgia therapies and to assess the feasibility and outcomes of this approach for practice-based effectiveness research. METHODS: Community- and center-based rheumatologists enrolled patients with fibromyalgia syndrome in randomized, double-blind, multi-crossover, N-of-1 trials comparing amitriptyline and the combination amitriptyline and fluoxetine. Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire outcomes were used for the individuals' treatment and combined across patients for sample-based analyses. Outcomes were compared with results from more standard trial designs. RESULTS: Eight rheumatologists enrolled 58 patients in N-of-1 trials. Most physicians and patients had not previously participated in clinical trials. Using several analytic methods, the pooled results showed a better outcome score (mean difference: -6.1 +/- 2.0 to -8.0 +/- 3.7 points) in patients taking combination therapy. These population results are similar to published outcomes from a more traditional crossover trial. Neither practice type nor patient characteristics were significantly associated with the observed treatment-effect variation. Most participants, irrespective of selected treatment, felt their individual N-of-1 trials were helpful. CONCLUSION: Implementation of the combined N-of-1 methodology is feasible in rheumatology practices and results confirm greater fibromyalgia improvement with combination therapy. This research approach broadens participation, although our trials' specifics likely influenced enrollment eligibility. In addition to individual benefits, combining N-of-1 trial data provides population research benefits. This patient-focused approach should be further explored to bridge research and practice

   (339)    Useful treatments for fibromyalgia syndrome. J Fam Pract 2005; 54(2):105.

   (340)    Relieving fibromyalgia pain. An epilepsy medication and a popular cough syrup both seem to work. Health News 2005; 11(9):14-15.

   (341)    Summaries for patients. Acupuncture to treat fibromyalgia pain. Ann Intern Med 2005; 143(1):I24.

   (342)    The patient's page. Fibromyalgia. South Med J 2005; 98(2):262.

   (343)    Parkinson's drug may relieve fibromyalgia pain. Health News 2005; 11(12):11.

   (344)    Adak B, Tekeoglu I, Ediz L, Budancamanak M, Yazgan T, Karahocagil K et al. Fibromyalgia frequency in hepatitis B carriers. J Clin Rheumatol 2005; 11(3):157-159.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by diffuse musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, morning stiffness, and sleep disturbance. Chronic viral infections may trigger FM symptoms. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether there was an association between HBsAg seropositivity and fibromyalgia syndrome. METHODS: Fifty hepatitis B carriers (HBsAg positivity and anti-HBs negativity in sera for at least 6 months) and 50 age- and sex-matched HbsAg-negative control subjects were enrolled in this study. The hepatitis B carriers with normal or slightly elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were recruited from the infectious diseases outpatient clinic and the control group was recruited from the physical medicine and rehabilitation outpatient clinic. The relationship between groups was calculated by independent Student t test, chi-squared test, and Fisher exact test for comparing proportions. Alpha criterion for significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups according to sex, mean age, body mass index, serum ALT, and AST levels (P > 0.05). FM syndrome and FM-associated symptoms were much more prevalent in the hepatitis B group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that chronic hepatitis B carriage appears to increase the risk of FM and many of the typically associated symptoms. Whether this association is related to altered liver function, viral infection, concerns associated with chronic disease, or other factors, physicians should be aware of this apparent association

   (345)    Adams N, Sim J. Rehabilitation approaches in fibromyalgia. Disabil Rehabil 2005; 27(12):711-723.
Abstract: PURPOSE: This paper provides an overview of the evidence for the principal approaches taken to the rehabilitation of patients with fibromyalgia (FM): exercise, psychologically-based approaches, multimodal approaches, self-management approaches, and complementary and alternative therapies. METHOD: A review of current published evidence. RESULTS: Owing to factors such as methodological shortcomings of existing studies, and the lack of evidence on individual modalities, it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions as to which is the most appropriate rehabilitation approach in FM. However, there is growing evidence for the role of exercise training, and clear indications that if appropriately prescribed, this can be undertaken without adverse effects. Similarly, psychologically-based interventions such as cognitive-behavioural therapy have received some support from the literature. Evidence for other interventions is more equivocal. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that a combination of interventions, in a multimodal approach (e.g., exercises combined with education and psychologically-based interventions) is the most promising means of managing patients with FM

   (346)    Adiels AM, Helkimo M, Magnusson T. Tactile stimulation as a complementary treatment of temporomandibular disorders in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. A pilot study. Swed Dent J 2005; 29(1):17-25.
Abstract: Pain of long duration is a common suffering in modern man. One such pain condition is fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Opinions about what treatment regimen that are to be used in these patients are diverging, and many of the treatments suggested are not, or only poorly, scientifically investigated. The aim of this pilot investigation was to evaluate if FMS patients with signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) refractory to conservative TMD treatment would respond positively to tactile stimulation in respect of local and/or general symptoms.Ten female patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria received such treatment once a week during a 10-week period. At the end of treatment, a positive effect on both clinical signs and subjective symptoms of TMD, as well as on general body pain, was registered. Eight out of 10 patients also perceived an improved quality of their sleep. At follow-ups after 3 and 6 months some relapse of both signs and symptoms could be seen, but there was still an improvement compared to the initial degree of local and general complaints. At the 6-months follow-up, half of the patients also reported a lasting improvement of their sleep quality. One hypothetical explanation to the positive treatment effect experienced by the tactile stimulation might be the resulting improvement of the patients' quality of sleep leading to increased serotonin levels. The results of the present pilot study are so encouraging that they warrant an extended, controlled study

   (347)    Adler GK, Geenen R. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and autonomic nervous system functioning in fibromyalgia. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2005; 31(1):187-202, xi.
Abstract: In general, there seems to be a reduction in some neuroendocrine and autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses to applied stresses in individuals who have fibromyalgia. This article presents an overview and discussion of these findings with respect to the role of the ANS and the neuroendocrine system in the response to stress, with emphasis on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the possible implication to fibromyalgia

   (348)    Akkasilpa S, Goldman D, Magder LS, Petri M. Number of fibromyalgia tender points is associated with health status in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. J Rheumatol 2005; 32(1):48-50.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the association between fibromyalgia (FM) tender points (TP) and health status in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of 173 SLE patients enrolled in the Hopkins Lupus Cohort. Patients were examined for FM TP and asked to complete the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) at the same visit. RESULTS: We found 38.2% of patients had no TP, 44.5% had 1-10 TP, and 17.3% had > or = 11 TP. No significant association was found between the number of FM TP and age, sex, race, or level of education. The mean score of the HAQ was 1.3 +/- 0.4. There were significant associations between FM TP and HAQ (no TP 1.1 +/- 0.3, 1-10 TP 1.4 +/- 0.4, > or = 11 TP 1.6 +/- 0.6; p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: A strong association between the number of FM TP and health status was found in patients with SLE. The number of TP, and not just the presence/absence of FM, is associated with health status in SLE

   (349)    Alanoglu E, Ulas UH, Ozdag F, Odabasi Z, Cakci A, Vural O. Auditory event-related brain potentials in fibromyalgia syndrome. Rheumatol Int 2005; 25(5):345-349.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate cognitive functions using auditory event-related brain potentials (ERP) in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). METHODS: The P300 component of ERP was studied in 36 female FMS patients and 22 control subjects. The short form 36 (SF-36) medical outcome study was used to determine quality of life. Number of tender points and disease duration were noted. Cognitive functions were evaluated with P300. RESULTS: The symptoms were discrepant in FMS (P<0.001). The scores of the eight SF-36 subgroups in FMS patients were significantly lower than in the control group (P<0.001). Fibromyalgia syndrome patients had prolonged latency and reduced amplitude of P300 (P<0.001). No correlation was found between the subgroups of SF-36, tender point count, disease duration, and P300. CONCLUSION: The results of our study reveal that FMS affects quality of life and dysfunction in cognitive abilities can be determined by brain event-related potentials

   (350)    Alvarez NJ, Nuno Gutierrez BL, cocer Sanchez JA. [Rheumatic diseases and labor disability in adult rural population]. Rev Med Inst Mex Seguro Soc 2005; 43(4):287-292.
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The prevalence and the functional impact of the musculoskeletal diseases seem to have geographical variability. There is no previous report about those issues for the southern part of Mexico. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain, rheumatic diseases and self-perceived work disability in adults of Cantamayec, Yucatan, Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We assessed the presence of musculoskeletal pain, and those who answered affirmatively underwent a clinical evaluation. Diagnostic criteria for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, gout and soft-tissue pain syndromes were used. RESULTS: Musculoskeletal pain was found in 197/761 (25.8%), a defined rheumatic disease was diagnosed in 156 (20.4%) subjects. The prevalence of soft-tissue pain syndromes was 6.1%; followed by osteoarthritis, 5.8%; rheumatoid arthritis, 4.7%; back pain, 1.8%; fibromyalgia, 1.3%; and gout, 0.7%; self-perceived work disability was found in 144 (18.9%); it was ranked as total by 65 (8.5%) and partial by 79 (10.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Musculoskeletal pain, rheumatic diseases and self-perceived work disability were highly prevalent. Although rheumatoid arthritis prevalence was higher, the prevalence of other rheumatic diseases, musculoskeletal pain, and self-perceived work disability were similar to those previously reported in other countries and regions of Mexico

   (351)    Andreu JL, Sanz J. [Fibromyalgia and its diagnosis]. Rev Clin Esp 2005; 205(7):333-336.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia or fibromyalgic syndrome (FMS) is a clinical picture of unknown origin that is characterized by generalized, incapacitating and chronic pain together with the demonstration in the physical examination of previously defined points in which moderate pressure causes pain, called fibromyalgia tender points (FTP). FMS lacks objective, analytic imaging or pathological data, so that its diagnosis is based exclusively on subjective data, such as that the pain reported by the patient and the pain caused by the FTP pressure. Although the fibromyalgia classification criteria of the American College of Rheumatology are not diagnostic criteria, they have been extensively used to diagnose FMS in patients with chronic diffuse arthromyalgias. Fibromyalgia diagnosis reduces the patient's anxiety, avoiding complementary expensive and unnecessary tests and it allows the patient to share his/her fears, illnesses and expectations with other human beings who suffer the same problem

   (352)    Anthony KK, Schanberg LE. Pediatric pain syndromes and management of pain in children and adolescents with rheumatic disease. Pediatr Clin North Am 2005; 52(2):611-39, vii.
Abstract: This article introduces important issues related to pain in children with musculoskeletal pain syndromes and rheumatic disease, using juvenile primary fibromyalgia syndrome (JPFS) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) as models. A brief summary of the prevalence of pain in healthy children is followed by a summary of existing pain-assessment techniques. The remainder of the article describes the pain experience of children with JPFS and JIA and discusses issues related to pain management

   (353)    Arnold LM, Rosen A, Pritchett YL, D'Souza DN, Goldstein DJ, Iyengar S et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of duloxetine in the treatment of women with fibromyalgia with or without major depressive disorder. Pain 2005; 119(1-3):5-15.
Abstract: This was a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the efficacy and safety of duloxetine, a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, in 354 female patients with primary fibromyalgia, with or without current major depressive disorder. Patients (90% Caucasian; mean age, 49.6 years; 26% with current major depressive disorder) received duloxetine 60 mg once daily (QD) (N=118), duloxetine 60 mg twice daily (BID) (N=116), or placebo (N=120). The primary outcome was the Brief Pain Inventory average pain severity score. Response to treatment was defined as >or=30% reduction in this score. Compared with placebo, both duloxetine-treated groups improved significantly more (P<0.001) on the Brief Pain Inventory average pain severity score. A significantly higher percentage of duloxetine-treated patients had a decrease of >or=30% in this score (duloxetine 60 mg QD (55%; P<0.001); duloxetine 60 mg BID (54%; P=0.002); placebo (33%)). The treatment effect of duloxetine on pain reduction was independent of the effect on mood and the presence of major depressive disorder. Compared with patients on placebo, patients treated with duloxetine 60 mg QD or duloxetine 60 mg BID had significantly greater improvement in remaining Brief Pain Inventory pain severity and interference scores, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Clinical Global Impression of Severity, Patient Global Impression of Improvement, and several quality-of-life measures. Both doses of duloxetine were safely administered and well tolerated. In conclusion, both duloxetine 60 mg QD and duloxetine 60 mg BID were effective and safe in the treatment of fibromyalgia in female patients with or without major depressive disorder

   (354)    Assefi NP, Sherman KJ, Jacobsen C, Goldberg J, Smith WR, Buchwald D. A randomized clinical trial of acupuncture compared with sham acupuncture in fibromyalgia. Ann Intern Med 2005; 143(1):10-19.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia is a common chronic pain condition for which patients frequently use acupuncture. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether acupuncture relieves pain in fibromyalgia. DESIGN: Randomized, sham-controlled trial in which participants, data collection staff, and data analysts were blinded to treatment group. SETTING: Private acupuncture offices in the greater Seattle, Washington, metropolitan area. PATIENTS: 100 adults with fibromyalgia. INTERVENTION: Twice-weekly treatment for 12 weeks with an acupuncture program that was specifically designed to treat fibromyalgia, or 1 of 3 sham acupuncture treatments: acupuncture for an unrelated condition, needle insertion at nonacupoint locations, or noninsertive simulated acupuncture. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was subjective pain as measured by a 10-cm visual analogue scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain ever). Measurements were obtained at baseline; 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment; and 3 and 6 months after completion of treatment. Participant blinding and adverse effects were ascertained by self-report. The primary outcomes were evaluated by pooling the 3 sham-control groups and comparing them with the group that received acupuncture to treat fibromyalgia. RESULTS: The mean subjective pain rating among patients who received acupuncture for fibromyalgia did not differ from that in the pooled sham acupuncture group (mean between-group difference, 0.5 cm [95% CI, -0.3 cm to 1.2 cm]). Participant blinding was adequate throughout the trial, and no serious adverse effects were noted. LIMITATIONS: A prescription of acupuncture at fixed points may differ from acupuncture administered in clinical settings, in which therapy is individualized and often combined with herbal supplementation and other adjunctive measures. A usual-care comparison group was not studied. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture was no better than sham acupuncture at relieving pain in fibromyalgia

   (355)    Audebert A. [Women with endometriosis: are they different from others?]. Gynecol Obstet Fertil 2005; 33(4):239-246.
Abstract: The objective of this short review is to identify the particularities of women with endometriosis, especially those complaining of pain and with the most severe lesions. Genetic aberrations play, with a high probability, a major role in the development of this disease, its severity, its tendency to recur and also in its capacity to degenerate. The abnormalities of the endometrium, with exacerbated biological activities, are an example. The woman with endometriosis seems more sensitive to pain through various mechanisms, such as central hypersensitivity and decrease threshold to somatoceptive pain and several associated psychological disorders. Endometriosis is often associated with other painful conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, interstitial cystitis and fibromyalgia. Finally, also appears also to have a higher risk to develop non Hodgkin's lymphoma or ovarian cancer. These particularities, some of them being still speculative or controversial, should be known in routine practise, in order to offer a better multidisciplinary management, not only for short term, but also long term issues

   (356)    Bagis S, Tamer L, Sahin G, Bilgin R, Guler H, Ercan B et al. Free radicals and antioxidants in primary fibromyalgia: an oxidative stress disorder? Rheumatol Int 2005; 25(3):188-190.
Abstract: The role of free radicals in fibromyalgia is controversial. In this study, 85 female patients with primary fibromyalgia and 80 age-, height-, and weight-matched healthy women were evaluated for oxidant/antioxidant balance. Malondialdehyde is a toxic metabolite of lipid peroxidation used as a marker of free radical damage. Superoxide dismutase is an intracellular antioxidant enzyme and shows antioxidant capacity. Pain was assessed by visual analog scale. Tender points were assessed by palpation. Age, smoking, body mass index (BMI), and duration of disease were also recorded. Malondialdehyde levels were significantly higher and superoxide dismutase levels significantly lower in fibromyalgic patients than controls. Age, BMI, smoking, and duration of disease did not affect these parameters. We found no correlation between pain and number of tender points. In conclusion, oxidant/antioxidant balances were changed in fibromyalgia. Increased free radical levels may be responsible for the development of fibromyalgia. These findings may support the hypothesis of fibromyalgia as an oxidative disorder

   (357)    Baker K, Barkhuizen A. Pharmacologic treatment of fibromyalgia. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2005; 9(5):301-306.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia is a syndrome of widespread pain, nonrestorative sleep, disturbed mood, and fatigue. Optimal treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach with a team of health care providers using pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment. Because of the heterogeneity of the illness, management should be individualized for the patient. Pharmacologic treatment should address issues of pain control, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and any underlying coexisting mood disorder. Nonpharmacologic treatment should include patient education, a regular exercise and stretching program, and cognitive behavioral therapy. All of these are essential to improving functional capacity and quality of life. This review provides general guidelines in initiating a successful pharmacologic treatment program for patients with fibromyalgia

   (358)    Baldini M, Orsatti A, Cantalamessa L. Fibromyalgia symptoms after treatment for Cushing's syndrome. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2005; 23(4):552.

   (359)    Balon R. Reflections on relevance: Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics in 2004. Psychother Psychosom 2005; 74(1):3-9.
Abstract: Relevance of an article is a highly desirable yet hardly predictable quality at the time of its publication. Article relevance is frequently measured by the impact factor of the journal where the article is published. Furthermore, impact factor, citation index and citation analysis are used as a measure of research progress and scientific wealth of a nation. The wisdom and significance of this approach to relevance is debatable and thus discussed here. In 2004, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics published a variety of articles which, in the author's view, are clinically relevant. Several selected clinically relevant issues reviewed in this article include: the conceptualization of fibromyalgia as a stress disorder; the psychosocial impact and psychosocial interventions in cancer; the impact of alexithymia on patient care; the possible relationship between depression and nutrition (namely intake of folate and pyridoxal phosphate); the significance of hypercoagulability in panic-like anxiety; the questionable value of single isomer drugs, and the relevance and adequacy of clinimetrics versus psychometrics in clinical research. The reviewed issues seem to be relevant to clinical practice, research or both, but also to our critical thinking, and the critical review of the developments in psychiatry and psychology

   (360)    Baraniuk JN, Casado B, Maibach H, Clauw DJ, Pannell LK, Hess SS. A Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - related proteome in human cerebrospinal fluid. BMC Neurol 2005; 5:22.:22.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Persian Gulf War Illness (PGI), and fibromyalgia are overlapping symptom complexes without objective markers or known pathophysiology. Neurological dysfunction is common. We assessed cerebrospinal fluid to find proteins that were differentially expressed in this CFS-spectrum of illnesses compared to control subjects. METHODS: Cerebrospinal fluid specimens from 10 CFS, 10 PGI, and 10 control subjects (50 mul/subject) were pooled into one sample per group (cohort 1). Cohort 2 of 12 control and 9 CFS subjects had their fluids (200 mul/subject) assessed individually. After trypsin digestion, peptides were analyzed by capillary chromatography, quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry, peptide sequencing, bioinformatic protein identification, and statistical analysis. RESULTS: Pooled CFS and PGI samples shared 20 proteins that were not detectable in the pooled control sample (cohort 1 CFS-related proteome). Multilogistic regression analysis (GLM) of cohort 2 detected 10 proteins that were shared by CFS individuals and the cohort 1 CFS-related proteome, but were not detected in control samples. Detection of >or=1 of a select set of 5 CFS-related proteins predicted CFS status with 80% concordance (logistic model). The proteins were alpha-1-macroglobulin, amyloid precursor-like protein 1, keratin 16, orosomucoid 2 and pigment epithelium-derived factor. Overall, 62 of 115 proteins were newly described. CONCLUSION: This pilot study detected an identical set of central nervous system, innate immune and amyloidogenic proteins in cerebrospinal fluids from two independent cohorts of subjects with overlapping CFS, PGI and fibromyalgia. Although syndrome names and definitions were different, the proteome and presumed pathological mechanism(s) may be shared

   (361)    Bartecchi CE. Fibromyalgia and complementary and alternative medicine. Mayo Clin Proc 2005; 80(6):826-827.

   (362)    Beck CA, Patten SB, Williams JV, Wang JL, Currie SR, Maxwell CJ et al. Antidepressant utilization in Canada. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2005; 40(10):799-807.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Antidepressant utilization can be used as an indicator of appropriate treatment for major depression. The objective of this study was to characterize antidepressant utilization in Canada, including the relationships of antidepressant use with sociodemographic variables, past-year and lifetime depression, number of past depressive episodes, and other possible indications for antidepressants. METHOD: We examined data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) Cycle 1.2. The CCHS was a nationally representative mental health survey (N=36,984) conducted in 2002 that included a diagnostic instrument for past-year and lifetime major depressive episodes and other psychiatric disorders and a record of past-year antidepressant use. RESULTS: Overall, 5.8% of Canadians were taking antidepressants, higher than the annual prevalence of major depressive episode (4.8%) in the survey. Among persons with a past-year major depressive episode, the frequency of antidepressant use was 40.4%. After application of adjustments for probable successful outcomes of treatment, the estimated frequency of antidepressant use for major depression was more than 50%. Frequency of antidepressant treatment among those with a history of depression but without a past-year episode increased with the number of previous episodes. Among those taking antidepressants over the past year, only 33.1% had had a past-year episode of major depression. Migraine, fibromyalgia, anxiety disorder, or past depression was present in more than 60% of those taking antidepressants without a past-year episode of depression. CONCLUSIONS: The CCHS results suggest that antidepressant use has increased substantially since the early 1990s, and also that these medications are employed extensively for indications other than depression

   (363)    Bell IR, Brooks AJ, Baldwin CM, Fernandez M, Figueredo AJ, Witten ML. JP-8 jet fuel exposure and divided attention test performance in 1991 Gulf War veterans. Aviat Space Environ Med 2005; 76(12):1136-1144.
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Previous research indicates that a large cohort of veterans from the 1991 Gulf War report polysymptomatic conditions. These syndromes often involve neurocognitive complaints, fatigue, and musculoskeletal symptoms, thus overlapping with civilian illnesses from low levels of environmental chemicals, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia. METHODS: To test for time-dependent changes over repeated intermittent exposures, we evaluated objective performance on a computerized visual divided attention test in chronically unhealthy Gulf War veterans (n = 22 ill with low-level chemical intolerance (CI); n = 24 ill without CI), healthy Gulf War veterans (n = 23), and healthy Gulf War era veterans (n = 20). Testing was done before and after each of three weekly, double blind, low-level JP-8 jet fuel or clean air sham exposure laboratory sessions, including acoustic startle stimuli. RESULTS: Unhealthy veterans receiving jet fuel had faster mean peripheral reaction times over sessions compared with unhealthy veterans receiving sham clean air exposures. Unhealthy Gulf veterans with CI exhibited faster post- vs. pre-session mean central reaction times compared with unhealthy Gulf veterans without CI. Findings were controlled for psychological distress variables. DISCUSSION: These data on unhealthy Gulf veterans show an acceleration of divided attention task performance over the course of repeated low-level JP-8 exposures. The present faster reaction times are consistent with rat neurobehavioral studies on environmental toxicant cross-sensitization and nonlinear dose-response patterns with stimulant drugs, as well as some previous civilian studies using other exposure agents. Together with previous research findings, the data suggest involvement of central nervous system dopaminergic pathways in affected Gulf veterans

   (364)    Bellanti JA, Sabra A, Castro HJ, Chavez JR, Malka-Rais J, de Inocencio JM. Are attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and chronic fatigue syndrome allergy related? what is fibromyalgia? Allergy Asthma Proc 2005; 26(1):19-28.
Abstract: Despite the progress made in the field of allergy-immunology in recent years, there are a group of diseases that the allergist-immunologist may be called on to manage in which their precise etiologies have not been identified but that appear to be initiated or exacerbated by allergic mechanisms. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and fibromyalgia (FM) fall into this category of disorders. Although the precise etiology of ADHD still remains unknown, the most prevalent theory is that it represents a neurobiologically based developmental disability leading to inadequate production of the neurotransmitter dopamine. In patients with CFS, there appears to be a fundamental dysfunction of the neuroendocrine-immunological system with deficiencies of immunological and neurological function, which, together with chronic viral infection, may lead to a sequence of events responsible for the symptoms of this disorder. FM appears to be a variant of CFS with a predominance of hypothalamic pituitary axis dysfunction. The disorder is characterized by chronic widespread pain and the finding of 11/18 tender points on examination. Now, there is emerging evidence to suggest that adverse reactions to foods or food components also may be associated with behavioral disturbances that may play a role in each of these disorders. An understanding of the interactive responses involved in the neuroendocrine-immunological network is essential for a comprehension of the pathophysiology of ADHD, CFS, and FM and the role of allergies appears to be an important triggering event in each of the disorders

   (365)    Benbadis SR. A spell in the epilepsy clinic and a history of "chronic pain" or "fibromyalgia" independently predict a diagnosis of psychogenic seizures. Epilepsy Behav 2005; 6(2):264-265.
Abstract: The clinical suspicion for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) is based on multiple features obtained in the history. We reviewed the records of all patients evaluated over 5 years in a single epilepsy clinic for refractory seizures who eventually underwent EEG/video monitoring. We designated two groups: (1) patients with a diagnosis of "fibromyalgia" or "chronic pain" and (2) patients who had a seizure during the visit, either in the waiting area or in the examining room. Of 36 patients with "fibromyalgia" or "chronic pain," 27 (75%) were found to have PNES. Of 13 patients who had a "seizure" during their clinic visit, 10 (75%) were found to have PNES. We conclude that each of these findings has a predictive value of 75%

   (366)    Bennett R. The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ): a review of its development, current version, operating characteristics and uses. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2005; 23(5 Suppl 39):S154-S162.
Abstract: The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) was developed in the late 1980s by clinicians at Oregon Health & Science University in an attempt to capture the total spectrum of problems related to fibromyalgia and the responses to therapy. It was first published in 1991 and since that time has been extensively used as an index of therapeutic efficacy. Overall, it has been shown to have a credible construct validity, reliable test-retest characteristics and a good sensitivity in demonstrating therapeutic change. The original questionnaire was modified in 1997 and 2002, to reflect ongoing experience with the instrument and to clarify the scoring system. The latest version of the FIQ can be found at the web site of the Oregon Fibromyalgia Foundation (www.myalgia.com/FIQ/FIQ). The FIQ has now been translated into eight languages, and the translated versions have shown operating characteristics similar to the English version

   (367)    Bennett R. Fibromyalgia: present to future. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2005; 7(5):371-376.
Abstract: There has been a dramatic increase in our understanding of fibromyalgia throughout the past 14 years since the publication of the 1990 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria. Before 1990, and for most of the 20th century, fibromyalgia was considered to be predominantly a muscle disorder; now the critical abnormality is described as "central sensitization." However, central sensitization has to have an initial genesis and nociceptive stimuli from painful foci in muscle are increasingly recognized as being relevant to the development of fibromyalgia. Clinicians also recognize an association between the initiation of fibromyalgia and chronic psychologic stressors and inflammatory disorders. It has been more difficult to understand how two such apparently diverse events could affect central pain physiology. However, some clues are emerging from the role of diverse stimuli in activating glial cells and the role of disordered cytokine networks. Some predictions about future developments in fibromyalgia are ventured based on the current state of knowledge

   (368)    Bennett R. Growth hormone in musculoskeletal pain states. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2005; 9(5):331-338.
Abstract: Growth hormone is essential for normal linear growth and the attainment of an adult mature height. It also plays an important role in cartilage growth and the attainment of normal bone mass. There is only one rheumatic disorder, namely acromegaly, in which abnormalities of growth hormone production play a major etiologic role. However, there is increasing appreciation that suboptimal growth hormone secretion, leading to a state of adult growth hormone deficiency, may occur in the setting of chronic inflammatory disease, chronic corticosteroid use, and fibromyalgia. Therefore, the evaluation and effective management of growth hormone oversecretion and undersecretion is relevant to practicing rheumatologists

   (369)    Bennett RM, Schein J, Kosinski MR, Hewitt DJ, Jordan DM, Rosenthal NR. Impact of fibromyalgia pain on health-related quality of life before and after treatment with tramadol/acetaminophen. Arthritis Rheum 2005; 53(4):519-527.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with moderate-to-severe fibromyalgia pain compared with the general population, and to assess the relationship between pain severity and HRQOL before and after treatment with an analgesic. METHODS: Data were obtained from a randomized, double-blind study of patients with moderate-to-severe fibromyalgia pain. Patients received either tramadol/acetaminophen or placebo 4 times/day as needed for 91 days. HRQOL was measured with the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). Baseline HRQOL scores were compared with a national sample of noninstitutionalized adults and a sample of patients with impaired HRQOL due to congestive heart failure. Patients with fibromyalgia were divided into tertiles by change in pain severity, and SF-36 scores were compared across the tertiles. Mean changes in SF-36 and FIQ scores were compared between treatment groups. RESULTS: Patients with fibromyalgia scored lower than the US norm on all SF-36 scales (P < 0.0001) and lower than patients with congestive heart failure on most scales. More severe pain was associated with greater impairment of HRQOL compared with less severe pain (P < 0.0001). Patients in the highest tertile for improved pain severity had greater improvement in HRQOL scores than patients in the lower tertiles. Compared with patients who received placebo (n = 157), patients treated with tramadol/acetaminophen (n = 156) showed greater improvement on SF-36 physical functioning, role physical, bodily pain, and physical summary scales, as well as FIQ scales for ability to do job, pain, and stiffness (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Moderate-to-severe fibromyalgia pain significantly impairs HRQOL, and effective pain relief in these patients significantly increases HRQOL

   (370)    Bergman S. Psychosocial aspects of chronic widespread pain and fibromyalgia. Disabil Rehabil 2005; 27(12):675-683.
Abstract: PURPOSE: To study the impact on health status as measured by SF-36 in groups of subjects having chronic musculoskeletal pain with different degree of generalization: No chronic pain (NCP), chronic regional pain (CRP), chronic widespread pain (CWP), CWP with a stricter 'Manchester' definition (CWP-M), and clinically defined fibromyalgia (FM). The study also examines the association between psychosocial and lifestyle background variables, and these pain-groups. METHOD: A cross-sectional study with a postal survey to 3928 subjects, constituting a representative sample of the adult general population, followed by clinical examination in a selected group of subjects with CWP. CWP and FM were diagnosed according to ACR 1990 fibromyalgia criteria. Health status was measured by SF-36 Health Survey. RESULTS: Patients with CWP, CWP-M, and FM were found to present with more severe impairment of health status than the other two population groups. Several psychosocial factors, such as belonging to a lower socio-economic group, being an immigrant, living in a compromised housing area, having lower educational level, experiencing lower social support and having a family history of chronic pain, were associated with the populations with CWP and FM. CONCLUSIONS: The spectrum of impact on health and association to background variables, with respect to a stricter definition of CWP, indicates that these factors are important to attend to in the understanding and management of CWP and FM

   (371)    Berker E, Dincer N. [Chronic pain and rehabilitation]. Agri 2005; 17(2):10-16.
Abstract: The perception and interpretation of pain is the end point of an interaction of cognitive, cultural, and environmental factors and this complex interaction effects the pain response and quality of life of each person which shows that pain perception and the verbal and behavioral response shows variations and is specific for each patient. Chronic pain can be due to Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) and Neuropathic Pain (NP) where the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms are being revealed or it can be chronic low back pain (CLBP) where pain persists in spite of healing of tissue and no underlying pathologic mechanism can be defected. Central sensitization, inhibition of descending pain inhibitory systems, functional changes in autonomic nervous system amd neurotransmitter as well as changes in stress response system are factors contributing to the initiation and maintenance of pain and cognitive, behavioral factors are also important contributors in chronic pain. Biopsychosocial and biomedical mechanisms should be assessed in the rehabilitation interventions. The aims of rehabilitation in chronic pain are to increase activity tolerance, functional capacity and to decrease socio-economic loads. The targets of activity should be physical, functional and social. Psychologic based programs as cognitive-behavioral techniques and operant conditioning are also valid procedures in rehabilitation of chronic pain patients. Rehabilitation should be multidisciplinary and of long-term targeted to valid out-come for success

   (372)    Bernardy K, Kirsch A. [Fibromyalgia and facial expression]. Schmerz 2005; 19(3):177-4.
Abstract: QUESTION: Do female inpatients with fibromyalgia (FM) differ from healthy women in their nonverbal affective behavior? METHODS: The data culled from 15 interviews with female FM inpatients and 15 interviews with healthy women were analyzed and the analyses of facial expression were subsequently correlated with gaze behavior. RESULTS: FM patients exhibited neither a reduction of total activity of facial expression nor of absolute frequency of primary affects in comparison to healthy subjects who did (also in eye contact) however exhibit a significantly higher proportion of "genuine joy" and lower proportion of "contempt." CONCLUSION: The absence of reduced total activity of facial expression is in contrast to the elaborate descriptions of symptoms provided by the patients, but detailed analyses show that elements which stabilize relationships are lacking and that dissociative elements are implanted in the interactions

   (373)    Bernatsky S, Dobkin PL, De CM, Penrod JR. Co-morbidity and physician use in fibromyalgia. Swiss Med Wkly 2005; 135(5-6):76-81.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To describe comorbidity in women with FM, and to examine the effects of different types of comorbidity on physician use. METHODS: Women (n = 180) with primary FM were evaluated at baseline and 6 months later for self-reported health resource use and covariates. Reported comorbidity was classified into 4 categories: medical, psychiatric, "functional", and unknown. The category for "functional" conditions included disorders that have been classified by previous authors as medically unexplained symptoms such as the irritable bowel and chronic fatigue syndromes. Logistic regression models were developed to examine associations between types of comorbidity and physician use. RESULTS: Comorbid conditions were reported by over 90% of the sample. Total number of comorbid complaints was associated with high number of physician visits. In logistic regression models (controlling for age, ethnicity, education, disability, pain, and psychological vulnerability) medical comorbidity was a much stronger determinant of high number of physician visits than was "functional" comorbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Comorbidity with other disorders, both functional and medical, was high in this sample. Medical and psychiatric comorbidity were stronger determinants of high physician use than "functional" comorbidity

   (374)    Bingol U, Altan L, Yurtkuran M. Low-power laser treatment for shoulder pain. Photomed Laser Surg 2005; 23(5):459-464.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of low-power gallium-arsenide laser treatment on the patients with shoulder pain. BACKGROUND DATA: Low-energy laser therapy has recently been popularized in the treatment of various rheumatologic, neurologic, and musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff tendinitis, and chronic back pain syndromes. METHODS: A total of 40 patients who applied to our clinic with shoulder pain and complied with the selection criteria were included in the study. The patients were randomly assigned into Group I (n = 20, laser treatment) and Group II (n = 20, control). In Group I, patients were given laser treatment and an exercise protocol for 10 sessions during a period of 2 weeks. Laser was applied over tuberculum majus and minus, bicipital groove, and anterior and posterior faces of the capsule, regardless of the existence of sensitivity, for 1 min at each location at each session with a frequency of 2000 Hz using a GaAs diode laser instrument (Roland Serie Elettronica Pagani, wavelength 904 nm, frequency range of 5-7000 Hz, and maximum peak power of 27 W, 50 W, or 27 x 4 W). In Group II, placebo laser and the same exercise protocol was given for the same period. Patients were evaluated according to the parameters of pain, palpation sensitivity, algometric sensitivity, and shoulder joint range of motion before and after treatment. RESULTS: Analysis of measurement results within each group showed a significant posttreatment improvement for some active and passive movements in both groups, and also for algometric sensitivity in Group I (p < 0.05-0.01). Posttreatment palpation sensitivity values showed improvement in 17 patients (85%) for Group I and six patients (30%) for Group II. Comparison between two groups showed superior results (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) in Group I for the parameters of passive extension and palpation sensitivity but no significant difference for other parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study have shown better results in palpation sensitivity and passive extension, but no significant improvement in pain, active range, and algometric sensitivity in laser treatment group compared to the control group in the patients with shoulder pain

   (375)    Blanco LE, de Serres FJ, Fernandez-Bustillo E, Kassam DA, Arbesu D, Rodriguez C et al. alpha1-Antitrypsin and fibromyalgia: new data in favour of the inflammatory hypothesis of fibromyalgia. Med Hypotheses 2005; 64(4):759-769.
Abstract: alpha1-Antitrypsin (AAT) circulates in high serum concentrations, and impregnates most body tissues. AAT has a broad anti-inflammatory spectrum, and modulates most inflammatory reactions occurring in human body. Recently, a possible relationship between AAT deficiency (AAT-D) and fibromyalgia (FM) has been raised, with the finding that intravenous infusions of purified human AAT efficiently controlled FM symptoms in two patients with severe hereditary AAT-D. On the other hand, functional magnetic resonance imaging has detected a significant greater activity in pain sensitive areas of the brain in patients with FM, in response to cutaneous stimuli, providing further evidence for a physiological explanation for FM pain. In recent studies abnormal profiles of inflammation markers in serum and biopsies have been found in FM patients. Since most of these inflammation mediators can be inhibited by AAT, these observations would suggest that at least a subset of the FM syndrome could be related to an inflammatory process, possibly due to an imbalance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory substances, in the soft body tissues. Future directions of research would be: (1) to develop epidemiological studies to determine the gene frequency of AAT deficiency alleles in FM patients; (2) implementation of a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial to determine the specific role of AAT augmentation therapy in AAT-D patients with FM; (3) identification of specific laboratory markers for diagnostic and clinical evaluation purposes in FM; (4) application of the newest medical imaging techniques for diagnosis; and (5) identification of genetic, familial, and environmental risk factors suspected to participate in the FM syndrome development

   (376)    Blotman F, Thomas E, Myon E, Andre E, Caubere JP, Taieb C. Awareness and knowledge of fibromyalgia among French rheumatologists and general practitioners. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2005; 23(5):697-700.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue. Its prevalence is estimated to be at 3.4% in women and 0.5% in men. It is a major cause of morbidity. Our objective was to evaluate, using a self-questionnaire sent by mail, the level of knowledge of French physicians, general practitioners, and rheumatologists on fibromyalgia and to analyse their therapeutic approach. METHODS: The demographic characteristics of a sample of general practitioners and rheumatologists were compared to those of the overall data available. This comparison demonstrated the good representativeness of our sample. RESULTS: Fibromyalgia was considered as a disease by 23% of rheumatologists and 33% of general practitioners. While on average, each rheumatologist followed 30 fibromyalgia patients, each general practitioner followed 6.1 patients (i.e., 2 to 5% of their practice's patient base). Among rheumatologists, 6.4% made no distinction between this disease and depression vs. 13.1% of general practitioners. The diagnosis of fibromyalgia was made based on tenderness that occurs in precise, localized areas of the body (trigger points) by 94% of rheumatologists and 79.1% of general practitioners. Of general practitioners and rheumatologists, 93.7% and 73.7% respectively, have not received any medical school training on fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome. CONCLUSION: Given the lack of medical school training and continuing professional education concerning fibromyalgia (rare use of pain rating scales, confusion in the classification of rheumatic diseases), there is an urgent need to initiate an explicit teaching effort on chronic pain, and on fibromyalgia in particular

   (377)    Bomholt SF, Mikkelsen JD, Blackburn-Munro G. Normal hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis function in a rat model of peripheral neuropathic pain. Brain Res 2005; 1044(2):216-226.
Abstract: Chronic pain conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia are associated with profound hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction which may exacerbate symptoms of chronic pain. HPA axis dysfunction has also been well documented in animal models of chronic inflammatory pain. However, the role of the HPA axis in animal models of neuropathic pain is currently unknown. Rats with a chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve that developed marked mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia of the injured hindpaw were used to determine basal and stimulatory levels of HPA axis activity. Plasma ACTH and corticosterone levels were increased significantly (P < 0.05) in CCI rats after 20 min restraint stress compared with baseline; however, the magnitude of the increase was no different from sham rats. Furthermore, the temporal profile of ACTH release over the 60 min period after termination of restraint was similar between CCI and sham rats suggesting normal glucocorticoid-mediated feedback. Restraint stress also significantly increased (P < 0.05) expression of the immediate early genes c-Fos and FosB within the hypothalamic PVN to a similar extent in CCI and sham rats. Within the parvocellular PVN basal expression of both CRF and AVP mRNA was no different between CCI and sham rats; restraint stress induced a significant 2.5 fold increase (P < 0.05) in CRF mRNA expression in sham rats only. These results suggest that, in contrast to inflammatory immune-mediated pain models where HPA axis function is profoundly altered, in the CCI model of neuropathic pain, basal HPA axis function is unchanged. Furthermore, the HPA axis responds normally to a novel stressor in the face of ongoing nociceptive input, a stimulus known to activate the HPA axis

   (378)    Boonen A, van den HR, van TA, Goossens M, Severens JL, van der HD et al. Large differences in cost of illness and wellbeing between patients with fibromyalgia, chronic low back pain, or ankylosing spondylitis. Ann Rheum Dis 2005; 64(3):396-402.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To compare the cost of illness of three musculoskeletal conditions in relation to general wellbeing. METHODS: Patients with fibromyalgia, chronic low back pain (CLBP), and ankylosing spondylitis who were referred to a specialist and participated in three randomised trials completed a cost diary for the duration of the study, comprising direct medical and non-medical resource utilisation and inability to perform paid and unpaid work. Patients rated perceived wellbeing (0-100) at baseline. Univariate differences in costs between the groups were estimated by bootstrapping. Regression analyses assessed which variables, in addition to the condition, contributed to costs and wellbeing. RESULTS: 70 patients with fibromyalgia, 110 with chronic low back pain, and 111 with ankylosing spondylitis provided data for the cost analyses. Average annual disease related total societal costs per patient were 7813 euro for fibromyalgia, 8533 euro for CLBP, and 3205 euro for ankylosing spondylitis. Total costs were higher for fibromyalgia and CLBP than for ankylosing spondylitis, mainly because of cost of formal and informal care, aids and adaptations, and work days lost. Wellbeing was lower in fibromyalgia (mean, 48) and low back pain (mean, 42) than in ankylosing spondylitis (mean, 67). No variables other than diagnostic group contributed to differences in costs or wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS: In patients under the care of a specialist, there were marked differences in costs and wellbeing between those with fibromyalgia or CLBP and those with ankylosing spondylitis. In particular, direct non-medical costs and productivity costs were higher in fibromyalgia and CLBP

   (379)    Bracha HS, Ralston TC, Williams AE, Yamashita JM, Bracha AS. The clenching-grinding spectrum and fear circuitry disorders: clinical insights from the neuroscience/paleoanthropology interface. CNS Spectr 2005; 10(4):311-318.
Abstract: This review discusses the clenching-grinding spectrum from the neuropsychiatric/neuroevolutionary perspective. In neuropsychiatry, signs of jaw clenching may be a useful objective marker for detecting or substantiating a self-report of current subjective emotional distress. Similarly, accelerated tooth wear may be an objective clinical sign for detecting, or substantiating, long-lasting anxiety. Clenching-grinding behaviors affect at least 8 percent of the population. We argue that during the early paleolithic environment of evolutionary adaptedness, jaw clenching was an adaptive trait because it rapidly strengthened the masseter and temporalis muscles, enabling a stronger, deeper and therefore more lethal bite in expectation of conflict (warfare) with conspecifics. Similarly, sharper incisors produced by teeth grinding may have served as weaponry during early human combat. We posit that alleles predisposing to fear-induced clenching-grinding were evolutionarily conserved in the human clade (lineage) since they remained adaptive for anatomically and mitochondrially modern humans (Homo sapiens) well into the mid-paleolithic. Clenching-grinding, sleep bruxism, myofacial pain, craniomaxillofacial musculoskeletal pain, temporomandibular disorders, oro-facial pain, and the fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue spectrum disorders are linked. A 2003 Cochrane meta-analysis concluded that dental procedures for the above spectrum disorders are not evidence based. There is a need for early detection of clenching-grinding in anxiety disorder clinics and for research into science-based interventions. Finally, research needs to examine the possible utility of incorporating physical signs into Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition posttraumatic stress disorder diagnostic criteria. One of the diagnostic criterion that may need to undergo a revision in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition is Criterion D (persistent fear-circuitry activation not present before the trauma). Grinding-induced incisor wear, and clenching-induced palpable masseter tenderness may be examples of such objective physical signs of persistent fear-circuitry activation (posttraumatic stress disorder Criterion D)

   (380)    Bradley LA. Psychiatric comorbidity in fibromyalgia. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2005; 9(2):79-86.
Abstract: This review examines the current literature regarding psychiatric comorbidities associated with fibromyalgia. The aim of this review is to enhance understanding of psychiatric disorders that, alone or in combination with other physiologic (eg, neuroendocrine dysfunction) and psychosocial factors (eg, poor coping skills), may contribute to abnormal pain sensitivity and other illness behaviors of individuals with fibromyalgia. The review first identifies the psychiatric comorbidities that are associated most often with fibromyalgia and tend to aggregate within families of individuals with this disorder. It then examines the literature regarding the extent to which psychiatric illness, environmental stressors, or other psychosocial factors may contribute to the development of fibromyalgia. The review also presents recent findings concerning the extent to which psychosocial factors may contribute to treatment-related outcomes in pain and other health status variables among patients with fibromyalgia

   (381)    Breuer GS, Orbach H, Elkayam O, Berkun Y, Paran D, Mates M et al. Perceived efficacy among patients of various methods of complementary alternative medicine for rheumatologic diseases. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2005; 23(5):693-696.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this cross-sectional survey was to obtain and analyze data on self-perceived efficacy of different types of complementary alternative medicine (CAM) by patients with various rheumatologic conditions. METHODS: Patients followed in rheumatology outpatient clinics were screened for the use of CAM. Patients reporting the use of CAM were asked to participate in face-to-face structured interviews, specifying the various CAM types they used, and grading their subjective impression of efficacy of each CAM type on a scale of 1-10. RESULTS: 350 consecutive patients were screened and 148 reported using CAM. In general, homeopathy and acupuncture were the most commonly used CAM types (44% and 41% of the CAM users, respectively). The mean number of different CAM methods used by a CAM user was 1.9 +/- 1.1. Patients with fibromyalgia used significantly more CAM methods (2.7 +/- 1.4, p = 0.005). On patients' self-perceived efficacy scale of 1-10, the mean score of the whole group was 5.3 +/- 3.2. Acupuncture and homeopathy achieved significantly higher self-perceived efficacy scores in CAM users with spondylo-arthropathies and osteoarthritis, respectively, when compared to some of the other disease groups. Satisfaction was lowest among CAM users with rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis and connective tissue diseases. CONCLUSION: In general, CAM users were less than moderately satisfied with self-perceived-efficacy of CAM therapies. However efficacy of specific CAM methods differed significantly among patients in different disease groups

   (382)    Broderick JE, Junghaenel DU, Schwartz JE. Written emotional expression produces health benefits in fibromyalgia patients. Psychosom Med 2005; 67(2):326-334.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Written expression of traumatic experiences, an intervention found to have health benefits in rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and breast cancer, was tested in a randomized, controlled trial with female fibromyalgia patients. It was hypothesized that relative to controls, patients engaging in the writing intervention would experience improved status on psychological well-being and physical health variables. METHODS: Patients (N = 92) were randomized into a trauma writing group, a control writing group, or usual care control group. The two writing groups wrote in the laboratory for 20 minutes on 3 days at 1-week intervals. Psychological well-being, pain, and fatigue were the primary outcome variables. Assessments were made at pretreatment, posttreatment, 4-month follow-up, and 10-month follow-up. RESULTS: The trauma writing group experienced significant reductions in pain (effect size [ES] = 0.49) and fatigue (ES = 0.62) and better psychological well-being (ES = 0.47) at the 4-month follow-up relative to the control groups. Benefits were not maintained at the 10-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Fibromyalgia patients experienced short-term benefits in psychological and health variables through emotional expression of personal traumatic experiences

   (383)    Bruckle W, Zeidler H. [Fibromyalgia--an update]. Internist (Berl) 2005; 46(11):1188-1197.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia is a common syndrome of unknown etiology characterized by chronic widespread pain and poly-symptomatic autonomic disturbances and often mental features. The American College of Rheumatology's classification criteria define fibromyalgia by widespread pain and 11 of 18 tender points. Fibromyalgia is a diagnosis of exclusion as long as stand none laboratory or technical tests. The major role in pathogenesis appears to be central and involves the subcortical pain modulation, psychical stress especially in early childhood, endocrinological and genetic factors. There is no evidence of abnormalities in muscle and tendon. The goal of therapy in fibromyalgia is pain, reduced physical function and sleep disturbance. Actual evidence of effects of pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions are summarized. Tricyclic agents, aerobic exercises, patient education and combined therapies can reduce effectively symptoms and disability

   (384)    Buesing AR. A conservative, cost-effective approach to fibromyalgia. JAAPA 2005; 18(9):32-37.

   (385)    Burckhardt CS. Educating patients: self-management approaches. Disabil Rehabil 2005; 27(12):703-709.
Abstract: PURPOSE: To review and evaluate approaches to educating patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). METHODS: A narrative literature review was undertaken to summarize the published literature on patient education for FMS patients. RESULTS: A number of studies contain specific education strategies while others are combined with exercise or movement therapies or cognitive-behavioural therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Self-efficacy provides an effective theoretical model from which to understand how patients change as a result of education strategies that focus on self-management. Programmes that combine education with cognitive-behavioural techniques and exercise are most effective in enhancing self-efficacy and decreasing symptoms of FMS

   (386)    Burckhardt CS, Jones KD. Effects of chronic widespread pain on the health status and quality of life of women after breast cancer surgery. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2005; 3:30.:30.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Most research and treatment of post-breast cancer chronic pain has focused on local or regional pain problems in the operated area. The purpose of this pilot study was to compare and contrast the pain characteristics, symptom impact, health status, and quality of life of post-breast cancer surgery women with regional chronic pain versus those with widespread chronic pain. METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive design compared two groups of women with chronic pain that began after surgery: regional pain (n = 11) and widespread pain (n = 12). Demographics, characteristics of the surgery, as well as standardized questionnaires that measured pain (Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ-SF)), disease impact (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B)), health status (Medical Outcomes Short Form (SF-36)) and quality of life (Quality of Life Scale (QOLS)) were gathered. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups on any demographic or type of surgery variable. A majority of both groups described their pain as aching, tender, and sharp on the MPQ-SF. On the BPI, intensity of pain and pain interference were significantly higher in the widespread pain group. Differences between the two groups reached statistical significance on the FIQ total score as well as the FACT-B physical well-being, emotional well-being and breast concerns subscales. The SF-36 physical function, physical role, and body pain subscales were significantly lower in the widespread pain group. QOLS scores were lower in the widespread pain group, but did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: This preliminary work suggests that the women in this study who experienced widespread pain after breast cancer surgery had significantly more severity of pain, pain impact and lower physical health status than those with regional pain

   (387)    Burwinkle T, Robinson JP, Turk DC. Fear of movement: factor structure of the tampa scale of kinesiophobia in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. J Pain 2005; 6(6):384-391.
Abstract: Chronic pain patients often report fears that movement will exacerbate their symptoms. The Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) was designed to assess fear of movement. Previous findings with the TSK showed inconsistent factor structures and varied measurement properties. The TSK was completed by a sample of 233 patients with fibromyalgia syndrome who were being evaluated for participation in a rehabilitation program. A principal components analysis initially derived a 5-factor solution. However, the factor structure accounted for less than 50% of the variance, and the internal consistency of the factors was below conventional standards (<0.70). A series of principal components analyses "forcing" different factor structures revealed that the best solution was a single factor solution that contained 4 of the original 17 TSK items, accounting for more than 50% of the variance with adequate internal consistency (alpha =0.71). Inspection of the content of these 4 items, however, suggests that this factor more likely represents catastrophic thinking, rather than fear of movement. Nevertheless, for patients with fibromyalgia syndrome, a 4-item TSK appears to retain the most acceptable factor solution while also maintaining adequate internal consistency. PERSPECTIVE: Although the TSK is one of the most commonly used measures of fear of movement, the present study using the TSK with a sample of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome suggests that the measurement properties of the TSK are problematic. Recommendations for use of the TSK are provided

   (388)    Buskila D, Neumann L. Genetics of fibromyalgia. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2005; 9(5):313-315.
Abstract: The pathogenesis of fibromyalgia (FM) and related conditions is not entirely understood. Recent evidence suggests that these syndromes may share heritable pathophysiologic features. Familial studies suggest that genetic and familial factors may play a role in the etiopathogenesis of these conditions. There is evidence that polymorphisms of genes in the serotoninergic and catecholaminergic systems are linked to the pathophysiology of FM and related conditions and are associated with personality traits. The precise role of genetic factors in the etiopathology of FM remains unknown, but it is likely that several genes are operating together to initiate this syndrome. Larger longitudinal studies are needed to better clarify the role of genetics in the development of FM

   (389)    Buskila D, Neumann L, Press J. Genetic factors in neuromuscular pain. CNS Spectr 2005; 10(4):281-284.
Abstract: Recent evidence suggests that fibromyalgia, a chronic widespread pain condition and related syndromes (chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, etc.) may share heritable pathophysiologic features. We review the recent literature on genetic and familial factors found to participate in the pathogenesis of these syndromes, specifically fibromyalgia, including evidence suggesting that serotonin- and dopamine-related genes may play a role in the pathogenesis of these illnesses. The importance of environmental factors triggering these conditions in predisposed individuals is also discussed

   (390)    Cairns BE, Svensson P. Dietary glutamate and fibromyalgia. J Rheumatol 2005; 32(2):392-393.

   (391)    Cairns V, Godwin J. Post-Lyme borreliosis syndrome: a meta-analysis of reported symptoms. Int J Epidemiol 2005; 34(6):1340-1345.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: This meta-analysis compares the prevalence of fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and neurocognitive difficulties in patients who have had Lyme borreliosis (LB) and control subjects without LB. METHODS: Titles and abstracts in PubMed were reviewed for studies with data on the symptoms listed above that compared patients who had had LB with controls from the general population. Five studies with 504 patients and 530 controls were included in the meta-analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of symptoms was significantly higher in the LB patients, with P-values between <0.00001 and 0.007 for 8 of the 10 symptoms in the three categories listed above. The higher prevalence of certain neurocognitive symptoms but not others, in the same pattern as reported in the literature, is further confirmation of this syndrome. The pattern of symptoms appears to be different from that seen in fibromyalgia, depression, and chronic fatigue syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis provides strong evidence that some patients with LB have fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and neurocognitive difficulties that may last for years despite antibiotic treatment

   (392)    Carbonell-Abello J. [Fibromyalgia]. Med Clin (Barc ) 2005; 125(20):778-779.

   (393)    Caro XJ, Winter E. Nerve conduction tests in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. Rheumatol Int 2005; 25(1):77-78.

   (394)    Casado B, Zanone C, Annovazzi L, Iadarola P, Whalen G, Baraniuk JN. Urinary electrophoretic profiles from chronic fatigue syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome/fibromyalgia patients: a pilot study for achieving their normalization. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2005; 814(1):43-51.
Abstract: Aim of our study was to determine if there were distinct, disease-related patterns of urinary analytes in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and chronic fatigue syndrome/fibromyalgia (CFS/FM) compared to normal controls (NC). Urine was collected from these subjects for two consecutive 24 h periods and aliquots were submitted to micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC). To compensate for the differences in peak migration times, these were normalized from the 35 min duration of run to a 100-point scale, and each peak was assigned its normalized time measure. Peak heights were also normalized by dividing the mAU by that of the internal standard (creatinine) and multiplying by 100. MEKC with normalization for peak height and migration time generated comparable results within each of the patient groups. CFS/FM and CFS had significant differences in peaks compared to NC that may be of significance as biomarkers of illnesses

   (395)    Castro I, Barrantes F, Tuna M, Cabrera G, Garcia C, Recinos M et al. Prevalence of abuse in fibromyalgia and other rheumatic disorders at a specialized clinic in rheumatic diseases in Guatemala City. J Clin Rheumatol 2005; 11(3):140-145.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The importance of past adverse experiences is increasingly recognized in patients with rheumatic disease. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to study the association of physical, verbal, and sexual abuse in patients with rheumatic disorders as compared with healthy volunteers. METHODS: In this case-control study, 500 new patients attending an outpatient rheumatic clinic were interviewed from September 1, 1999, to August 31, 2001. A total of 187 patients with 3 diagnoses were selected: 58 had fibromyalgia (FM), 74 rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and 55 patients with soft tissue rheumatic disease (STRD). All selected patients were asked to complete a questionnaire designed to obtain information regarding demographics and history of verbal, physical, and sexual abuse. A group of 187 healthy control subjects were also included, matched for sex and age. RESULTS: The prevalence of abuse was significantly more common in the rheumatic disease group than in the control group (48.1% versus 15%, P < 0.001). The prevalence of abuse among the groups was as follows: 70.7% of patients with FM reported abuse (24.3% verbal, 60.9% physical, and 14.8% sexual), 35.1% of patients with RA had a history of abuse (42.3% verbal, 30.7% physical, and 0% sexual), whereas 41.8% of patients with STRD reported abuse (43.4% verbal, 43.4% physical, and 0% sexual). When comparing the 3 groups, patients with FM showed a higher prevalence of abuse (P < 0.05). The abuse was usually longstanding (range, 1-10 years), and most abusers were close family members. CONCLUSION: Abuse, both physical and psychologic, was significantly increased in our rheumatic disease population, especially in patients with FM. Further studies are needed to fully establish its role. Questions about abuse may provide important information relative to care of our patients

   (396)    Cheng XF, Tan J, Tan KL. [Clinical analysis of six cases with juvenile primary fibromyalgia syndrome]. Zhonghua Er Ke Za Zhi 2005; 43(11):863-865.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical features of juvenile primary fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and to evaluate outcome after treatment. METHODS: Six patients with juvenile primary FMS were registered in department of rheumatology and their clinical data were assessed, including degree of pain (visual analog scale, VAS), fatigue, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, arthrodynia, subjective joint swelling, abdominal pain, irritable bowel symptoms, urinary urgency, dysmenorrhea, morning stiffness, paresthesias, illness changes with weather, feeling worse with exercise, laboratory examination and outcome of treatment. RESULTS: Abdominal pain was the first symptom in 5 of the cases with juvenile primary FMS, diffuse aching and left knee pain were the first symptoms in one patient. All the 6 patients were misdiagnosed prior to their rheumatological evaluation. Diffuse aching, fatigue, sleep disturbances, illness changes with weather and feeling worse with exercise existed in all the 6 patients (100%), the mean pain score was 8.8 and the mean initial tender points (TP) count was 13.7. Arthrodynia, subjective joint swelling, abdominal pain, irritable bowel symptoms and urinary urgency existed in 5 of the 6 patients (83%). Dysmenorrhea existed in 4 (67%), depression in 3 (50%), morning stiffness in 2 (33%), paresthesias in 2 (33%) and anxiety in 2 (33%), respectively. The results of laboratory examination were normal and the outcomes of treatment were good. CONCLUSION: Juvenile primary FMS may not be a rare disease and the clinicians should pay more attention to it for avoiding misdiagnosis

   (397)    Chiowchanwisawakit P, Koolvisoot A, Ratanasuwan W, Suwanagool S. Prevalence of rheumatic disease in HIV infected Thai patients. J Med Assoc Thai 2005; 88(12):1775-1781.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of rheumatic diseases in HIV-infected patients at Siriraj Hospital, Thailand. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 178 patients who attended the HIV-Clinic at Siriraj Hospital between November 2002 and February 2003 were examined for the presence of rheumatic diseases. Diagnosis of HIV infection was performed by ELISA and confirmed by partial agglutination testing. HIV-infected patients were classified according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 1993 revised classification system. Standard criteria were used to classify the rheumatic diseases. RESULTS: 98 patients had rheumatic diseases. Seventy-seven patients were treated with antiretroviral drugs. Forty-nine patients had mechanical low back pain, twenty-four patients had arthralgia, nineteen patients had plantar fasciitis, eighteen patients had nonspecific myalgia, thirteen patients had fibromyalgia, and eleven patients had others. Arthralgia was associated significantly with Quadricept muscle wasting (p = 0.00001). Nonspecific myalgia was more likely to be associated with female (p = 0. 018) and less likely with use of antiretroviral therapy (p = 0.031). CONCLUSION: Rheumatic diseases were commonly found in HIV-infected patients. Arthralgia associated with wasting Quadricep muscle. Nonspecific myalgia was predominant in female and without antiretroviral drug treatment

   (398)    Ciccone DS, Elliott DK, Chandler HK, Nayak S, Raphael KG. Sexual and physical abuse in women with fibromyalgia syndrome: a test of the trauma hypothesis. Clin J Pain 2005; 21(5):378-386.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: According to the trauma hypothesis, women with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) are more likely to report a history of sexual and/or physical abuse than women without FMS. In this study, we rely on a community sample to test this hypothesis and the related prediction that women with FMS are more likely to have posttraumatic stress disorder than women without FMS. METHODS: Eligibility for the present study was limited to an existing community sample in which FMS and major depressive disorder were prevalent. The unique composition of the original sample allowed us to recruit women with and without FMS from the community. A total of 52 female participants were enrolled in the present FMS group and 53 in the control (no FMS) group. Sexual and physical abuse were assessed retrospectively using a standardized telephone interview. RESULTS: Except for rape, sexual and physical abuse were reported equally often by women in the FMS and control groups. Women who reported rape were 3.1 times more likely to have FMS than women who did not report rape (P<0.05). There was no evidence of increased childhood abuse in the FMS group. Women with FMS were more likely to have posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (intrusive thoughts and arousal) as well as posttraumatic stress disorder diagnosis (P<0.01). DISCUSSION: With the exception of rape, no self-reported sexual or physical abuse event was associated with FMS in this community sample. In accord with the trauma hypothesis, however, posttraumatic stress disorder was more prevalent in the FMS group. Chronic stress in the form of posttraumatic stress disorder but not major depressive disorder may mediate the relationship between rape and FMS

   (399)    Cimbiz A, Bayazit V, Hallaceli H, Cavlak U. The effect of combined therapy (spa and physical therapy) on pain in various chronic diseases. Complement Ther Med 2005; 13(4):244-250.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Spa therapy is commonly used in the treatment of daily chronic diseases practice, but its benefits are still the subjects of discussion. This study investigates possible effects of a combined spa and physical therapy program on pain and hemodynamic responses in various chronic diseases. METHODS: The pain intensity and hemodynamic responses of 472 patients involved in a spa and physical therapy program were studied retrospectively. Assessment criteria were pain [Visual Analog Scale (VAS)] and hemodynamic responses (heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate). Assessments took place before, immediately after treatment, and after completion of the spa program (before discharge). RESULTS: The patients with ankle arthrosis, fibromyalgia and cervical disc herniation reported the highest VAS score before treatment program (P < 0.05). After the therapy program, VAS scores were seen to decrease compared to before treatment (P < 0.05). The patients with osteoarthritis of the hip (1.3+/-1.2) and soft tissue rheumatism (1.3+/-1.2) had the lowest VAS score before discharge compared to patients with other pathologies (P < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were detected between both sexes in terms of pain improvement (P > 0.05). On discharge, all hemodynamic responses decreased significantly compared to before and immediately after initiation of the therapy program (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: To decrease pain and high blood pressure without hemodynamic risk, a combined of spa and physical therapy program may help to decrease pain and improve hemodynamic response in patients with irreversible pathologies

   (400)    Clauw DJ. Does acupuncture help reduce pain in patients with fibromyalgia? Nat Clin Pract Rheumatol 2005; 1(2):76-77.

   (401)    Cook DB, Nagelkirk PR, Peckerman A, Poluri A, Mores J, Natelson BH. Exercise and cognitive performance in chronic fatigue syndrome. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2005; 37(9):1460-1467.
Abstract: PURPOSE: To determine the effect of submaximal steady-state exercise on cognitive performance in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) alone, CFS with comorbid fibromyalgia FM (CFS + FM), and sedentary healthy controls (CON). METHODS: Twenty CFS-only patients, 19 CFS + FM, and 26 CON completed a battery of cognitive tests designed to assess speed of information processing, variability, and efficiency. Tests were performed at baseline, immediately before, and twice following 25 min of either cycle ergometry set at 40% of peak oxygen capacity or quiet rest. RESULTS: There were no group differences in average percentage of peak oxygen consumption during exercise (CFS = 45%; CFS + FM = 47%; Control = 43%: P = 0.2). There were no significant effects of acute exercise on cognitive performance for any group. At baseline, one-way ANOVA indicated that CFS patients displayed deficits in speed of processing, performance variability, and task efficiency during several cognitive tests compared with healthy controls. However, the CFS + FM patients were not different than controls. Repeated measures ANOVA indicated that across all tests (pre- and postexercise) CFS, but not CFS + FM, were significantly less consistent (F2,59 = 3.7, P = 0.03) and less efficient (F2,59 = 4.6, P = 0.01) than controls. CONCLUSION: CFS patients without comorbid FM exhibit subtle cognitive deficits in terms of speed, consistency, and efficiency that are not improved or exacerbated by light exercise. Importantly, our data suggest that CFS + FM patients do not exhibit cognitive deficits either pre- or postexercise. These results highlight the importance of disease heterogeneity in studies determining acute exercise and cognitive function in CFS

   (402)    Costa DD, Bernatsky S, Dritsa M, Clarke AE, Dasgupta K, Keshani A et al. Determinants of sleep quality in women with systemic lupus erythematosus. Arthritis Rheum 2005; 53(2):272-278.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To characterize sleep complaints in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to identify correlates of sleep quality. METHODS: Sleep quality in 100 women with SLE was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Participants completed standardized questionnaires assessing depressed mood, leisure time physical activity, functional disability, and pain severity. A clinical examination determined disease activity, cumulative damage, and whether patients fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology criteria for fibromyalgia. A series of hierarchical multiple regressions were computed. RESULTS: The mean +/- SD global PSQI score was 6.98 +/- 4.03, with moderate to severe sleep impairment reported by 56% of the sample. The first model testing the importance of demographic factors was not statistically significant. In the disease-related model, the use of prednisone and functional disability both contributed to poor sleep quality (P < 0.001). The addition of level of exercise participation to the demographic set significantly added to the model (P = 0.001). Depression significantly added to the demographic set, explaining 29% of the variance (P < 0.0001). When these variables, along with disease related variables, were simultaneously regressed on the PSQI Global Score, only depressed mood appeared as a significant independent determinant of global sleep quality (P < 0.001). However, the point estimates for the Beta coefficients were consistent with effects for lack of exercise and prednisone use. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of women with SLE suffer from poor sleep quality. The findings suggest that depressed mood, prednisone use, and lack of exercise contribute to decreased overall sleep quality

   (403)    Crofford LJ. The relationship of fibromyalgia to neuropathic pain syndromes. J Rheumatol Suppl 2005; 75:41-5.:41-45.
Abstract: The appropriateness and utility of considering fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) and other syndromes without anatomically localized pathology of the nervous system as neuropathic pain syndromes is uncertain. In this afterword, a synthesis of the information presented in these proceedings and opinion as to how FM relates to classical neuropathic pain syndromes is provided

   (404)    Crofford LJ, Rowbotham MC, Mease PJ, Russell IJ, Dworkin RH, Corbin AE et al. Pregabalin for the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome: results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Arthritis Rheum 2005; 52(4):1264-1273.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and lowered pain threshold. Other prominent symptoms include disordered sleep and fatigue. FMS affects an estimated 2% of the population, predominantly women. This trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pregabalin, a novel alpha(2)-delta ligand, for treatment of symptoms associated with FMS. METHODS: This multicenter, double-blind, 8-week, randomized clinical trial compared the effects of placebo with those of 150, 300, and 450 mg/day pregabalin on pain, sleep, fatigue, and health-related quality of life in 529 patients with FMS. The primary outcome variable was the comparison of end point mean pain scores, derived from daily diary ratings of pain intensity, between each of the pregabalin treatment groups and the placebo group. RESULTS: Pregabalin at 450 mg/day significantly reduced the average severity of pain in the primary analysis compared with placebo (-0.93 on a 0-10 scale) (P </= 0.001), and significantly more patients in this group had >/=50% improvement in pain at the end point (29%, versus 13% in the placebo group; P = 0.003). Pregabalin at 300 and 450 mg/day was associated with significant improvements in sleep quality, fatigue, and global measures of change. Pregabalin at 450 mg/day improved several domains of health-related quality of life. Dizziness and somnolence were the most frequent adverse events. Rates of discontinuation due to adverse events were similar across all 4 treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Pregabalin at 450 mg/day was efficacious for the treatment of FMS, reducing symptoms of pain, disturbed sleep, and fatigue compared with placebo. Pregabalin was well tolerated and improved global measures and health-related quality of life

   (405)    D'Arcy Y. Following new guidelines to treat fibromyalgia pain. Nursing 2005; 35(10):17-18.

   (406)    Da CD, Abrahamowicz M, Lowensteyn I, Bernatsky S, Dritsa M, Fitzcharles MA et al. A randomized clinical trial of an individualized home-based exercise programme for women with fibromyalgia. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2005; 44(11):1422-1427.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of a 12-week individualized home-based exercise programme on physical functioning, pain severity and psychological distress for women with fibromyalgia (FM). METHODS: Seventy-nine women with a primary diagnosis of FM were randomized to a 12-week individualized home-based moderate-intensity exercise programme or to a usual care control group. Outcomes were functional capacity (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire), pain severity and psychological distress. Outcomes were measured at study entry, at the end of the 12-week intervention, and at 3 and 9 months following completion of the intervention. RESULTS: On the basis of intention-to-treat analyses, a significant improvement in functional capacity at 3 and 9 months following treatment for participants in the exercise group who were more functionally disabled at study entry was observed. At both 3 and 9 months post-treatment, the mean estimated benefit of the intervention was more than 10 points [-12.3 (95% CI, -21.9 to -2.8); -10.8 (95% CI, -21.5 to -0.2)]. Compared with the control group, statistically significant improvements in upper body pain were evident in the exercise group at post-treatment. These between-group differences in upper body pain were maintained at 3 and 9 months post-treatment. No statistically significant group differences on lower body pain and psychological distress were found. CONCLUSIONS: Home-based exercise, a relatively low-cost treatment modality, has the potential to improve important health outcomes in FM

   (407)    Dadabhoy D, Clauw DJ. Fibromyalgia: progress in diagnosis and treatment. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2005; 9(6):399-404.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia is a frequent cause of chronic widespread pain and affects up to 5% of the general population. Diagnosis and treatment have been especially challenging due to limited knowledge of etiology and poor response to conventional treatment of pain. Appreciation for the interactions of neurobiologic, psychologic, and behavioral factors in the disease pathogenesis has led to improved treatment options that can be effective in individual patients. Current evidence advocates a multifaceted program emphasizing patient education, medications for improving symptoms, and aggressive use of exercise and cognitive-behavioral approaches to retain or restore function

   (408)    Denko CW, Malemud CJ. Serum growth hormone and insulin but not insulin-like growth factor-1 levels are elevated in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. Rheumatol Int 2005; 25(2):146-151.
Abstract: Standard radioimmunoassay (RIA) was employed to quantify basal serum growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-1), and insulin levels in 32 normoglycemic patients with clinically active fibromyalgia and in 29 normoglycemic control subjects. The GH concentration was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in female fibromyalgia patients than age-matched, normal female subjects. In contrast, basal serum IGF-1 concentrations did not differ between these groups. A scatter plot generated from two-stage, least-squares analysis showed that serum GH lacked correlation with the serum IGF-1 concentrations of normal female subjects (P = 0.73) and female fibromyalgia patients (P = 0.19). In addition to the results from serum GH and IGF-1 RIA, we also found significantly higher fasting serum insulin levels (P = 0.03) in male fibromyalgia patients and a trend toward elevated fasting serum insulin levels in the female fibromyalgia population ( P = 0.07), with the mean fasting level in the male fibromyalgia group (35.7 microU/ml(-1)) exceeding the upper limit of normal serum insulin levels (i.e., 27 microU/ml(-1)). Based on these results, basal serum GH and fasting serum insulin levels appear to be valuable surrogate markers in clinically active, normoglycemic fibromyalgia patients

   (409)    Denko CW, Malemud CJ. Role of the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-1 paracrine axis in rheumatic diseases. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2005; 35(1):24-34.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Hypothalamic-pituitary axis abnormalities have been associated with systemic disturbances in several rheumatic diseases. Longitudinal analysis of erythrocyte, serum, urinary and synovial fluid growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and somatostatin levels could provide important surrogate measures of disease activity in rheumatic diseases. METHODS: The authors reviewed the population and longitudinal studies literature on GH, IGF-1, and somatostatin levels in rheumatic disorders using the PubMed and Medlines databases from the National Library of Medicine. In addition to the literature search, primary data were analyzed for basal somatostatin levels in patients with hand, knee, and spine osteoarthritis (OA) as well as primary and secondary hip OA. RESULTS: A review of the literature supports the view that hypothalamic-pituitary axis dysfunction accompanies clinical symptoms in many rheumatic diseases. In studies from our laboratory, serum GH levels were elevated in patients with OA, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), fibromyalgia, and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis but not in patients with gout, pseudogout, or systemic lupus erythematosus. In OA and RA, synovial fluid GH levels exceeded serum GH levels. However, the literature remains controversial regarding the significance of changes in IGF-1 levels in rheumatic disorders. Many studies support an inverse relationship between age and IGF-1. Elevated serum GH levels in various rheumatic diseases were not coupled to changes in serum IGF-1 in diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, RA, and fibromyalgia. In particular, serum IGF-1 levels in OA were shown to be lower or no different compared with age-matched normal subjects. Further, in OA, impaired articular chondrocyte response to IGF-1 was attributed, in part, to low synovial fluid IGF-1 that further compromised IGF-1 chondrocyte responses as a result of increased levels of synovial fluid IGF-1 binding proteins. Of note, serum somatostatin levels and "specific" somatostatin receptor levels were often lower in RA and systemic lupus erythematosus, but basal serum somatostatin levels were generally not altered in OA. CONCLUSIONS: The results of these analyses support the view that some rheumatic diseases such as OA and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, heretofore considered to be purely focal and degenerative, could be reclassified as systemic metabolic disturbances. We propose that serum GH, IGF-1, and somatostatin levels be monitored on a longitudinal basis during the course of medical therapy of rheumatic diseases to determine the extent to which changes in clinical symptoms (exemplified by reduced pain and inflammation and improved range of joint motion) are accompanied by changes in the basal concentration of these hypothalamic/pituitary-related hormones

   (410)    DiNucci EM. Energy healing: a complementary treatment for orthopaedic and other conditions. Orthop Nurs 2005; 24(4):259-269.
Abstract: Complementary and alternative therapies continue to grow in popularity among healthcare consumers. Among those modalities is energy healing (EH) (Eisenberg et al., 1998). EH is an adjunctive treatment that is noninvasive and poses little downside risk to patients. Well more than 50 major hospitals and clinics throughout the United States offer EH to patients (DiNucci, research table on healthcare facilities that offer Reiki, unpublished data, 2002). The National Institutes of Health is funding numerous EH studies that are examining its effects on a variety of conditions, including temporomandibular joint disorders, wrist fractures, cardiovascular health, cancer, wound healing, neonatal stress, pain, fibromyalgia, and AIDS (National Institutes of Health, 2004a). Several well-designed studies to date show significant outcomes for such conditions as wound healing (Grad, 1965) and advanced AIDS (Sicher, Targ, Moore, & Smith, 1998), and positive results for pain and anxiety (Aetna IntelliHealth, 2003a; Wardell, Weymouth, 2004), among others (Gallob, 2003). It is also suggested that EH may have positive effects on various orthopaedic conditions, including fracture healing, arthritis, and muscle and connective tissue (Prestwood, 2003). Because negative outcomes risk is at or near zero throughout the literature, EH is a candidate for use on many medical conditions

   (411)    Dobkin PL, Abrahamowicz M, Fitzcharles MA, Dritsa M, Da CD. Maintenance of exercise in women with fibromyalgia. Arthritis Rheum 2005; 53(5):724-731.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To identify predictors of maintenance of exercise for women with fibromyalgia (FM). METHODS: Women with FM who had been randomized to the exercise arm of a clinical trial were studied prospectively during and 3 months following treatment. Subjects completed exercise logs weekly and returned the data via postal mail. Outcome variables were duration of aerobic and stretching exercises. Two separate multivariate models for longitudinal data were built with adjustment for in-treatment adherence and time. Pretreatment characteristics (self efficacy, pain, disability, stress, exercise barriers and benefits, and age) and changes during treatment (pain, disability, stress, and exercise barriers and benefits) were considered potential predictors of exercise maintenance. RESULTS: Stretching significantly decreased in the 3 months following treatment. High stress at baseline and increases in stress during treatment were associated with poor maintenance of stretching. Disability at baseline (measured with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire), an increase in barriers to exercise during treatment, and increases in upper-body pain during treatment were associated with worse maintenance of aerobic exercise in the 3 months following treatment. CONCLUSION: The maintenance of an exercise program in women with FM appears to be contingent on being able to deal with stress, pain, barriers to exercise, and disability

   (412)    Donmez A, Karagulle MZ, Tercan N, Dinler M, Issever H, Karagulle M et al. SPA therapy in fibromyalgia: a randomised controlled clinic study. Rheumatol Int 2005; 26(2):168-172.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effectiveness of spa therapy in the management of fibromyalgia. METHODS: Thirty women with fibromyalgia were randomly assigned to either a spa therapy group or a control group. The spa therapy group (n = 16) had spa treatment for 2 weeks in addition to their medical treatment. The control group (n = 14) continued to have their medical treatment and/or daily exercises. An investigator who was blinded for the intervention assessed all the patients for 9 months. Improvements in Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), pain and number of tender points were primary outcomes. Secondary outcome measures were improvement in sleep disturbance, fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms, anxiety, Beck Depression Inventory and patient's global evaluation. RESULTS: the spa group was found to be superior to the control group at the end of intervention in terms of FIQ, pain, tender point count, fatigue and patients' global assessment. This superiority remained for 6 months in FIQ, 1 month in pain and tender point count. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the addition of spa therapy to medical therapy has both short- and long-term beneficial effects in female patients with fibromyalgia

   (413)    Douglas MJ, Ensworth S. Anesthetic management of the parturient with relapsing polychondritis. Can J Anaesth 2005; 52(9):967-970.
Abstract: PURPOSE: To present the anesthetic management of a parturient with relapsing polychondritis (RP) and to discuss the anesthetic implications of RP. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 28-yr-old primiparous woman with known RP, spondyloarthropathy and fibromyalgia presented for urgent Cesarean delivery for breech presentation and prodromal labour. Her pregnancy had been complicated by a hospital admission for an exacerbation of her RP as manifested by hoarseness, increased pain and tenderness of her left ear and nasal bridge cartilages, sinusitis with bloody nasal discharge and increased pain and tenderness of the anterior tracheal rings. Epidural anesthesia was administered for the Cesarean delivery. Her intraoperative and postoperative course was uneventful. Close cooperation among obstetricians, anesthesiologists and rheumatologists resulted in a successful outcome. CONCLUSION: Relapsing polychondritis is a syndrome with important anesthetic implications. Multidisciplinary cooperation is essential in managing these high risk parturients

   (414)    Durlach J, Pages N, Bac P, Bara M, Guiet-Bara A. Magnesium depletion with hypo- or hyper- function of the biological clock may be involved in chronopathological forms of asthma. Magnes Res 2005; 18(1):19-34.
Abstract: Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory disorder of the airways leading to airflow limitation. Its worldwide rise, mainly in developed countries, is a matter of concern. Nocturnal asthma (NA) frequently occurs and concerns two thirds of asthmatics. But, it remains controversial whether NA is a distinct entity or is a manifestation of more severe asthma. Generally, it is considered as an exacerbation of the underlying pathology. The pathological mechanisms most likely involve endogenous circadian rhythms with pathological consequences on both respiratory inflammation and hyperresponsiveness. A decrease in blood and tissue magnesium levels is frequently reported in asthma and often testifies to a true magnesium depletion. The link with magnesium status and chronobiology are well established. The quality of magnesium status directly influences the Biological Clock (BC) function, represented by the suprachiasmatic nuclei and the pineal gland. Conversely, BC dysrythmias influence the magnesium status. Two types of magnesium deficits must be clearly distinguished: deficiency corresponding to an insufficient intake which can be corrected through mere nutritional Mg supplementation and depletion due to a dysregulation of the magnesium status which cannot be corrected through nutritional supplementation only, but requires the more or less specific correction of the dysregulation mechanisms. Both in clinical and in animal experiments, the dysregulation mechanisms of magnesium depletion associate a reduced magnesium intake with various types of stress including biological clock dysrhythmias. The differenciation between Mg depletion forms with hyperfunction of BC (HBC) and forms with hypofunction of BC (hBC) is seminal and the main biological marker is melatonin (MT) production alteration. We hypothesize that magnesium depletion with HBC or hBC may be involved in chronopathological forms of asthma. Nocturnal asthma would be linked to HBC, represented by an increase in MT levels. The corresponding clinical forms associate diverse expressions of nervous hypoexcitability such as depression, cluster headaches, dyssomnia, mainly advanced sleep phase syndrome, some clinical forms of chronic fatigue syndrome and of fibromyalgia. The main comorbidities are depression and/or asthenia. They take place during the night or the "bad" seasons (autumn and winter) when sunshine is at a minimum. The corresponding chronopathological therapy relies on bright light phototherapy sometimes with additional psychoanaleptics. Conversely, asthma forms linked to hBC are less frequently studied as a whole and present a decrease in MT levels. They associate various signs of nervous hyperexcitability such as anxiety, diurnal cephalalgia (mainly migraine), dyssomnia, mainly delayed sleep phase syndrome, and some clinical forms of chronic fatigue syndrome and of fibromyalgia. The treatment relies on diverse forms of "darkness therapy", possibly with the help of some psycholeptics. Finally, the treatment of asthma involves the maintenance of a standard dosing schedule of anti-asthma drugs, a balanced magnesium intake and the appropriate treatment of the chronopathological disorders

   (415)    Dworkin RH, Fields HL. Fibromyalgia from the perspective of neuropathic pain. J Rheumatol Suppl 2005; 75:1-5.:1-5.

   (416)    Edinger JD, Wohlgemuth WK, Krystal AD, Rice JR. Behavioral insomnia therapy for fibromyalgia patients: a randomized clinical trial. Arch Intern Med 2005; 165(21):2527-2535.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Insomnia is common and debilitating to fibromyalgia (FM) patients. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective for many types of patients with insomnia, but has yet to be tested with FM patients. This study compared CBT with an alternate behavioral therapy and usual care for improving sleep and other FM symptoms. METHODS: This randomized clinical trial enrolled 47 FM patients with chronic insomnia complaints. The study compared CBT, sleep hygiene (SH) instructions, and usual FM care alone. Outcome measures were subjective (sleep logs) and objective (actigraphy) total sleep time, sleep efficiency, total wake time, sleep latency, wake time after sleep onset, and questionnaire measures of global insomnia symptoms, pain, mood, and quality of life. RESULTS: Forty-two patients completed baseline and continued into treatment. Sleep logs showed CBT-treated patients achieved nearly a 50% reduction in their nocturnal wake time by study completion, whereas SH therapy- and usual care-treated patients achieved only 20% and 3.5% reductions on this measure, respectively. In addition, 8 (57%) of 14 CBT recipients met strict subjective sleep improvement criteria by the end of treatment compared with 2 (17%) of 12 SH therapy recipients and 0% of the usual care group. Comparable findings were noted for similar actigraphic improvement criteria. The SH therapy patients showed favorable outcomes on measures of pain and mental well-being. This finding was most notable in an SH therapy subgroup that self-elected to implement selected CBT strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive-behavioral therapy represents a promising intervention for sleep disturbance in FM patients. Larger clinical trials of this intervention with FM patients seem warranted

   (417)    Edwards RR. Individual differences in endogenous pain modulation as a risk factor for chronic pain. Neurology 2005; 65(3):437-443.
Abstract: This review summarizes evidence, primarily from recent human studies, indirectly supporting a novel hypothesis: that the assessment of healthy individuals' responses to standardized noxious stimuli in a controlled laboratory environment has important implications for the later risk of developing a broad spectrum of chronically painful conditions. Descriptions of many chronic pain syndromes note that the disorder (e.g., fibromyalgia, headache, complex regional pain syndrome) is associated with hypersensitivity to pain and with reduced endogenous inhibition of pain, implying that an individual's processing of pain-related information changes with the onset of the syndrome. However, pain sensitivity and pain-inhibitory capacity are normally distributed along a wide continuum in the general population, and recent evidence suggests that heightened baseline pain sensitivity and reduced basal pain-inhibitory processing place individuals at greater risk for experiencing severe, acute, clinical pain (e.g., postoperative pain). More controversial is the hypothesis that such individual-difference characteristics confer risk for, or protection against, chronic pain; although only a single prospective study has been published, substantial indirect evidence supports the contention that greater basal pain sensitivity and reduced pain-inhibitory capacity may act as a diathesis for chronic pain. Long-term cohort studies are necessary to test this hypothesis; such research could yield insight into the nature of chronic pain and permit greater precision in selecting high-risk individuals for chronic pain prevention research

   (418)    Egle UT. [Somatoform disorders--an update]. MMW Fortschr Med 2005; 147 Spec No 2:4-6.:4-6.
Abstract: Somatoform disorders occur frequently. The patients complain about numerous physical problems and/or pain for which, as a rule, an organic pathological cause cannot be not found.They are not willing to or cannot accept psychosomatic explanations. The real cause is faulty stress processing due to earlier biographical factors, for example, an early attachment disorder. A behavioral therapy could help the patient cope with the everyday routine; it influences the symptoms and signs, but does not fundamentally change them. Psychodynamic approaches are very promising. For comorbidity with anxiety or a depressive disorder as well as certain forms of fibromyalgia, psychopharmaceutical drugs should be additionally given

   (419)    egre de MC, ejandra-Pereda C, Betina-Nishishinya M, Rivera J. [Systematic review of pharmacologic treatment in fibromyalgia]. Med Clin (Barc ) 2005; 125(20):784-787.

   (420)    Eisen SA, Kang HK, Murphy FM, Blanchard MS, Reda DJ, Henderson WG et al. Gulf War veterans' health: medical evaluation of a U.S. cohort. Ann Intern Med 2005; 142(11):881-890.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: United States military personnel reported various symptoms after deployment to the Persian Gulf during the 1991 Gulf War. However, the symptoms' long-term prevalence and association with deployment remain controversial. OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare the prevalence of selected medical conditions in a national cohort of deployed and nondeployed Gulf War veterans who were evaluated by direct medical and teledermatologic examinations. DESIGN: A cross-sectional prevalence study performed 10 years after the 1991 Gulf War. SETTING: Veterans were examined at 1 of 16 Veterans Affairs medical centers. PARTICIPANTS: Deployed (n = 1061) and nondeployed (n = 1128) veterans of the 1991 Gulf War. MEASUREMENTS: Primary outcome measures included fibromyalgia, the chronic fatigue syndrome, dermatologic conditions, dyspepsia, physical health-related quality of life (Short Form-36 [SF-36]), hypertension, obstructive lung disease, arthralgias, and peripheral neuropathy. RESULTS: Of 12 conditions, only 4 conditions were more prevalent among deployed than nondeployed veterans: fibromyalgia (deployed, 2.0%; nondeployed, 1.2%; odds ratio, 2.32 [95% CI, 1.02 to 5.27]); the chronic fatigue syndrome (deployed, 1.6%; nondeployed 0.1%; odds ratio, 40.6 [CI, 10.2 to 161]); dermatologic conditions (deployed, 34.6%; nondeployed, 26.8%; odds ratio, 1.38 [CI, 1.06 to 1.80]), and dyspepsia (deployed, 9.1%; nondeployed, 6.0%; odds ratio, 1.87 [CI, 1.16 to 2.99]). The mean physical component summary score of the SF-36 for deployed and nondeployed veterans was 49.3 and 50.8, respectively. LIMITATIONS: Relatively low participation rates introduce potential participation bias, and deployment-related illnesses that resolved before the research examination could not, by design, be detected. CONCLUSIONS: Ten years after the Gulf War, the physical health of deployed and nondeployed veterans is similar. However, Gulf War deployment is associated with an increased risk for fibromyalgia, the chronic fatigue syndrome, skin conditions, dyspepsia, and a clinically insignificant decrease in the SF-36 physical component score

   (421)    Feiler S, Muller KG, Muller A, Dahlhaus R, Eich W. Using interaction graphs for analysing the therapy process. Psychother Psychosom 2005; 74(2):93-99.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Therapy processes are complex dynamical systems where several variables are constantly interacting with each other. In general, the underlying mechanisms are difficult to assess. Our approach is to identify the dependency structure of relevant variables within the therapy process using interaction graphs. These are instruments for multivariate time series which are based on the analysis of partial spectral coherences. We used interaction graphs in order to investigate the therapy process of a multimodal therapy concept for fibromyalgia patients. Our main hypothesis was that self-efficacy plays a central role in the therapy process. METHODS: Patients kept an electronic diary for 13 weeks. Pain intensity, depression, sleep quality, anxiety and self-efficacy were assessed via visual analogue scales. The resulting multivariate time series were aggregated over individuals, and partial spectral coherences between each pair of the variables were calculated. From the partial coherences, interaction graphs were plotted. RESULTS: Within the resulting graphical model, self-efficacy was strongly related to pain intensity, depression and sleep quality. All other relations were substantially weaker. There was no direct relationship between pain intensity and sleep quality. CONCLUSIONS: The relations between two variables within the therapy process are mainly induced by self-efficacy. Interaction graphs can be used to pool time series data of several patients and thus to assess the common underlying dependency structure of a group of patients. The graphical representation is easily comprehensible and allows to distinguish between direct and indirect relationships

   (422)    Finckh A, Berner IC, ubry-Rozier B, So AK. A randomized controlled trial of dehydroepiandrosterone in postmenopausal women with fibromyalgia. J Rheumatol 2005; 32(7):1336-1340.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Patients with fibromyalgia (FM) consistently have adrenal hyporesponsiveness and low dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels. DHEA is promoted for and used by patients with FM. We tested the efficacy and safety of DHEA supplementation in ameliorating the symptoms of FM. METHODS: In a double-blind crossover study, postmenopausal women with FM were randomized to DHEA supplementation (50 mg/day) or placebo for 3 months, with a one-month washout period in between. Patients were assessed monthly for well-being and pain and by medical evaluations at the beginning and the end of each treatment period. The primary outcome was well being; secondary outcomes were pain, fatigue, cognition, sexuality, functional impairment, depression, and anxiety. RESULTS: A total of 52 patients were randomized, 47 patients completed the DHEA treatment period, and 45 the placebo treatment period. After 3 months of treatment with 50 mg of DHEA, median DHEA sulfate blood levels had tripled, but there was no improvement in well-being, pain, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, functional impairment, depression, or anxiety, nor in objective measurements made by physicians. Androgenic side effects (greasy skin, acne, and increased growth of body hair) were more common during the DHEA treatment period (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: DHEA does not improve quality of life, pain, fatigue, cognitive function, mood, or functional impairment in FM

   (423)    Fishbain DA, Lewis J, Cole B, Cutler B, Smets E, Rosomoff H et al. Multidisciplinary pain facility treatment outcome for pain-associated fatigue. Pain Med 2005; 6(4):299-304.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Fatigue is frequently found in chronic pain patients (CPPs) and may be etiologically related to the presence of pain. Fishbain et al. have recently demonstrated that chronic low back pain (LBP) and chronic neck pain patients are more fatigued than controls. The purpose of this study was to determine whether chronic LBP- and chronic neck pain-associated fatigue responded to multidisciplinary multimodal treatment not specifically targeted to the treatment of fatigue. DESIGN: A total of 85 chronic LBP and 33 chronic neck pain patients completed the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI), Neuropathic Pain Scale (NPS), and Beck Depression Inventory on admission. In addition, an information tool was completed on each CPP by the senior author. This tool listed demographic information, primary and secondary pain diagnoses, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV) psychiatric diagnoses assigned, pain location, pain precipitating event, type of injury, years in pain, number of surgeries, type of surgery, type of pain pattern, opioids consumed per day in morphine equivalents, worker compensation status, and whether, according to the clinical examination, the CPP had a neuropathic pain component. At completion of the multidisciplinary multimodal treatment, each CPP again completed the MFI. Student's t-test was utilized to test for statistical changes on the MFI five scales from pre- to post-treatment. Pearson and point-biserial correlations were utilized to determine which variables significantly correlated with MFI change scores. Variables found significant at less than or equal to 0.01 were utilized in a stepwise aggression analysis to find variables predictive of change in MFI scores. SETTING: Multidisciplinary pain facility. PATIENTS: Chronic LBP and chronic neck pain patients. RESULTS: Multidisciplinary multimodal treatment significantly improved CPP fatigue as measured by the MFI. The available variables utilized to predict fatigue best explained only a small percentage (28.9%) of the variance. Improvement in fatigue was related to NPS-10 scale scores (neuropathic pain) and a previous diagnosis of fibromyalgia. CONCLUSIONS: Multidisciplinary multimodal pain facility treatment improves chronic LBP- and neck pain-associated fatigue. At the present time we cannot predict this improvement with significant accuracy

   (424)    Fox RI. Sjogren's syndrome. Lancet 2005; 366(9482):321-331.
Abstract: Sjogren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder of the exocrine glands with associated lymphocytic infiltrates of the affected glands. Dryness of the mouth and eyes results from involvement of the salivary and lacrimal glands. The accessibility of these glands to biopsy enables study of the molecular biology of a tissue-specific autoimmune process. The exocrinopathy can be encountered alone (primary Sjogren's syndrome) or in the presence of another autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or progressive systemic sclerosis. A new international consensus for diagnosis requires objective signs and symptoms of dryness including a characteristic appearance of a biopsy sample from a minor salivary gland or autoantibody such as anti-SS-A. Exclusions to the diagnosis include infections with HIV, human T-lymphotropic virus type I, or hepatitis C virus. Therapy includes topical agents to improve moisture and decrease inflammation. Systemic therapy includes steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, disease-modifying agents, and cytotoxic agents to address the extraglandular manifestations involving skin, lung, heart, kidneys, and nervous system (peripheral and central) and haematological and lymphoproliferative disorders. The most difficult challenge in diagnosis and therapy is patients with symptoms of fibromyalgia (arthralgia, myalgia, fatigue) and oral and ocular dryness in the presence of circulating antinuclear antibodies

   (425)    Friedberg F, Leung DW, Quick J. Do support groups help people with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia? A comparison of active and inactive members. J Rheumatol 2005; 32(12):2416-2420.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To examine the benefits and problems of a chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia (FM) support organization as reported by its participants. METHODS: Active members (n = 32) and inactive members or dropouts (n = 135) of a regional support organization for people with CFS and FM completed a 26 item questionnaire by telephone interview or by self-completion and postal return. RESULTS: The most frequently endorsed benefits of membership were illness legitimization (67.8%), finding out helpful new information (66.4%), and feeling understood by others (62.2%). Lower frequency endorsements were given to: helped to find (35.0%) or deal with (38.5%) doctors, and helped to improve my illness (36.4%). The most frequently reported reasons for dropping out were inconvenient location (37.8%) or time (37.0%), too much negative talk or complaining (33.3%), too sick to attend (28.8%), and illness or coping improvement (29.6% each). The active-member group showed significantly higher (p < 0.04) symptom severity scores and less illness improvement (p < 0.01) in comparison to the inactive/dropout group. CONCLUSION: This cross-sectional study suggests that support groups for CFS are viewed as helpful by participants on a number of illness related issues. On the other hand, active members reported greater symptom severity and less illness improvement than inactive members or dropouts

   (426)    Friederich HC, Schellberg D, Mueller K, Bieber C, Zipfel S, Eich W. [Stress and autonomic dysregulation in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome]. Schmerz 2005; 19(3):185-188.
Abstract: AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate to what extent the orthostatic dysregulation of FMS patients can be attributed primarily to reduced baroreceptor-mediated activation of the sympathetic nervous system and whether a hyporeactive sympathetic nervous system can also be confirmed for mental stress. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 28 patients with primary FMS were examined and compared with 15 healthy subjects. Diagnostic investigations of the autonomic nervous system were based on measuring HRV in frequency range and assessing spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity (sBRS) under mental stress and passive orthostatism. RESULTS: Both under orthostatic and mental stress FMS patients exhibited reduced activation of the sympathetic nervous system as measured by the spectral power of HRV in the low-frequency range and the mean arterial blood pressure or heart rate. The present study provided no indications for dysregulation of sBRS. CONCLUSION: The results obtained confirm the hypothesis of a hyporeactive stress system in FMS patients for both peripherally and centrally mediated stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system

   (427)    Fries E, Hesse J, Hellhammer J, Hellhammer DH. A new view on hypocortisolism. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2005; 30(10):1010-1016.
Abstract: Low cortisol levels have been observed in patients with different stress-related disorders such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Data suggest that these disorders are characterized by a symptom triad of enhanced stress sensitivity, pain, and fatigue. This overview will present data on the development, mechanisms and consequences of hypocortisolism on different bodily systems. We propose that the phenomenon of hypocortisolism may occur after a prolonged period of hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis due to chronic stress as illustrated in an animal model. Further evidence suggests that despite symptoms such as pain, fatigue and high stress sensitivity, hypocortisolism may also have beneficial effects on the organism. This assumption will be underlined by some studies suggesting protective effects of hypocortisolism for the individual

   (428)    Frissora CL, Koch KL. Symptom overlap and comorbidity of irritable bowel syndrome with other conditions. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 2005; 7(4):264-271.
Abstract: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of several highly prevalent, multi-symptom gastrointestinal motility disorders that have a wide clinical spectrum and are associated with symptoms of gastrointestinal dysmotility and visceral hypersensitivity. Symptom overlap and comorbidity between IBS and other gastrointestinal motility disorders (eg, chronic constipation, functional dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux disease), with gastrointestinal disorders that are not related to motility (eg, celiac disease, lactose intolerance), and with somatic conditions (eg, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome), are frequent. The clinical associations and pathophysiologic links between IBS and these disorders continue to be explored. This review discusses overlapping symptoms and comorbidity of IBS with select gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal disorders and attempts to identify commonalities among these conditions

   (429)    Furlan R, Colombo S, Perego F, Atzeni F, Diana A, Barbic F et al. Abnormalities of cardiovascular neural control and reduced orthostatic tolerance in patients with primary fibromyalgia. J Rheumatol 2005; 32(9):1787-1793.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain. Symptoms of orthostatic intolerance may also be present, suggesting underlying abnormalities of cardiovascular neural regulation. We tested the hypothesis that FM is characterized by sympathetic overactivity and alterations in cardiovascular autonomic response to gravitational stimulus. METHODS: Sixteen patients with primary FM and 16 healthy controls underwent electrocardiography examination, finger blood pressure, respiration, and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) recordings at rest and during stepwise tilt test, up to 75 degrees . The autonomic profile was assessed by MSNA, plasma catecholamine, and spectral indices of cardiac sympathetic (LFRR in normalized units, NU) and vagal (HFRR both in absolute and NU) modulation and of sympathetic vasomotor control (LFSAP) computed by spectrum analysis of RR and systolic arterial pressure (SAP) variability. Arterial baroreflex function was evaluated by the SAP/RR spontaneous-sequences technique, the index a, and the gain of MSNA/diastolic pressure relationship during stepwise tilt test. RESULTS: At rest, patients showed higher values of heart rate, MSNA, LFRR NU, LF/HF, LFSAP, and reduced HFRR than controls. During tilt test, lack of increase of MSNA, less decrease of HFRR, and excessive rate (44%) of syncope were found in patients, suggesting reduced capability to enhance the sympathetic activity to vessels and withdraw the vagal modulation to sino-atrial node. Baroreflex function was similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Patients with FM have an overall enhancement of cardiovascular sympathetic activity while recumbent. Lack of increased sympathetic discharge to vessels and decreased cardiac vagal activity characterize their autonomic profile during tilt test, and might account for the excessive rate of syncope

   (430)    Gamero RF, Gabriel SR, Carbonell AJ, Tornero MJ, Sanchez-Magro I. [Pain in Spanish rheumatology outpatient offices: EPIDOR epidemiological study]. Rev Clin Esp 2005; 205(4):157-163.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To establish the prevalence and characteristics of rheumatologic pain in Spanish adult population cared in specialized rheumatology offices. DESIGN: Cross selection study in a population of patients cared in rheumatology offices of public Spanish hospitals. SUBJECTS: 1,134 patients selected through random sampling based on waiting lists of patients, during a period of 1 week, in rheumatology offices of each participating hospital. MAIN OUTCOMES OF THE STUDY: Reason behind the consultation (a new patient [NP] or a patient for revision [RP]), characteristics of the patient (sex, age, habits [alcohol/tobacco], marital status), location, type, intensity, duration, tolerance and management of pain; treatment (pharmacological or non-pharmacological) carried out; satisfaction with the treatment; and association with fibromyalgia. RESULTS: The prevalence of pain in NP was 98.6% and in RP 95.1%, with a global prevalence of 96%, predominating mainly in adult sedentary women with fibromyalgia. The frequency of acute pain was 20.9% and this of chronic pain 79.1% [corrected] The prevalence of fibromyalgia was 12% (2.2% in men, and 15.5% in women). The most prevalent pattern of current dominant pain was this of the mechanical type. More frequent associated pathologies were: hypertension (21.7%), depression (14.4%), gastrointestinal diseases (13.8%) and anxiety (13.4%). All variables analyzed in the study showed changes according to age, sex, and type of patient (NP or RP). Most used treatment was pharmacological; more than 57.6% of patients were receiving NSAIDs. In NP, medical prescriber of the treatment was first the general practitioner (56.1%) followed by the rheumatologist (14.1%); in PR the first one was the rheumatologist (69.9%) followed by the general practitioner (16.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that the prevalence of the rheumatologic pain is very high, predominating mainly in adult women with fibromyalgia. Pain location, intensity, and type, associated pathology, and treatment vary according to age, sex, and type of patient. The most commonly used drugs for pain management were NSAIDs (58%); opiodes were only used in 6.4% of patients even though pain was intense in more than two-thirds

   (431)    Gard G. Body awareness therapy for patients with fibromyalgia and chronic pain. Disabil Rehabil 2005; 27(12):725-728.
Abstract: There are several therapies designed to increase body awareness. They are commonly known as body awareness therapies (BAT) and include Basic BAT, Mensendieck and Feldenkrais therapy. A focus on emotions is important in all these therapies. In this article the aim and development of Basic BAT is described together with evaluations of treatments including Basic BAT. Multidisciplinary studies have shown that Basic BAT can increase health-related quality of life and cost-effectiveness. However Basic BAT needs to be further studied in relation to patients with fibromyalgia (FM) and chronic pain. Studies so far indicate that Basic BAT has positive effects

   (432)    Gendreau RM, Thorn MD, Gendreau JF, Kranzler JD, Ribeiro S, Gracely RH et al. Efficacy of milnacipran in patients with fibromyalgia. J Rheumatol 2005; 32(10):1975-1985.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by widespread pain, tenderness, and a variety of other somatic symptoms. Current treatments are modestly effective. Arguably, the best studied and most effective compounds are tricyclic antidepressants (TCA). Milnacipran, a nontricyclic compound that inhibits the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine, may provide many of the beneficial effects of TCA with a superior side effect profile. METHODS: One hundred twenty-five patients with FM were randomly assigned in a 3:3:2 ratio to receive milnacipran twice daily, milnacipran once daily, or placebo for 3 months in a double-blind dose-escalation trial; 92% of twice-daily and 81% of once-daily participants achieved dose escalation to the target milnacipran dose of 200 mg. RESULTS: The primary endpoint was reduction of pain. Both the once- and twice-daily groups showed statistically significant improvements in pain, as well as improvements in global well being, fatigue, and other domains. Response rates for patients receiving milnacipran were equal in patients with and without comorbid depression, but placebo response rates were considerably higher in depressed patients, leading to significantly greater overall efficacy in the nondepressed group. CONCLUSION: In this Phase II study, milnacipran led to statistically significant improvements in pain and other symptoms of FM. The effect sizes were equal to those previously found with TCA, and the drug was generally well tolerated

   (433)    Gerwin RD. A review of myofascial pain and fibromyalgia--factors that promote their persistence. Acupunct Med 2005; 23(3):121-134.
Abstract: Chronic muscle pain (myalgia) is a common problem throughout the world. Seemingly simple, it is actually a difficult problem for the clinician interested in determining the aetiology of the pain, as well as in managing the pain. The two common muscle pain conditions are fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome. Fibromyalgia is a chronic, widespread muscle tenderness syndrome, associated with central sensitisation. It is often accompanied by chronic sleep disturbance and fatigue, visceral pain syndromes like irritable bowel syndrome and interstitial cystitis. Myofascial pain syndrome is an overuse or muscle stress syndrome characterised by the presence of trigger points in muscle. The problem these syndromes pose lies not in making the diagnosis of muscle pain. Rather, it is the need to identify the underlying cause(s) of persistent or chronic muscle pain in order to develop a specific treatment plan. Chronic myalgia may not improve until the underlying precipitating or perpetuating factor(s) are themselves managed. Precipitating or perpetuating causes of chronic myalgia include structural or mechanical causes like scoliosis, localised joint hypomobility, or generalised or local joint laxity; and metabolic factors like depleted tissue iron stores, hypothyroidism or Vitamin D deficiency. Sometimes, correction of an underlying cause of myalgia is all that is needed to resolve the condition

   (434)    Giesecke T, Gracely RH, Williams DA, Geisser ME, Petzke FW, Clauw DJ. The relationship between depression, clinical pain, and experimental pain in a chronic pain cohort. Arthritis Rheum 2005; 52(5):1577-1584.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Individuals with chronic pain frequently display comorbid depression, but the impact of symptoms of depression on pain processing is not completely understood. This study evaluated the effect of symptoms of depression and/or clinically diagnosed major depressive disorder (MDD) on pain processing in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). METHODS: Results of quantitative sensory testing and neural responses to equally painful pressure stimuli (measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging [fMRI]) were compared with the levels of symptoms of depression and comorbid MDD among patients with FM. RESULTS: Neither the level of symptoms of depression nor the presence of comorbid MDD was associated with the results of sensory testing or the magnitude of neuronal activation in brain areas associated with the sensory dimension of pain (primary and secondary somatosensory cortices). However, symptoms of depression and the presence of MDD were associated with the magnitude of pain-evoked neuronal activations in brain regions associated with affective pain processing (the amygdalae and contralateral anterior insula). Clinical pain intensity was associated with measures of both the sensory dimension of pain (results of sensory testing) and the affective dimension of pain (activations in the insula bilaterally, contralateral anterior cingulate cortex, and prefrontal cortex). CONCLUSION: In patients with FM, neither the extent of depression nor the presence of comorbid major depression modulates the sensory-discriminative aspects of pain processing (i.e., localizing pain and reporting its level of intensity), as measured by sensory testing or fMRI. However, depression is associated with the magnitude of neuronal activation in brain regions that process the affective-motivational dimension of pain. These data suggest that there are parallel, somewhat independent neural pain-processing networks for sensory and affective pain elements. The implication for treatment is that addressing an individual's depression (e.g., by prescribing an antidepressant medication that has no analgesic properties) will not necessarily have an impact on the sensory dimension of pain

   (435)    Glass JM, Park DC, Minear M, Crofford LJ. Memory beliefs and function in fibromyalgia patients. J Psychosom Res 2005; 58(3):263-269.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate memory beliefs and their relationship to actual memory function in fibromyalgia (FM) patients. METHODS: Twenty-three FM patients, 23 age- and education-matched controls, and 22 older controls completed the Metamemory in Adulthood (MIA) questionnaire, which assessed beliefs about seven aspects of memory function. Group differences on the seven scales were assessed, and scores on the capacity scale were correlated with objective memory performance. RESULTS: FM patients reported lower memory capacity and more memory deterioration than did either control group. Patients reported lower control or self-efficacy over memory, higher achievement motivation, higher strategy use, and higher anxiety about memory than age-matched controls did. Among the patients, perceived capacity, achievement motivation, and self-efficacy were significantly correlated with objective memory performance on a recall task. CONCLUSION: FM patients' complaints about memory function have some accuracy

   (436)    Gonzalez-Viejo MA, Avellanet M, Hernandez-Morcuende MI. [A comparative study of fibromyalgia treatment: ultrasonography and physiotherapy versus sertraline treatment]. Ann Readapt Med Phys 2005; 48(8):610-615.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of sertraline versus physical therapy (ultrasonography and physical therapy) in fibromyalgia. DESIGN: A 6-month comparative, prospective, randomised study of 70 female patients, aged 42 to 52, with fibromyalgia according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology. One group (N=36) underwent 6-month treatment with sertraline, 50 mg/24 h. The other group (N=34) received 15 sessions of 1 W/cm2 ultrasonography on the cervical trigger points plus physical therapy. Variables analyzed on a visual 10-point scale were pain and morning stiffness and sleep disorders by use of the sleep questionnaire of the Medical Outcome Study (MOS). Measurements were taken at the beginning of the study and at 3-month and 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: Pain significantly diminished in the sertraline group during the entire study (visual numeric scale: 7.2+/-1.1 initially, 5.3+/-?? at 3 months and 3+/-0.7 at 6 months, P<0.05). Morning stiffness and sleep disorder scores were positive only for the sertraline group during the entire 6 months (P<0.05). Results from the MOS questionnaire showed improvement only for the sertraline group. Of the Sertraline group, 83% evaluated the treatment as good or very good, as compared with only 6% of the ultrasonography group. No patient withdrew from the study. CONCLUSION: Patients treated with sertraline had a better outcome in terms of pain, morning stiffness and sleep disorders, than the group treated with ultrasonography and physical therapy

   (437)    Goossens ME, Vlaeyen JW, Hidding A, Kole-Snijders A, Evers SM. Treatment expectancy affects the outcome of cognitive-behavioral interventions in chronic pain. Clin J Pain 2005; 21(1):18-26.
Abstract: Patients' initial beliefs about the success of a given pain treatment are shown to have an important influence on the final treatment outcome. The aims of the paper are to assess determinants of patients' treatment expectancy and to examine the extent to which treatment expectancy predicts the short-term and long-term outcome of cognitive-behavioral treatment of chronic pain. This study employs the data of 2 pooled randomized clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral interventions for 171 patients with fibromyalgia and chronic low back pain. Pretreatment and posttreatment expectancy were measured by a short questionnaire, which was based on the procedure by Borkovec and Nau. Four composite outcome variables (pain coping and control, motoric behavior, negative affect, and quality of life) were measured before and after the intervention and at 12 months follow-up. Furthermore, several patient characteristics were taken into account. Patients with higher treatment expectancies significantly received less disability compensation and were less fearful. A regression model of 3 factors (better pain coping and control, active and positive interpretation of pain, and less disability compensation) significantly explained 10% of the variance in pretreatment expectancy. Pretreatment expectancy significantly predicted each of the 4 outcome measures immediately after treatment and at 12 months follow-up. This study corroborates the importance of treatment expectation before entering a cognitive-behavioral intervention in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain

   (438)    Goto F, Asama Y, Nakai K. [A case of fibromyalgia treated with medical and autogenic training]. Nippon Jibiinkoka Gakkai Kaiho 2005; 108(12):1171-1174.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia, which is relatively rare, may include symptoms of dizziness, vertigo and tinnitus. Subject was 38 years old woman reporting vertigo and whole body pain. Cochleovestibular function was normal. Pain was gradually intensified during her outpatient clinic and she was admitted. Treatments including intramusclular injection of botulinus toxin and intravenous injection of steroid were applied. Psychological counseling and autogenic training were effective in relieving her pain and vertigo. During her admission, several spells of vertigo occurred but no nystagmus was found. The abnormality in proprioception and neural disintegration may be related to vertigo. Treatment should start as early as possible together with psychological therapy

   (439)    Gradstein J. I am afflicted with an illness. Physicians and their fibromyalgia patients. Can Fam Physician 2005; 51:661-3.:661-663.

   (440)    Guo Y, Sun YZ. [Clinical study on treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome with penetration needling at the back]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu 2005; 25(2):98-100.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To compare therapeutic effects of penetration needling at the back and western medicine on fibromyalgia syndrome (FS). METHODS: Thirty-eight cases were randomly divided into the observation group treated with penetration needling at the first and second lines of The Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang and Governor Vessel, and the control group treated mainly with oral administration of amitriptyline, 19 cases in each group. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the cured-markedly effective rate and the results of follow-up for 6 months for the cured-markedly effective cases between the observation group and the control group (all P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Penetration needling therapy in the therapeutic effect on fibromyalgia syndrome is better than the medical treatment

   (441)    Guven AZ, Kul PE, Gunduz OH. Depression and psychosocial factors in Turkish women with fibromyalgia syndrome. Eura Medicophys 2005; 41(4):309-313.
Abstract: AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the demographic qualifications, frequency of depression, degree of pain, and the correlations between these factors in Turkish women with fibromyalgia syndrome (FS). METHODS: Fifty-three women with FS and 54 healthy women were included in the study. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was applied to evaluate the degree of pain and Beck depression inventory (BDI) for depression. RESULTS: Mean age of the FS and the healthy women groups was 42.6+/-9.6 (21-63) and 39.4+/-13.2 (24-60) years respectively; which were statistically similar (P>0.05). Of the patients, 69.8% were married, and the mean years of education was 8.7+/-4.8 years. Marriage among relatives was found in 18.4% of the patients. The mean VAS score of the patients was 7.2+/-1.7 cm with the mean duration of pain 5+/-4.6 years. Mean BDI scores of FS patients and the healthy group were 15.7+/-8.7 and 10.2+/-5.5 respectively; the difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). According to the BDI scores, 90% of FS patients were classified as depressed; among them, 50% had minor, 38% moderate, and 2% severe depression. FS patients who were married to a relative had higher scores of BDI (r=0.414, P=0.013). There was negative correlation between BDI score and patients' total year of education (r=-0.295, P=0.037); and the husband's education level (r=-0.367, P=0.030). According to BDI, the c2 test revealed significant depression in patients with sleep-disorders (P=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: We found a significant degree of depression in Turkish female FS patients. This situation is found to be correlated with the education level of both patient and husband; marital status, and sleep-disorder; it is suggested that these factors should be taken into consideration in the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of FS patients

   (442)    Hadler NM. [The semiotics of fibromyalgia and related somatoform disorders]. Schweiz Rundsch Med Prax 2005; 94(50):1999-2002.

   (443)    Hadler NM, Greenhalgh S. Labeling woefulness: the social construction of fibromyalgia. Spine 2005; 30(1):1-4.

   (444)    Hakimi R. [Is fibromyalgia a disease? Regarding the contribution in DMW 23/2004]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2005; %20;130(20):1278-1279.

   (445)    Hamilton NA, Karoly P, Zautra AJ. Health goal cognition and adjustment in women with fibromyalgia. J Behav Med 2005; 28(5):455-466.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to identify individual differences in symptom-specific goal for persons diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and to determine whether those differences are related to adjustment outcomes. Women with FMS (N=71) rank ordered 12 FMS-specific goals and completed a packet of psychosocial outcome measures. Cluster analysis suggested that there were three relatively homogeneous subgroups defined. Cluster 1 ranked goals related to seeking professional care higher than all other groups. Cluster 2 ranked self-sufficiency goals higher than the other two groups. Cluster 3 ranked social-validation goals higher than the other two clusters. Multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVAs) and post-hoc tests showed that goal profiles covaried with differences in pain, negative affect, goal-specific social support, general social support, goal-related interference, and negative life events. Differences between groups are discussed in the context of proposed relations between goals and environmental support

   (446)    Hamilton WT, Gallagher AM, Thomas JM, White PD. The prognosis of different fatigue diagnostic labels: a longitudinal survey. Fam Pract 2005; 22(4):383-388.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Several different diagnostic labels exist for the fatigue syndromes, including chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and postviral fatigue syndrome (PVFS). An allied condition is fibromyalgia. No study has examined prognostic differences across these different labels. OBJECTIVE: To compare the prognoses of patients labelled with different fatigue syndromes in primary care. METHODS: We performed a longitudinal survey, using electronic records from the General Practice Research Database. All 18,122 patients diagnosed by their GP with a fatigue syndrome from 1988-2001 with a minimum of one year of records after diagnosis were collated into four groups: CFS, ME, PVFS and fibromyalgia. CFS and ME were combined for the main analysis as no code for CFS was available until 1995. The length of illness was calculated as the interval between the diagnosis and the last recorded fatigue symptom, expressed as days per year, to account for differing lengths of record after diagnosis. RESULTS: Patients with CFS/ME combined had a worse prognosis (median length of illness 80 days per year; interquartile range 0-242) than fibromyalgia (51; 0-244) or PVFS 0 (0-108), a significant difference, P < 0.001. In a subgroup analysis, ME had a worse prognosis (median length of illness in days per year 106; interquartile range 0-259) than CFS (33; 0-170), P < 0.001, in spite of a better course before diagnosis. Secondary outcome measures were consistent with these results. CONCLUSION: There were important differences in outcome between the various fatigue labels, with ME having the worst prognosis and PVFS the best. This could be an adverse effect of the label ME itself. Alternatively, patients who are destined to have a worse prognosis may preferentially attract the ME label. Our data support the first interpretation

   (447)    Han SS, Lee SC. [Effecting factors on depression in patients with fibromyalgia]. Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi 2005; 35(1):87-94.
Abstract: PURPOSE: The purpose of this research was to provide basic data in the control of depression found in patients with fibromyalgia by analysing the main factors that affect them. METHOD: The subjects were 207 out-patients in three university medical centers diagnosed with fibromyalgia according to the conditions by American College of Rheumatology (1990). Depression was measured by the CES-D Scale. Dependant variables, such as stress and anxiety were measured by the VAS Scale and physical activity was measured using 10(4-point-scale) questions developed by the researcher. The number of tender points was converted to scores based on the criteria of the ACR(1990) and of Yunus. Self-efficacy was measured by the Self-Efficacy Scale developed by Lorig et al.(1989) for arthritis patients. RESULT: The main factors that affect depression of patients with fibromyalgia were self-efficacy, anxiety, physical activity, tender points fatigue, and family support, which explained 49% of the depression. CONCLUSION: It has been confirmed that the regression equation model of this research may serve as a predictor of depression in patients with fibromyalgia

   (448)    Haq SA, Darmawan J, Islam MN, Uddin MZ, Das BB, Rahman F et al. Prevalence of rheumatic diseases and associated outcomes in rural and urban communities in Bangladesh: a COPCORD study. J Rheumatol 2005; 32(2):348-353.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To estimate the burden of rheumatic disorders in adults (age >/= 15 yrs) in Bangladeshi rural and urban communities. METHODS: The survey was carried out in a rural community, an urban slum, and an affluent urban community with samples of 2635, 1317, and 1259 adults, respectively. Through door-to-door surveys, trained interviewers identified subjects with musculoskeletal pain. A socio-culturally adapted and validated Bengali version of the COPCORD (Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Disorders) questionnaire was used. Trained internists and rheumatologists examined the positive respondents using an English COPCORD examination sheet to identify respondents with definite rheumatic disorders and to reach a diagnosis. RESULTS: The overall point prevalence of musculoskeleletal pain was 26.3%. The point prevalence estimates of musculoskeletal pain in rural, urban slum, and affluent urban communities were 26.2% (women 31.3%, men 21.1%), 24.9% (women 27.5%, men 22.6%), and 27.9% (women 35.5%, men 18.6%), respectively. Most commonly affected sites were low back, knees, hips, and shoulders in all 3 communities. The point prevalence of definite rheumatic disorders was 24.0%. The commonest rheumatic disorders were osteoarthritis of the knees, nonspecific low back pain, lumbar spondylosis, fibromyalgia, and soft tissue rheumatism. Their prevalence estimates were 7.5%, 6.6%, 5.0%, 4.4%, and 2.7%, respectively, in the rural, 9.2%, 9.9%, 2.0%, 3.2%, and 2.5%, respectively, in the urban slum, and 10.6%, 9.2%, 2.3%, 3.3%, and 3.3% in the urban affluent community. The point prevalence of functional disability was 25.5%, 23.3%, and 24.8%, respectively, in the rural, urban slum, and urban affluent communities. Among the positive respondents, 22%, 52%, and 22% reported loss of work for durations of 49.3 +/- 47.5, 50.90 +/- 103.3, and 29.25 +/- 56.5 days, respectively, within the previous year. CONCLUSION: Rheumatic disorders are common causes of morbidity, disability, and work loss in rural and urban communities of Bangladesh. Women are affected more frequently than men. Mechanical disorders are more common than inflammatory arthropathies

   (449)    Harris RE, Williams DA, McLean SA, Sen A, Hufford M, Gendreau RM et al. Characterization and consequences of pain variability in individuals with fibromyalgia. Arthritis Rheum 2005; 52(11):3670-3674.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: A growing body of evidence suggests that real-time electronic assessments of pain are preferable to traditional paper-and-pencil measures. We used electronic assessment data derived from a study of patients with fibromyalgia (FM) to examine variability of pain over time and to investigate the implications of pain fluctuation in the context of a clinical trial. METHODS: The study group comprised 125 patients with FM who were enrolled in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of milnacipran. Pain intensity levels were captured in real time by participants using electronic diaries. Variability in pain was assessed as the standard deviation of pain entries over time (pain variability index [PVI]). RESULTS: Substantial between-subject differences in pain variability were observed (mean +/- SD PVI 1.61 +/- 0.656 [range 0.27-4.05]). The fluctuation in pain report was constant over time within individuals (r = 0.664, P < 0.001). Individuals with greater variability were more likely to be classified as responders in a drug trial (odds ratio 6.14, P = 0.006); however, this association was primarily attributable to a greater change in pain scores in individuals receiving placebo (r = 0.460, P = 0.02) rather than active drug (r = 0.09, P > 0.10). CONCLUSION: Among individuals with FM, there were large between-subject differences in real-time pain reports. Pain variability was relatively constant over time within individuals. Perhaps the most important finding is that individuals with larger pain fluctuations were more likely to respond to placebo. It is not clear whether these findings are applicable only to patients with FM or whether they may also be seen in patients with other chronic pain conditions

   (450)    Harris RE, Tian X, Williams DA, Tian TX, Cupps TR, Petzke F et al. Treatment of fibromyalgia with formula acupuncture: investigation of needle placement, needle stimulation, and treatment frequency. J Altern Complement Med 2005; 11(4):663-671.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate whether typical acupuncture methods such as needle placement, needle stimulation, and treatment frequency were important factors in fibromyalgia symptom improvement. DESIGN/SETTINGS/SUBJECTS: A single-site, single-blind, randomized trial of 114 participants diagnosed with fibromyalgia for at least 1 year was performed. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomized to one of four treatment groups: (1) T/S needles placed in traditional sites with manual needle stimulation (n = 29): (2) T/0 traditional needle location without stimulation (n = 30); (3) N/S needles inserted in nontraditional locations that were not thought to be acupuncture sites, with stimulation (n = 28); and (4) N/0 nontraditional needle location without stimulation (n = 2 7). All groups received treatment once weekly, followed by twice weekly, and finally three times weekly, for a total of 18 treatments. Each increase in frequency was separated by a 2-week washout period. OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain was assessed by a numerical rating scale, fatigue by the Multi-dimensional Fatigue Inventory, and physical function by the Short Form-36. RESULTS: Overall pain improvement was noted with 25%-35% of subjects having a clinically significant decrease in pain; however this was not dependent upon "correct" needle stimulation (t = 1.03; p = 0.307) or location (t = 0.76; p = 0.450). An overall dose effect of treatment was observed, with three sessions weekly providing more analgesia than sessions once weekly (t = 2.10; p = 0.039). Among treatment responders, improvements in pain, fatigue, and physical function were highly codependent (all p < or = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Although needle insertion led to analgesia and improvement in other somatic symptoms, correct needle location and stimulation were not crucial

   (451)    Hauser W. [Fibromyalgia in the legal procedures of the german sozialgericht -- psychosocial risk factors and predictors of health care utilization]. Psychother Psychosom Med Psychol 2005; 55(2):72-78.
Abstract: Retrospectively all consecutive medical expertise within the appraisal of early retirement/occupational disability or of the status of a severely disabled person in 88 people (85 % female) diagnosed with fibromyalgia who were investigated by a structured pain therapist's and psychotherapeutic assessment were analysed. 44 % had a history of psychiatric disorder, 85 % met the criteria of a current psychiatric disorder according ICD-10. 8 % indicated sexual abuse, 16 % severe physical abuse in childhood or adulthood and 13 % emotional deprivation in the childhood. A preponderance of belonging to lower class compared to the general German population was noted. Former and current psychiatric disorders, biographic adverse experiences, duration of generalized pain, age, sex and social class had no substantial predictive value on the extensive health care utilization (number of doctors, pain-related hospital and rehabilitation stays and pain-related operations)

   (452)    Henriksson CM, Liedberg GM, Gerdle B. Women with fibromyalgia: work and rehabilitation. Disabil Rehabil 2005; 27(12):685-694.
Abstract: PURPOSE: To explore disability in women with fibromyalgia with a focus on their work situation. METHOD: Review of literature on work status of women with fibromyalgia. RESULTS: Major differences exist between studies in reported disability and in the percentages of women working. Limitations caused by pain, fatigue, decreased muscle strength, and endurance influence work capacity. However, 34 - 77% of the women work. Individual adjustments in the work situation are reported. When the women find a level that matches their ability, they continue to work and find satisfaction in their work role. Many factors besides degree of impairment or disability influence whether clients with longstanding pain can remain in their work role or return to work after sickness leave. CONCLUSION: The total life situation, other commitments, type of work tasks, the ability to influence the work situation, and the physical and psychosocial work environment are important factors in determining whether a person can remain in a work role. More knowledge is needed about how to adjust work conditions for people with partial work ability to the benefit of society and the individual

   (453)    Hindmarch I, Dawson J, Stanley N. A double-blind study in healthy volunteers to assess the effects on sleep of pregabalin compared with alprazolam and placebo. Sleep 2005; 28(2):187-193.
Abstract: STUDY OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of pregabalin compared with alprazolam and placebo on aspects of sleep in healthy volunteers. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled, 3-way crossover. SETTING: Single research center. PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: Healthy adult (12 men) volunteers (N=24) received oral pregabalin 150 mg t.i.d., alprazolam 1 mg t.i.d., and placebo t.i.d. for 3 days. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Objective sleep was measured by an 8-channel polysomnograph; subjective sleep was measured using the Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire. Compared with placebo, pregabalin significantly increased slow-wave sleep both as a proportion of the total sleep period and the duration of stage 4 sleep. Alprazolam significantly reduced slow-wave sleep. Pregabalin and alprazolam produced modest, but significant, reductions in sleep-onset latency compared with placebo. Rapid eye movement sleep latency after pregabalin was no different than placebo but was significantly shorter than that found with alprazolam. Although there were no differences between the active treatments, both pregabalin and alprazolam reduced rapid eye movement sleep as a proportion of the total sleep period compared with placebo. Pregabalin also significantly reduced the number of awakenings of more than 1 minute in duration. Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire ratings of the ease of getting to sleep and the perceived quality of sleep were significantly improved following both active treatments, and ratings of behavior following awakening were significantly impaired by both drug treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Pregabalin appears to have an effect on sleep and sleep architecture that distinguishes it from benzodiazepines. Enhancement of slow-wave sleep is intriguing, since reductions in slow-wave sleep have frequently been reported in fibromyalgia and general anxiety disorder

   (454)    Holman AJ, Myers RR. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of pramipexole, a dopamine agonist, in patients with fibromyalgia receiving concomitant medications. Arthritis Rheum 2005; 52(8):2495-2505.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of pramipexole, a dopamine 3 receptor agonist, in patients with fibromyalgia. METHODS: In this 14-week, single-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, escalating-dose trial, 60 patients with fibromyalgia were randomized 2:1 (pramipexole:placebo) to receive 4.5 mg of pramipexole or placebo orally every evening. The primary outcome was improvement in the pain score (10-cm visual analog scale [VAS]) at 14 weeks. Secondary outcome measures were the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire (MDHAQ), the pain improvement scale, the tender point score, the 17-question Hamilton Depression Inventory (HAM-d), and the Beck Anxiety Index (BAI). Patients with comorbidities and disability were not excluded. Stable dosages of concomitant medications, including analgesics, were allowed. RESULTS: Compared with the placebo group, patients receiving pramipexole experienced gradual and more significant improvement in measures of pain, fatigue, function, and global status. At 14 weeks, the VAS pain score decreased 36% in the pramipexole arm and 9% in the placebo arm (treatment difference -1.77 cm). Forty-two percent of patients receiving pramipexole and 14% of those receiving placebo achieved > or =50% decrease in pain. Secondary outcomes favoring pramipexole over placebo included the total FIQ score (treatment difference -9.57) and the percentages of improvement in function (22% versus 0%), fatigue (29% versus 7%), and global (38% versus 3%) scores on the MDHAQ. Compared with baseline, some outcomes showed a better trend for pramipexole treatment than for placebo, but failed to reach statistical significance, including improvement in the tender point score (51% versus 36%) and decreases in the MDHAQ psychiatric score (37% versus 28%), the BAI score (39% versus 27%), and the HAM-d score (29% versus 9%). No end points showed a better trend for the placebo arm. The most common adverse events associated with pramipexole were transient anxiety and weight loss. No patient withdrew from the study because of inefficacy or an adverse event related to pramipexole. CONCLUSION: In a subset of patients with fibromyalgia, approximately 50% of whom required narcotic analgesia and/or were disabled, treatment with pramipexole improved scores on assessments of pain, fatigue, function, and global status, and was safe and well-tolerated

   (455)    How J, Volz G, Doe S, Heycock C, Hamilton J, Kelly C. The causes of musculoskeletal chest pain in patients admitted to hospital with suspected myocardial infarction. Eur J Intern Med 2005; 16(6):432-436.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: We wished to investigate the causes and characteristics of musculoskeletal chest pain leading to acute medical admission. METHODS: We studied patients admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, over a 10-week period. Patients with chest pain for which no acute cardiorespiratory cause was evident were identified and only included if they were tender on anteroposterior chest compression, thoracic spine rotation or firm sternal pressure. A detailed clinical history, anxiety and depression scale and a focussed physical examination were done to define the nature of musculoskeletal disease and their therapeutic requirements. RESULTS: Fifty patients satisfying the inclusion criteria were admitted in the 10-week period and comprised 54% females with a mean age of 57 years (S.D.=13.48). Chest pain lasted for 1 h or less in 24 patients and was mostly anterior. Three distinct groups of patients were identified. Twelve patients had evidence of inflammatory joint disease, thirteen had fibromyalgia and half had regional syndromes with pain arising from the shoulder, neck, thoracic spine or sternocostal areas. Visual analogue scores were highest in fibromyalgia for pain, and highest in inflammatory arthritis for impaired mobility. Anxiety and depression scores were highest in fibromyalgia and lowest among patients with regional syndromes. CONCLUSIONS: Musculoskeletal causes for acute chest pain are common and varied. Most patients have an identifiable cause of pain, but accurate diagnosis is needed to select the most appropriate intervention. Anxiety and depression are frequent, with much self-reported pain and dysfunction. However, all patients in this study had a disorder that was amenable to treatment and diagnosis. Management needs to be actively pursued in all patients

   (456)    Jaracz J, Rybakowski J. [Depression and pain: novel clinical, neurobiological and psychopharmacological data]. Psychiatr Pol 2005; 39(5):937-950.
Abstract: Epidemiological studies confirm frequent appearance of pain symptoms in depressive patients and a marked prevalence of depression in pain conditions. These observations seem to point at a close intertwining between mood regulation and pain perception. In the pathogenesis of both depression and pain symptoms, an important role has been attributed to disturbances of serotonergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission as well as to neuropeptides such as opioids and substance P. In mood regulation as well as in the perception and emotional dimension of pain stimuli, such brain structures as the amygdala, anterior cingulate cortex and prefrontal cortex are of main significance. The action of antidepressant drugs results in a normalization of the activity of those neurotransmitter systems and brain structures. It was found that dual action antidepressants (i.e. influencing both serotonergic and noradrenergic system) such as tricyclic antidepressants and new generation drugs (venlafaxine, milnacipram, duloxetine, mirtazapine) exert a stronger antidepressant effect and possess a broader therapeutic spectrum, including also an effect on pain symptoms. These drugs have been also increasingly used for the treatment of pain symptoms in somatic illnesses (e.g. diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia)

   (457)    Jenkins AL, III. Management of fibromyalgia syndrome. JAMA 2005; 293(7):796-797.

   (458)    Jowi JO, Gathua SN. Lyme disease: report of two cases. East Afr Med J 2005; 82(5):267-269.
Abstract: Lyme disease is a tick-borne multisystem disease. It was first described in Lyme, Connecticut, USA in 1975. Cases have been reported in Canada, Switzerland, Austria, Australia and Great Britain. It is an inflammatory disease that has varied clinical manifestations ranging from skin rash (erythema migrans), arthritis, fibromyalgia, and regional lymphadenopathy, cardiac conduction defects to neurological manifestations of meningoencephalitis, Bell's palsy, peripheral neuropathy, and painful radiculoneuropathy. There has been no case record of Lyme disease in Kenya and indeed literature on Lyme disease in Africa is very scanty. We present two cases of Lyme disease with predominant neurological manifestations; outline their clinical presentation and management

   (459)    Julien N, Goffaux P, Arsenault P, Marchand S. Widespread pain in fibromyalgia is related to a deficit of endogenous pain inhibition. Pain 2005; 114(1-2):295-302.
Abstract: A deficit of endogenous pain inhibitory systems has been suggested to contribute to some chronic pain conditions, one of them being fibromyalgia. The aim of the investigation was to test whether endogenous pain inhibitory systems were activated by a spatial summation procedure in 30 fibromyalgia, 30 chronic low back pain, and 30 healthy volunteers who participated in a cross-over trial (two sessions). Each session consisted of visual analog scale ratings of pain during the immersion of different surfaces of the arm in circulating noxious cold (12 degrees C) water. The arm was arbitrarily divided into eight segments from the fingertips to the shoulder. One session was ascending (from the fingertips to the shoulder) and the other was descending (from the shoulder to the fingertips); they included eight consecutive 2-min immersions separated by 5-min resting periods. For healthy and low back pain subjects, pain was perceived differently during the ascending and descending sessions (P=0.0001). The descending session resulted in lower pain intensity and unpleasantness. This lowering of the perception curve seems to be due to a full recruitment of inhibitory systems at the beginning of the descending session as opposed to a gradual recruitment during the ascending session. For fibromyalgia subjects, no significant differences were found between the increasing and decreasing sessions (P>0.05). These data support a deficit of endogenous pain inhibitory systems in fibromyalgia but not in chronic low back pain. The treatments proposed to fibromyalgia patients should aim at stimulating the activity of those endogenous systems

   (460)    Junyent PM, Camp HJ, Fernandez SJ. [Use of complementary and alternative medicine in patients with fibromyalgia]. Med Clin (Barc ) 2005; %19;124(10):397.

   (461)    Karmisholt K, Gotzsche PC. Physical activity for secondary prevention of disease. Systematic reviews of randomised clinical trials. Dan Med Bull 2005; 52(2):90-94.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Physical activity is recommended for secondary prevention of several diseases but it is not always clear how reliable the evidence is. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE and The Cochrane Library for systematic reviews of randomised clinical trials published 1998-2004. RESULTS: We identified 30 eligible systematic reviews and excluded 13 that contained trials covered in larger reviews or were older than other reviews on the same subject. Physical activity decreased all-cause mortality in patients with coronary heart disease, odds ratio 0.73 (95% confidence interval 0.54 to 0.98), increased maximum walking time in patients with intermittent claudication by 6.5 min (4.4 to 8.7), and decreased pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, standardised mean difference 0.34 (0.24 to 0.44). There were positive effects also in heart failure, chronic obstructive lung disease, type 2 diabetes and fibromyalgia, but they need confirmation in high-quality trials. Exercise improved quality of life in several conditions and generally led to improved physical performance. An effect was not shown in stroke, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, acute or chronic low back pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, cystic fibrosis or HIV/AIDS. The occurrence of harms was generally not reported. CONCLUSION: Physical activity can have important, and even life-saving, effects as secondary prevention of disease, but more and better trials are needed to fully assess its benefits and harms, in particular trials that compare exercise with drugs

   (462)    Karst M, Rahe-Meyer N, Gueduek A, Hoy L, Borsutzky M, Passie T. Abnormality in the self-monitoring mechanism in patients with fibromyalgia and somatoform pain disorder. Psychosom Med 2005; 67(1):111-115.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Auditory hallucinations and passivity experiences are associated with an abnormality in the self-monitoring mechanism that normally allows us to distinguish self-produced from externally produced sensations. It is unclear if chronic central pain disorders such as fibromyalgia and somatoform pain disorders also involve a defect of the self-monitoring mechanism. METHODS: Responses to tactile stimulation were assessed in four groups of subjects (N = 40): patients with fibromyalgia, patients with somatoform pain disorder, patients with schizophrenia with auditory hallucinations and/or passivity experiences, and normal control subjects. The subjects were asked to rate the perception of a tactile sensation on their left and right hands. The tactile stimulation was either self-produced by movement of the subject's right or left hand or externally produced by the experimenter. RESULTS: Normal control subjects experienced self-produced stimuli as less intense than identical, externally produced tactile stimuli. In contrast, patients with fibromyalgia, patients with somatoform pain disorder, and patients with schizophrenia with auditory hallucinations and/or passivity experiences gave the same perceptual ratings for tactile stimuli produced by themselves as those produced by the experimenter (intergroup difference, p = .043; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.16-0.68). Post hoc tests revealed that this significance was mainly caused by the fibromyalgia (p = .046; 95% CI, -1.66-0.13) and the somatoform pain disorder group (p = .033; 95% CI, -1.71-0.06). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that central pain disorders such as fibromyalgia and somatoform pain disorders interfere with the correct functioning of the self-monitoring mechanism that normally allows us to distinguish self-produced from externally produced tactile stimuli

   (463)    Kashikar-Zuck S, Swain NF, Jones BA, Graham TB. Efficacy of cognitive-behavioral intervention for juvenile primary fibromyalgia syndrome. J Rheumatol 2005; 32(8):1594-1602.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: There are currently no controlled studies of behavioral interventions for juvenile primary fibromyalgia syndrome (JPFM). In this small-sample randomized study, we tested the efficacy of a behavioral intervention, i.e., coping skills training (CST), for the treatment of adolescents with JPFM. Outcomes tested in this study were functional disability, pain intensity, pain-coping efficacy, and depressive symptoms. METHODS: Thirty patients with JPFM were randomly assigned to 8 weeks of either CST or self-monitoring. Adolescents in the CST condition received training in active pain-coping techniques, while those in the self-monitoring condition monitored daily pain intensity and sleep quality with no instructions about behavior change. After posttreatment assessment, subjects were crossed over into the opposite treatment arm for 8 weeks (so that all adolescents eventually received both CST and self-monitoring) and were reassessed at Week 16. RESULTS: At Week 8, adolescents in both conditions showed significant decrease in depressive symptoms and functional disability. Those who received CST showed significantly greater ability to cope with pain than those in the self-monitoring condition and a trend toward decreased pain intensity. At Week 16, adolescents had significantly lower levels of disability and depressive symptoms compared to baseline, but those who received self-monitoring followed by CST seemed to receive the most benefit. CONCLUSION: CST can lead to improved functioning among JPFM patients. Although some of the improvement may be due to increased monitoring and attention, CST provides the specific benefit of improving adolescents' ability to cope with pain

   (464)    Khasar SG, Green PG, Levine JD. Repeated sound stress enhances inflammatory pain in the rat. Pain 2005; 116(1-2):79-86.
Abstract: While it is well established that acute stress can produce antinociception, a phenomenon referred to as stress-induced analgesia, repeated exposure to stress can have the opposite effect. Since, chronic pain syndromes, such as fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis, may be triggered and/or exacerbated by chronic stress, we have evaluated the effect of repeated stress on mechanical nociceptive threshold and inflammatory hyperalgesia. Using the Randall-Selitto paw pressure test to quantify nociceptive threshold in the rat, we found that repeated non-habituating sound stress enhanced the mechanical hyperalgesia induced by the potent inflammatory mediator, bradykinin, which, in normal rats, produces hyperalgesia indirectly by stimulating the release of prostaglandin E2 from sympathetic nerve terminals. Hyperalgesia induced by the direct-acting inflammatory mediator, prostaglandin E2 as well as the baseline nociceptive threshold, were not affected. Adrenal medullectomy or denervation, reversed the effect of sound stress. In sound stressed animals, bradykinin-hyperalgesia had a more rapid latency to onset and was no longer inhibited by sympathectomy, compatible with a direct effect of bradykinin on primary afferent nociceptors. In addition, implants of epinephrine restored bradykinin-hyperalgesia in sympathectomized non-stressed rats, lending further support to the suggestion that increased plasma levels of epinephrine can sensitize primary afferents to bradykinin. These results suggest that stress-induced enhancement of inflammatory hyperalgesia is associated with a change in mechanism by which bradykinin induces hyperalgesia, from being sympathetically mediated to being sympathetically independent. This sympathetic-independent enhancement of mechanical hyperalgesia is mediated by the stress-induced release of epinephrine from the adrenal medulla

   (465)    Kingsley JD, Panton LB, Toole T, Sirithienthad P, Mathis R, McMillan V. The effects of a 12-week strength-training program on strength and functionality in women with fibromyalgia. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2005; 86(9):1713-1721.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine whether women with fibromyalgia benefit from strength training. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Testing was completed at the university and training was completed at a local community wellness facility. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-nine women (age range, 18-54 y) with fibromyalgia participated. Subjects were randomly assigned to a control (n=14; wait-listed for exercise) or strength (n=15) group. After the first 4 weeks, 7 (47%) women dropped from the strength group. INTERVENTION: Subjects underwent 12 weeks of training on 11 exercises, 2 times a week, performing 1 set of 8 to 12 repetitions at 40% to 60% of their maximal lifts and were progressed to 60% to 80%. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Subjects were measured for strength, functionality, tender point sensitivity, and fibromyalgia impact. RESULTS: The strength group significantly (P< or =.05) improved upper- (strength, 39+/-11 to 42+/-12 kg; control, 38+/-13 to 38+/-12 kg) and lower- (strength, 68+/-28 to 82+/-25 kg; control, 61+/-25 to 61+/-26 kg) body strength. Upper-body functionality measured by the Continuous-Scale Physical Functional Performance test improved significantly (strength, 44+/-11 to 50+/-16U; control, 51+/-11 to 49+/-13U) after training. Tender point sensitivity and fibromyalgia impact did not change. CONCLUSIONS: Strength training improved strength and some functionality in women with fibromyalgia. Interventions with resistance have important implications on independence and quality of life issues for women with fibromyalgia

   (466)    Kop WJ, Lyden A, Berlin AA, Ambrose K, Olsen C, Gracely RH et al. Ambulatory monitoring of physical activity and symptoms in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Arthritis Rheum 2005; 52(1):296-303.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Fibromyalgia (FM) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are associated with substantial physical disability. Determinants of self-reported physical disability are poorly understood. This investigation uses objective ambulatory activity monitoring to compare patients with FM and/or CFS with controls, and examines associations of ambulatory activity levels with both physical function and symptoms during activities of daily life. METHODS: Patients with FM and/or CFS (n = 38, mean +/- SD age 41.5 +/- 8.2 years, 74% women) completed a 5-day program of ambulatory monitoring of physical activity and symptoms (pain, fatigue, and distress) and results were compared with those in age-matched controls (n = 27, mean +/- SD age 38.0 +/- 8.6 years, 44% women). Activity levels were assessed continuously, ambulatory symptoms were determined using electronically time-stamped recordings at 5 time points during each day, and physical function was measured with the 36-item Short Form health survey at the end of the 5-day monitoring period. RESULTS: Patients had significantly lower peak activity levels than controls (mean +/- SEM 8,654 +/- 527 versus 12,913 +/- 1,462 units; P = 0.003) and spent less time in high-level activities when compared with controls (P = 0.001). In contrast, patients had similar average activity levels as those of controls (mean +/- SEM 1,525 +/- 63 versus 1,602 +/- 89; P = 0.47). Among patients, low activity levels were associated with worse self-reported physical function over the preceding month. Activity levels were inversely related to concurrent ambulatory pain (P = 0.031) and fatigue (P < 0.001). Pain and fatigue were associated with reduced subsequent ambulatory activity levels, whereas activity levels were not predictive of subsequent symptoms. CONCLUSION: Patients with FM and/or CFS engaged in less high-intensity physical activities than that recorded for sedentary control subjects. This reduced peak activity was correlated with measures of poor physical function. The observed associations may be relevant to the design of behavioral activation programs, because activity levels appear to be contingent on, rather than predictive of, symptoms

   (467)    Krell HV, Leuchter AF, Cook IA, Abrams M. Evaluation of reboxetine, a noradrenergic antidepressant, for the treatment of fibromyalgia and chronic low back pain. Psychosomatics 2005; 46(5):379-384.
Abstract: Clinical experience supports the use of antidepressant medications to treat chronic pain syndromes, such as low back pain and fibromyalgia. Although this use of antidepressants is common in clinical practice, the literature supporting this off-label use has some limitations. In this report, the authors review the body of clinical data on the use of antidepressants in treating pain and present a case series of depressed patients with these syndromes who experienced relief of pain symptoms while being treated with the noradrenergic antidepressant reboxetine. These subjects experienced significant relief of pain before any significant improvement in actual mood symptoms. Our experience with reboxetine suggests that this noradrenergic antidepressant may have efficacy in the treatment of chronic pain in patients with depression

   (468)    Kwan CL, Diamant NE, Pope G, Mikula K, Mikulis DJ, Davis KD. Abnormal forebrain activity in functional bowel disorder patients with chronic pain. Neurology 2005; 65(8):1268-1277.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Abnormal cortical pain responses in patients with fibromyalgia and conversion disorder raise the possibility of a neurobiologic basis underlying so-called "functional" chronic pain. OBJECTIVE: To use percept-related fMRI to test the hypothesis that patients with a painful functional bowel disorder do not process visceral input or sensations normally or effectively at the cortical level. METHODS: Eleven healthy subjects and nine patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) underwent fMRI during rectal distensions that elicited either a moderate level of urge to defecate or pain. Subjects continuously rated their rectal stimulus-evoked urge or pain sensations during fMRI acquisition. fMRI data were interrogated for activity related to stimulus presence and to specific sensations. RESULTS: In IBS, abnormal responses associated with rectal-evoked sensations were identified in five brain regions. In primary sensory cortex, there were urge-related responses in the IBS but not control group. In the medial thalamus and hippocampus, there were pain-related responses in the IBS but not control group. However, pronounced urge- and pain-related activations were present in the right anterior insula and the right anterior cingulate cortex in the control group but not the IBS group. CONCLUSIONS: Percept-related fMRI revealed abnormal urge- and pain-related forebrain activity during rectal distension in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). As visceral stimulation evokes pain and triggers unconscious processes related to homeostasis and reflexes, abnormal brain responses in IBS may reflect the sensory symptoms of rectal pain and hypersensitivity, visceromotor dysfunction, and abnormal interoceptive processing

   (469)    Lam DK, Sessle BJ, Cairns BE, Hu JW. Neural mechanisms of temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscle pain: a possible role for peripheral glutamate receptor mechanisms. Pain Res Manag 2005; 10(3):145-152.
Abstract: The purpose of the present review is to correlate recent knowledge of the role of peripheral ionotropic glutamate receptors in the temporomandibular joint and muscle pain from animal and human experimental pain models with findings in patients. Chronic pain is common, and many people suffer from chronic pain conditions involving deep craniofacial tissues such as temporomandibular disorders or fibromyalgia. Animal and human studies have indicated that the activation of peripheral ionotropic glutamate receptors in deep craniofacial tissues may contribute to muscle and temporomandibular joint pain and that sex differences in the activation of glutamate receptors may be involved in the female predominance in temporomandibular disorders and fibromyalgia. A peripheral mechanism involving autocrine and/or paracrine regulation of nociceptive neuronal excitability via injury or inflammation-induced release of glutamate into peripheral tissues that may contribute to the development of craniofacial pain is proposed

   (470)    Laursen BS, Bajaj P, Olesen AS, Delmar C, rendt-Nielsen L. Health related quality of life and quantitative pain measurement in females with chronic non-malignant pain. Eur J Pain 2005; 9(3):267-275.
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to assess, compare, and correlate the pain response to an experimental pain stimulus (hyperalgesia to pressure pain threshold (PPT) measured from different body sites), the pain intensity (VAS) of the habitual pain, and quality of life parameters (SF-36) in groups of females with chronic non-malignant pain syndromes. Forty female pain patients with fibromyalgia/whiplash (n = 10), endometriosis (n = 10), low back pain (n = 10), or rheumatoid arthritis (n = 10), as well as 41 age-matched healthy female controls participated in the study. The fibromyalgia/whiplash patients scored significantly higher (p < 0.04) VAS ratings (median rating = 7.0) than the endometriosis (6.0), low back pain (6.0), and rheumatoid arthritis (3.5) patients. All fours patient groups had significantly lower PPTs at all sites as compared with controls. The fibromyalgia/whiplash patients experienced the highest influence of pain on their overall health status, particularly vitality, social function, emotional problems, and mental health. A significant negative correlation was found between VAS rating and quality of life (p < 0.04). Significant correlation (p < 0.05) was found between pressure hyperalgesia measured at lowest PPT sites and the impairment of SF-36 physical function as well as mental health parameters. This study demonstrates significant generalised pressure hyperalgesia in four groups of chronic pain patients, correlations between degree of pressure hyperalgesia and impairment of some quality of life parameters, and increased pain intensity of the ongoing pain is associated with decreased quality of life

   (471)    Lee SS, Yoon HJ, Chang HK, Park KS. Fibromyalgia in Behcet's disease is associated with anxiety and depression, and not with disease activity. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2005; 23(4 Suppl 38):S15-S19.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of fibromyalgia (FM) in Korean patients with Behcet's disease (BD) and to evaluate the association between FM and clinical and psychological variables. METHODS: Seventy patients with BD were examined for FM tender points and asked to complete a Korean version of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). Disease activity was measured using the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and a clinical activity score, which was calculated by summing the clinical manifestations. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were used for psychometric scoring. RESULTS: Twenty-six BD patients (37.1%) met the American College of Rheumatology criteria for FM. The patients who met the criteria for FM were more frequently female, less frequently employed, and less well educated. Age, disease duration, clinical manifestations, medication, and measures of disease activity did not differ between BD patients with and without FM. Nevertheless, BD patients with FM had higher STAI and BDI scores than did patients without FM (all p < 0.05). FM tender points were significantly correlated with the STAI and BDI, and not with disease activity variables. The FIQ scores were also strongly correlated with the STAI and BDI scores, and not with disease activity. CONCLUSION: FM was very common among BD patients and was associated with the presence of anxiety and depression, and not with disease activity

   (472)    Lemstra M, Olszynski WP. The effectiveness of multidisciplinary rehabilitation in the treatment of fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial. Clin J Pain 2005; 21(2):166-174.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of multidisciplinary rehabilitation in the treatment of fibromyalgia in comparison to standard medical care. METHODS: Seventy-nine men and women were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The intervention group consisted of a rheumatologist and physical therapist intake and discharge, 18 group supervised exercise therapy sessions, 2 group pain and stress management lectures, 1 group education lecture, 1 group dietary lecture, and 2 massage therapy sessions. The control group consisted of standard medical care with the patients' family physician. Outcome measures included self-perceived health status, pain-related disability, average pain intensity, depressed mood, days in pain, hours in pain, prescription and nonprescription medication usage, and work status. Outcomes were measured at the end of the 6-week intervention and at 15-month follow-up. RESULTS: Thirty-five out of 43 patients from the intervention group and 36 out of 36 patients from the control group completed the study. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups prior to intervention. Intention-to-treat analysis revealed that the intervention group, in comparison to the control group, experienced statistically significant changes at intervention completion in self-perceived health status, average pain intensity, pain related disability, depressed mood, days in pain, and hours in pain, but no significant differences in nonprescription drug use, prescription drug use, or work status. At 15 months, all health outcomes retained their significance except health status. Nonprescription and prescription drug use demonstrated significant reductions at 15 months. Binary logistic regression indicated that long-term changes in Pain Disability Index were influenced by long-term exercise adherence and income status. CONCLUSIONS: Positive health-related outcomes in this mostly unresponsive condition can be obtained with a low-cost, group multidisciplinary intervention in a community-based, nonclinical setting

   (473)    Leone JE, Gray KA, Massie JE, Rossi JM. Celiac disease symptoms in a female collegiate tennis player: a case report. J Athl Train 2005; 40(4):365-369.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To present the case of a collegiate tennis player with celiac disease symptoms. BACKGROUND: Celiac disease is a common intestinal disorder that is often confused with other conditions. It causes severe intestinal damage manifested by several uncomfortable signs and symptoms. Failure by the sports medicine staff to recognize symptoms consistent with celiac disease and treat them appropriately can have deleterious consequences for the athlete. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: Irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn disease, Addison disease, lupus erythematosus, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, lactose intolerance, herpes zoster, psychogenic disorder (depression), fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome, hyperthyroidism, anemia, type I diabetes. TREATMENT: The athlete underwent a series of blood and allergen tests to confirm or refute a diagnosis of celiac disease. When celiac disease was suspected, dietary modifications were made to eliminate all wheat-based and gluten-based products from the athlete's diet. UNIQUENESS: The athlete was able to fully compete in a competitive National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I tennis program while experiencing the debilitating effects associated with celiac disease. The immediacy of symptom onset was notable because the athlete had no history of similar complaints. CONCLUSIONS: Celiac disease is a potentially life-threatening condition that affects more people than reported. A properly educated sports medicine staff can help to identify symptoms consistent with celiac disease early, so damage to the intestine is minimized. Prompt recognition and appropriate management allow the athlete to adjust the diet accordingly, compete at a high-caliber level, and enjoy a healthier quality of life

   (474)    Levine JD, Reichling DB. Fibromyalgia: the nerve of that disease. J Rheumatol Suppl 2005; 75:29-37.:29-37.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) is a common, often debilitating and intractable, chronic, generalized pain condition. The development of effective therapies to treat FM has been hindered by a lack of understanding of fundamental mechanisms in the etiology of FM. In view of prominent characteristics that FM shares with other generalized pain conditions, we suggest that a key mechanism in such disorders may be that of altered activity in the subdiaphragmatic vagus nerve. Specifically, we propose that activity in vagal afferents, arising from the gastrointestinal tract, and sympathoadrenal function mediate a contribution of stress to FM and its strong association with irritable bowel syndrome. An important prediction of the proposed mechanism is that interventions that selectively modulate activity in specific populations of subdiaphragmatic afferents might be used to treat the symptoms of FM and other generalized pain syndromes

   (475)    Liedberg GM, Burckhardt CS, Henriksson CM. Validity and reliability testing of the Quality of Life Scale, Swedish version in women with fibromyalgia -- statistical analyses. Scand J Caring Sci 2005; 19(1):64-70.
Abstract: One consequence of constant widespread pain is a low quality of life. The purpose of the study was to examine whether the Quality of Life Scale, Swedish version (QOLS-S), regarded as a generic quality-of-life instrument, is a reliable and valid instrument for use in women with fibromyalgia (FM). Women with FM (n = 113) contributed data on the QOLS-S and other standardized instrument at three points in time. Internal consistency reliability estimates ranged from 0.89 to 0.92. Convergent construct validity was indicated by moderate agreement with a global life satisfaction question. Discriminant construct validity was denoted by low correlations with the physical functioning subscale of the SF-36. In a factor analysis three factors emerged: 'personal and social well-being', 'relations with others' and 'active participation'. A few of the items have high cross-loadings, and the instrument could be improved by rewording those items to more closely reflect one specific factor. Overall, these results provide evidence that the QOLS-S has acceptable validity and reliability for use in women with FM

   (476)    Luedtke CA, Thompson JM, Postier JA, Neubauer BL, Drach S, Newell L. A description of a brief multidisciplinary treatment program for fibromyalgia. Pain Manag Nurs 2005; 6(2):76-80.
Abstract: The majority of fibromyalgia treatment programs are weeks or months in duration. This tertiary care center draws people worldwide for diagnostic purposes; however, most patients are unable to stay for extended treatment. It was deemed important to offer a brief multidisciplinary fibromyalgia treatment program that provided fundamental education and established a foundation for self-management strategies. This article describes the components of a brief multidisciplinary program for fibromyalgia. Initial results indicate improvement in patient outcomes and in patient and physician satisfaction. Patients who complete any fibromyalgia program need to maintain a relationship with their primary care providers for ongoing care. Some patients may need a more comprehensive program because of their level of functional impairment

   (477)    Lukaczer D, Darland G, Tripp M, Liska D, Lerman RH, Schiltz B et al. A pilot trial evaluating Meta050, a proprietary combination of reduced iso-alpha acids, rosemary extract and oleanolic acid in patients with arthritis and fibromyalgia. Phytother Res 2005; 19(10):864-869.
Abstract: The aim of this open-label, 8-week observational trial was to investigate the efficacy of Meta050 (a proprietary, standardized combination of reduced iso-alpha-acids from hops, rosemary extract and oleanolic acid) on pain in patients with rheumatic disease. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia patients were given 440 mg Meta050 three times a day for 4 weeks, which was changed to 880 mg twice a day for the subsequent 4 weeks in the majority of patients. Pain and condition-specific symptoms were assessed using a standard visual analog scale (VAS), an abridged arthritis impact measurement scale (AIMS2) and the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire. Fifty-four subjects with rheumatic disease completed the trial. Following treatment, a statistically significant decrease in pain of 50% and 40% was observed in arthritis subjects using the VAS (p < 0.0001; Wilcoxon-ranked sums) and AIMS2 (p < 0.0001), respectively. Fibromyalgia subject scores did not significantly improve. A decreasing trend of C-reactive protein, a marker for inflammation, was also observed in those subjects who presented with elevated C-reactive protein. No serious side effects were observed. These observations suggest that Meta050 at a dosage of 440 mg three times a day has a beneficial effect on pain in arthritis subjects

   (478)    Macfarlane GJ. Chronic widespread pain and fibromyalgia: Should reports of increased mortality influence management? Curr Rheumatol Rep 2005; 7(5):339-341.
Abstract: There have been few studies examining whether persons with chronic widespread pain or fibromyalgia are at increased risk for dying prematurely. Among the studies conducted there is little consistency in results. If there is an increased mortality risk, it is of the order of a 30% excess and it may be related to the lifestyle of patients with these symptoms, including lack of exercise. Skilled judgment is required in determining whether reports of new symptoms are likely to indicate underlying new pathology. Studies are currently underway which will determine whether initial observations of an increased mortality risk can be replicated

   (479)    Machtey I. Fibromyalgia: ten hot questions and comments. Isr Med Assoc J 2005; 7(2):129-130.

   (480)    Maitre M, Humbert JP, Kemmel V, Aunis D, Andriamampandry C. [A mechanism for gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) as a drug and a substance of abuse]. Med Sci (Paris) 2005; 21(3):284-289.
Abstract: Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is mainly known because of its popularity as a drug of abuse among young individuals. However this substance increases slow-wave deep sleep and the secretion of growth hormone and besides its role in anaesthesia, it is used in several therapeutic indications including alcohol withdrawal, control of daytime sleep attacks and cataplexy in narcoleptic patients and is proposed for the treatment of fibromyalgia. GHB is also an endogenous substance present in several organs, including brain where it is synthesized from GABA in cells containing glutamic acid decarboxylase, the marker of GABAergic neurons. GHB is accumulated by the vesicular inhibitory aminoacid transporter (VIAAT) and released by depolarization via a Ca2+ dependent-mechanism. A family of GHB receptors exists in brain which possesses hyperpolarizing properties through Ca2+ and K+ channels. These receptors--one of them has been recently cloned from rat brain hippocampus--are thought to regulate GABAergic activities via a subtle balance between sensitized/desensitized states. Massive absorption of GHB desensitize GHB receptors and this modification, together with a direct stimulation of GABAB receptors by GHB, induce a perturbation in GABA, dopamine and opiate releases in several region of the brain. This adaptation phenomenon is probably responsible for the therapeutic and recreative effects of exogenous GHB

   (481)    Maizels M, McCarberg B. Antidepressants and antiepileptic drugs for chronic non-cancer pain. Am Fam Physician 2005; 71(3):483-490.
Abstract: The development of newer classes of antidepressants and second-generation antiepileptic drugs has created unprecedented opportunities for the treatment of chronic pain. These drugs modulate pain transmission by interacting with specific neurotransmitters and ion channels. The actions of antidepressants and antiepileptic drugs differ in neuropathic and non-neuropathic pain, and agents within each medication class have varying degrees of efficacy. Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline, desipramine) and certain novel antidepressants (i.e., bupropion, venlafaxine, duloxetine) are effective in the treatment of neuropathic pain. The analgesic effect of these drugs is independent of their antidepressant effect and appears strongest in agents with mixed-receptor or predominantly noradrenergic activity, rather than serotoninergic activity. First-generation antiepileptic drugs (i.e., carbamazepine, phenytoin) and second-generation antiepileptic drugs (e.g., gabapentin, pregabalin) are effective in the treatment of neuropathic pain. The efficacy of antidepressants and antiepileptic drugs in the treatment of neuropathic pain is comparable; tolerability also is comparable, but safety and side effect profiles differ. Tricyclic antidepressants are the most cost-effective agents, but second-generation antiepileptic drugs are associated with fewer safety concerns in elderly patients. Tricyclic antidepressants have documented (although limited) efficacy in the treatment of fibromyalgia and chronic low back pain. Recent evidence suggests that duloxetine and pregabalin have modest efficacy in patients with fibromyalgia

   (482)    Mannerkorpi K. Exercise in fibromyalgia. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2005; 17(2):190-194.
Abstract: PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Several studies have indicated that physical exercise is beneficial for patients with fibromyalgia. The aim of this article is to review the recent literature relating to exercise in fibromyalgia, specifically articles published between September 2003 and September 2004, to highlight developments in the field. RECENT FINDINGS: Previous studies indicate that aerobic exercise performed at adequate intensity for an individual can improve function, symptoms, and well-being. A recent study of aerobic exercise showed that training in sedentary women with fibromyalgia using short bouts of exercise produces improvements in health outcomes. A study of aerobic walking resulted in improvements in physical function, symptoms, and distress. Two studies of low-intensity pool exercise reported a positive impact on fibromyalgia symptoms and distress. Two studies of qigong movement therapy were reported, one indicating improvements in symptoms and the other in movement harmony, indicating that this mode of exercise needs to be evaluated further. SUMMARY: The recent studies support existing literature on the benefits of exercise for patients with fibromyalgia. The outcomes appear to be related to the program design and the characteristics of the populations studied. As the patients with fibromyalgia form a heterogeneous population, more research is required to identify the characteristics of patients who benefit from specific modes of exercise. Moreover, long-term planning is needed to motivate the patients to continue regular exercise. Informing patients about the benefits of exercise and adjusting the exercise intensity to individual limitations enhances adherence. The social support gained by exercising in groups also enhances adherence to exercise

   (483)    Mannerkorpi K, Hernelid C. Leisure Time Physical Activity Instrument and Physical Activity at Home and Work Instrument. Development, face validity, construct validity and test-retest reliability for subjects with fibromyalgia. Disabil Rehabil 2005; 27(12):695-701.
Abstract: PURPOSE: A new instrument measuring leisure time physical activity (LTPAI) in populations predominately engaging in low intensity activities and a new instrument measuring the Physical Activity at Home and Work (PAHWI) were designed. METHODS: Patients with long-lasting pain and expert physiotherapists participated in the development of the two instruments. Test-retest reliability was evaluated for the LTPAI and the PAHWI. Construct validity was evaluated for the LTPAI by comparing it with an instrument measuring physical activities for older people, six-minute walk test and aerobic capacity. POPULATION: 37 women with FM, with the mean age of 46 years (SD 8.4) and mean symptom duration of 11 years (SD 5.9) were recruited to the study. RESULTS: The mean time that the study population spent in physical activities during leisure time was 5.2 hours (SD 4.0) a week. Satisfactory test-retest reliability was found for the total score of LTPAI (ICC 0.86, CI 0.79 - 0.93) and for the PAHWI (ICC 0.91, CI 0.82 - 9.96). A significant association between the LTPAI and the six-minute walk test (rs 0.40, p = 0.02) and another physical activity instrument (rs 0.39, p = 0.02) was found. As expected, LTPAI did not have any association with aerobic capacity. CONCLUSIONS: Face validity of the instruments was ensured during the development process. Satisfactory test-retest reliability was found for the LTPAI and the PAHWI. Significant but low associations were found between the LTPAI and the six-minute walk test and an instrument designed for older people, respectively, while no association was found between the LTPAI and aerobic capacity

   (484)    Marcus DA, Bernstein C, Rudy TE. Fibromyalgia and headache: an epidemiological study supporting migraine as part of the fibromyalgia syndrome. Clin Rheumatol 2005; 24(6):595-601.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia is defined by widespread body pain, tenderness to palpation of tender point areas, and constitutional symptoms. The literature reports headache in about half of fibromyalgia patients. The current epidemiological study was designed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of headache in fibromyalgia patients. Treatment-seeking fibromyalgia patients were evaluated with measures for fibromyalgia, chronic headache, quality of life, and psychological distress. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and t-tests were used to identify significant differences, as appropriate. A total of 100 fibromyalgia patients were screened (24 fibromyalgia without headache and 76 fibromyalgia with headache). International Headache Society diagnoses included: migraine alone (n = 15 with aura, n = 17 without aura), tension-type alone (n = 18), combined migraine and tension-type (n = 16), post-traumatic (n = 4), and probable analgesic overuse headache (n = 6). Fibromyalgia tender point scores and counts and most measures of pain severity, sleep disruption, or psychological distress were not significantly different between fibromyalgia patients with and without headache. As expected, the fibromyalgia patients with headache scored higher on the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) (62.1 +/- 0.9 vs 48.3 +/- 1.6, p < 0.001). HIT-6 scores were >60 in 80% of fibromyalgia plus headache patients, representing severe impact from headache, and 56-58 in 4%, representing substantial impact. In summary, chronic headache was endorsed by 76% of treatment-seeking fibromyalgia patients, with 84% reporting substantial or severe impact from their headaches. Migraine was diagnosed in 63% of fibromyalgia plus headache patients, with probable analgesic overuse headache in only 8%. General measures of pain, pain-related disability, sleep quality, and psychological distress were similar in fibromyalgia patients with and without headache. Therefore, fibromyalgia patients with headache do not appear to represent a significantly different subgroup compared to fibromyalgia patients without headache. The high prevalence and significant impact associated with chronic headache in fibromyalgia patients, however, warrants inclusion of a headache assessment as part of the routine evaluation of fibromyalgia patients

   (485)    Marques AP, Ferreira EA, Matsutani LA, Pereira CA, Assumpcao A. Quantifying pain threshold and quality of life of fibromyalgia patients. Clin Rheumatol 2005; 24(3):266-271.
Abstract: The most typical symptom of fibromyalgia (FM) is diffuse pain, and pain at specific points-tender points-is crucial for its diagnosis. By comparing healthy individuals and FM patients, this study was aimed at assessing pain and quality of life of Brazilian females with FM, while seeking for a correlation between pain threshold and quality of life. A total of 178 women were evaluated: 124 were FM patients and 54 were healthy women. Pain threshold at tender points was quantified by dolorimetry, and diffuse pain by means of the visual analogue scale (VAS); the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) was used to evaluate quality of life. Statistical treatment of the data allowed for proposing two indexes: a pain threshold index (PT) and a quality of life one (QOL). PT is the lowest value among all pain thresholds measured at the 18 tender points; QOL is the mean of responses to the FIQ and VAS. Both indexes were tested and showed significant differences between the test and control groups. By pairing pain threshold values of each tender point in the test and control groups, it was found that the most sensitive points matched between the two groups, that is, the most sensitive anatomic spots in a healthy individual are also likely to be the most sensitive points in a person with FM. This suggests that a stimulus that provokes slight discomfort to a healthy person may produce more pain in FM patients--which may bear implications for FM clinical treatment. In this sample of Brazilian women, FM patients had both lower pain threshold and worse quality of life than healthy women

   (486)    Martinez-Lavin M, Hermosillo AG. Dysautonomia in Gulf War syndrome and in fibromyalgia. Am J Med 2005; 118(4):446.

   (487)    McBeth J, Chiu YH, Silman AJ, Ray D, Morriss R, Dickens C et al. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal stress axis function and the relationship with chronic widespread pain and its antecedents. Arthritis Res Ther 2005; 7(5):R992-R1000.
Abstract: In clinic studies, altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function has been associated with fibromyalgia, a syndrome characterised by chronic widespread body pain. These results may be explained by the associated high rates of psychological distress and somatisation. We address the hypothesis that the latter, rather than the pain, might explain the HPA results. A population study ascertained pain and psychological status in subjects aged 25 to 65 years. Random samples were selected from the following three groups: satisfying criteria for chronic widespread pain; free of chronic widespread pain but with strong evidence of somatisation ('at risk'); and a reference group. HPA axis function was assessed from measuring early morning and evening salivary cortisol levels, and serum cortisol after physical (pain pressure threshold exam) and chemical (overnight 0.25 mg dexamethasone suppression test) stressors. The relationship between HPA function with pain and the various psychosocial scales assessed was modelled using appropriate regression analyses, adjusted for age and gender. In all 131 persons with chronic widespread pain (participation rate 74%), 267 'at risk' (58%) and 56 controls (70%) were studied. Those in the chronic widespread pain and 'at risk' groups were, respectively, 3.1 (95% CI (1.3, 7.3)) and 1.8 (0.8, 4.0) times more likely to have a saliva cortisol score in the lowest third. None of the psychosocial factors measured were, however, associated with saliva cortisol scores. Further, those in the chronic widespread pain (1.9 (0.8, 4.7)) and 'at risk' (1.6 (0.7, 3.6)) groups were also more likely to have the highest serum cortisol scores. High post-stress serum cortisol was related to high levels of psychological distress (p = 0.05, 95% CI (0.02, 0.08)). After adjusting for levels of psychological distress, the association between chronic widespread pain and post-stress cortisol scores remained, albeit slightly attenuated. This is the first population study to demonstrate that those with established, and those psychologically at risk of, chronic widespread pain demonstrate abnormalities of HPA axis function, which are more marked in the former group. Although some aspects of the altered function are related to the psychosocial factors measured, we conclude that the occurrence of HPA abnormality in persons with chronic widespread pain is not fully explained by the accompanying psychological stress

   (488)    McCabe C, Lewis J, Shenker N, Hall J, Cohen H, Blake D. Don't look now! Pain and attention. Clin Med 2005; 5(5):482-486.
Abstract: Attention and pain are linked inexorably. The manipulation of attention, via either distraction or focused attention, has been used as a therapeutic initiative for generations. Imaging evidence and clinical observations demonstrate that attention can be altered with associated changes at the cortical level and this may have positive or negative effects on the individual. New theories suggest that cortical remapping and visual attention may play key roles in a cortical model of pain specifically involving the motor control system. Within this system, the relationship between allocentric (external) and egocentric (internal) stimuli are managed; where conflict occurs, somaesthetic disturbances may be generated. If an individual pays too much attention to such sensory disturbances, then they may report the disturbances as abnormal symptoms, which may explain the diverse symptomatology of fibromyalgia. The use of a therapeutic optokinetic device to correct existing imbalances in the motor control system is also discussed

   (489)    McLean SA, Williams DA, Clauw DJ. Fibromyalgia after motor vehicle collision: evidence and implications. Traffic Inj Prev 2005; 6(2):97-104.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Assess currently available evidence regarding the ability of a motor vehicle collision (MVC) to trigger the development of fibromyalgia (FM). METHODS: Consensus standards developed by the American College of Rheumatology Environmental Disease Study Group were used to assess the ability of an MVC to trigger FM. RESULTS: Increasing evidence suggests that FM and related disorders are characterized by abnormalities in central nervous system function related to sensory processing, autonomic regulation, and neuroendocrine function. MVC trauma appears capable of triggering FM, but generally not through direct biomechanical injury. Instead, the evidence suggests that MVC trauma can act as a "stressor," which in concert with other factors, such as an individual's biologic vulnerability, psychosocial factors, cultural factors, and so on, may result in the development of chronic widespread pain and other somatic symptoms. MVC trauma is only one of many stressors which can trigger such disorders, and the environment within which the stressor is experienced (biological and psychosocial) may largely determine whether there is an adverse physiologic result or not. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence that MVC trauma may trigger FM meets established criteria for determining causality, and has a number of important implications, both for patient care, and for research into the pathophysiology and treatment of these disorders

   (490)    McLean SA, Williams DA, Harris RE, Kop WJ, Groner KH, Ambrose K et al. Momentary relationship between cortisol secretion and symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia. Arthritis Rheum 2005; 52(11):3660-3669.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To compare the momentary association between salivary cortisol levels and pain, fatigue, and stress symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia (FM), and to compare diurnal cycles of cortisol secretion in patients with FM and healthy control subjects in a naturalistic environment. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with FM and 27 healthy control subjects completed assessments on salivary cortisol levels and pain, fatigue, and stress symptoms, 5 times a day for 2 consecutive days, while engaging in usual daily activities. Only those participants who adhered to the protocol (assessed via activity monitor) were included in the final analyses. RESULTS: Twenty FM patients and 16 healthy control subjects adhered to the protocol. There were no significant differences in cortisol levels or diurnal cortisol variation between FM patients and healthy controls. Among women with FM, a strong relationship between cortisol level and current pain symptoms was observed at the waking time point (t = 3.35, P = 0.008) and 1 hour after waking (t = 2.97, P = 0.011), but not at the later 3 time points. This association was not due to differences in age, number of symptoms of depression, or self-reported history of physical or sexual abuse. Cortisol levels alone explained 38% and 14% of the variation in pain at the waking and 1 hour time points, respectively. No relationship was observed between cortisol level and fatigue or stress symptoms at any of the 5 time points. CONCLUSION: Among women with FM, pain symptoms early in the day are associated with variations in function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

   (491)    McLean SA, Clauw DJ. Biomedical models of fibromyalgia. Disabil Rehabil 2005; 27(12):659-665.
Abstract: PURPOSE: Fibromyalgia (FM) and chronic widespread pain (CWP) are common, but the etiology of these disorders remains poorly understood. A large body of data indicates a neurobiological basis for these disorders, but this information has not been effectively transmitted to many medical professionals. METHODS: Contemporary data on the epidemiologic characteristics of FM and CWP are reviewed, and evidence for a neurobiological basis for these disorders is presented. In addition, possible predisposing, triggering, and maintaining factors for the development of these disorders are discussed. RESULTS: Approximately 10% of the population have CWP, and approximately 4% have FM. The tender point criteria for FM have resulted in the common misconception among health care professionals that this spectrum of disorders is limited to women with high degrees of psychological distress. A hallmark of FM is the presence of non-nociceptive, central pain. There is evidence of centrally augmented pain processing, which can be detected both with sensory testing and by more objective measures (e.g., evoked potentials, functional neuroimaging). DISCUSSION: An appreciation of the neurobiological basis for these disorders, and an understanding of some of the abnormalities of pain processing present in patients with FM, will hopefully provide greater understanding of these patients. It may also serve to decrease the level of frustration and improve the care experience of both chronic pain patients and physicians

   (492)    McLean SA, Clauw DJ, Abelson JL, Liberzon I. The development of persistent pain and psychological morbidity after motor vehicle collision: integrating the potential role of stress response systems into a biopsychosocial model. Psychosom Med 2005; 67(5):783-790.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Persistent pain and psychological sequelae are common after motor vehicle collision (MVC), but their etiology remains poorly understood. Such common sequelae include whiplash-associated disorders (WAD), fibromyalgia, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Increasing evidence suggests that these disorders share overlapping epidemiologic and clinical features. A model is proposed in which central neurobiological systems, including physiologic systems and neuroanatomical structures involved in the stress response, are an important substrate for the development of all 3 disorders and interact with psychosocial and other factors to influence chronic symptom development. METHODS: Epidemiologic and clinical characteristics regarding the development of these disorders after MVC are reviewed. Evidence suggesting a role for stress response systems in the development of these disorders is presented. RESULTS: Contemporary evidence supports a model of chronic symptom development that incorporates the potential for interactions between past experience, acute stress responses to trauma, post-MVC behavior, and cognitive/psychosocial consequences to alter activity within brain regions which process pain and to result in persistent pain, as well as psychological sequelae, after MVC. Such a model incorporates factors identified in prior biopsychosocial theories and places them in the landscape of our rapidly developing understanding of stress systems and CNS pain-modulating pathways. CONCLUSION: New models are needed to stimulate deeper examination of the interacting influences of initial tissue damage, acute pain, psychosocial contingencies, and central stress pathways during chronic symptom development after MVC. Deeper understanding could contribute to improved treatment approaches to reduce the immense personal and societal burdens of common trauma-related disorders

   (493)    Mease P. Fibromyalgia syndrome: review of clinical presentation, pathogenesis, outcome measures, and treatment. J Rheumatol Suppl 2005; 75:6-21.:6-21.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) is a common chronic pain condition that affects at least 2% of the adult population in the USA and other regions in the world where FM is studied. Prevalence rates in some regions have not been ascertained and may be influenced by differences in cultural norms regarding the definition and attribution of chronic pain states. Chronic, widespread pain is the defining feature of FM, but patients may also exhibit a range of other symptoms, including sleep disturbance, fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, headache, and mood disorders. Although the etiology of FM is not completely understood, the syndrome is thought to arise from influencing factors such as stress, medical illness, and a variety of pain conditions in some, but not all patients, in conjunction with a variety of neurotransmitter and neuroendocrine disturbances. These include reduced levels of biogenic amines, increased concentrations of excitatory neurotransmitters, including substance P, and dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. A unifying hypothesis is that FM results from sensitization of the central nervous system. Establishing diagnosis and evaluating effects of therapy in patients with FM may be difficult because of the multifaceted nature of the syndrome and overlap with other chronically painful conditions. Diagnostic criteria, originally developed for research purposes, have aided our understanding of this patient population in both research and clinical settings, but need further refinement as our knowledge about chronic widespread pain evolves. Outcome measures, borrowed from clinical research in pain, rheumatology, neurology, and psychiatry, are able to distinguish treatment response in specific symptom domains. Further work is necessary to validate these measures in FM. In addition, work is under way to develop composite response criteria, intended to address the multidimensional nature of this syndrome. A range of medical treatments, including antidepressants, opioids, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, sedatives, muscle relaxants, and antiepileptics, have been used to treat FM. Nonpharmaceutical treatment modalities, including exercise, physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, and cognitive behavioral therapy, can be helpful. Few of these approaches have been demonstrated to have clear-cut benefits in randomized controlled trials. However, there is now increased interest as more effective treatments are developed and our ability to accurately measure effect of treatment has improved. The multifaceted nature of FM suggests that multimodal individualized treatment programs may be necessary to achieve optimal outcomes in patients with this syndrome

   (494)    Mease PJ, Clauw DJ, Arnold LM, Goldenberg DL, Witter J, Williams DA et al. Fibromyalgia syndrome. J Rheumatol 2005; 32(11):2270-2277.
Abstract: The objectives of the first OMERACT Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FM) Workshop were to identify and prioritize symptom domains that should be consistently evaluated in FM clinical trials, and to identify aspects of domains and outcome measures that should be part of a concerted research agenda of FM researchers. Such an effort will help standardize and improve the quality of outcomes research in FM. A principal assumption in this workshop has been that there exists a clinical syndrome, generally known as FM, characterized by chronic widespread pain typically associated with fatigue, sleep disturbance, mood disturbance, and other symptoms and signs, and considered to be related to central neuromodulatory dysregulation. FM can be diagnosed using 1990 American College of Rheumatology criteria. In preparation for the workshop a Delphi exercise involving 23 FM researchers was conducted to establish a preliminary prioritization of domains of inquiry. At the OMERACT meeting, the workshop included presentation of the Delphi results; a review of placebo-controlled trials of FM treatment, with a focus on the outcome measures used and their performance; a panel discussion of the key issues in FM trials, from both an investigator and regulatory agency perspective; and a voting process by the workshop attendees. The results of the workshop were presented in the plenary session on the final day of the meeting. A prioritized list of domains of FM to be investigated was thus developed, key issues and controversies in the field were debated, and consensus on a research agenda on outcome measure development was reached

   (495)    Melillo N, Corrado A, Quarta L, D'Onofrio F, Trotta A, Cantatore FP. [Fibromyalgic syndrome: new perspectives in rehabilitation and management. A review]. Minerva Med 2005; 96(6):417-423.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome, characterized by widespread body pain and pain at specific tender points, whose etiology and pathogenesis is still unknown. Patient can also exhibit a range of other symptoms including irritable bowel syndrome, chest pain, anxiety, fatigue, sleep disturbance, headache. The prevalence of fibromyalgia ranges from 1-3% in the general population, and the condition is more common among female than males. Contrary to the situation a few years ago, the most widely accepted hypothesis now evoke central nervous system mechanisms, whose local functions could influence also periferical microvascular activity at tender points. There are many findings supporting the hypothesis of different endogenic and exogenic factors that lead to chronic local hypoxia in muscle tissue. Currently, therapy is polipragmatic and is aimed at reducing the pain. A range of medical treatment had been used to treat fibromyalgia. Pharmacological therapy aims to enhance the pain threshold and to support sleep. Nonpharmaceutical treatment modalities, such as exercise, massage, idrotherapy can be helpful. Future studies should investigate the possible benefits of new strategies that may combine the effects of hot pool water, stretching exercises, massage and relaxation benefits of balneotherapy

   (496)    Mercante JP, Peres MF, Guendler V, Zukerman E, Bernik MA. Depression in chronic migraine: severity and clinical features. Arq Neuropsiquiatr 2005; 63(2A):217-220.
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Chronic migraine (CM) is a common medical condition affecting 2.4% of the general population. Depression is one of the most frequent comorbid disorders in CM. METHOD: Seventy patients diagnosed with chronic migraine were studied. All patients evaluated filled out the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Depression severity was divided into none or minimal depression, mild, moderate, and severe. RESULTS: BDI ranged from 4 to 55, mean 21 +/- 10.7. Moderate or severe depression, were present in 58.7% of the patients. Some degree of depression appeared in 85.8% of patients. The BDI scores correlated with pain intensity (p = 0.02). Severe depression was more frequent in patients with comorbid fibromyalgia and in patients reporting fatigue. CONCLUSION: The BDI is an easy tool to access depression in CM patients. Suicide risk assessment is needed in CM patients. Patients with fibromyalgia and fatigue are at even higher risk for severe depression

   (497)    Michalsen A, Riegert M, Ludtke R, Backer M, Langhorst J, Schwickert M et al. Mediterranean diet or extended fasting's influence on changing the intestinal microflora, immunoglobulin A secretion and clinical outcome in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia: an observational study. BMC Complement Altern Med 2005; 5:22.:22.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Alterations in the intestinal bacterial flora are believed to be contributing factors to many chronic inflammatory and degenerative diseases including rheumatic diseases. While microbiological fecal culture analysis is now increasingly used, little is known about the relationship of changes in intestinal flora, dietary patterns and clinical outcome in specific diseases. To clarify the role of microbiological culture analysis we aimed to evaluate whether in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or fibromyalgia (FM) a Mediterranean diet or an 8-day fasting period are associated with changes in fecal flora and whether changes in fecal flora are associated with clinical outcome. METHODS: During a two-months-period 51 consecutive patients from an Integrative Medicine hospital department with an established diagnosis of RA (n = 16) or FM (n = 35) were included in the study. According to predefined clinical criteria and the subjects' choice the patients received a mostly vegetarian Mediterranean diet (n = 21; mean age 50.9 +/-13.3 y) or participated in an intermittent modified 8-day fasting therapy (n = 30; mean age 53.7 +/- 9.4 y). Quantitative aerob and anaerob bacterial flora, stool pH and concentrations of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) were analysed from stool samples at the beginning, at the end of the 2-week hospital stay and at a 3-months follow-up. Clinical outcome was assessed with the DAS 28 for RA patients and with a disease severity rating scale in FM patients. RESULTS: We found no significant changes in the fecal bacterial counts following the two dietary interventions within and between groups, nor were significant differences found in the analysis of sIgA and stool ph. Clinical improvement at the end of the hospital stay tended to be greater in fasting vs. non-fasting patients with RA (p = 0.09). Clinical outcome was not related to alterations in the intestinal flora. CONCLUSION: Neither Mediterranean diet nor fasting treatments affect the microbiologically assessed intestinal flora and sIgA levels in patients with RA and FM. The impact of dietary interventions on the human intestinal flora and the role of the fecal flora in rheumatic diseases have to be clarified with newer molecular analysis techniques. The potential benefit of fasting treatment in RA and FM should be further tested in randomised trials

   (498)    Montoya P, Pauli P, Batra A, Wiedemann G. Altered processing of pain-related information in patients with fibromyalgia. Eur J Pain 2005; 9(3):293-303.
Abstract: Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) and event-related potentials (ERPs) elicited by emotional words were analyzed in 12 patients with fibromyalgia (FM) and 12 matched healthy subjects. PPTs were assessed at the middle finger of both hands, before and after the experiment. Overall, FM patients and healthy subjects did not differ in PPT. Nevertheless, FM patients as compared with healthy controls were characterized by a significant enhancement of pain sensitivity from the beginning to the end of the experiment indicating a long lasting sensitization due to repeated stimulation. ERPs were recorded during a language decision task where subjects had to react to unpleasant pain-related and emotionally neutral words depending on syntactic or orthographic cues. An emotional category effect was observed on N400 and P300 components of the ERP, indicating that unpleasant words elicited more positive amplitudes than neutral words. A significant group effect was observed on P200 amplitudes, showing reduced amplitudes in FM patients as compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, unpleasant pain-related compared to neutral words triggered significantly enhanced late positive slow waves in healthy controls, while a comparable effect was not found in FM patients. The ERP and PPT data suggest that FM patients are characterized by an altered cognitive processing of pain-related information and by an abnormal adaptation to mechanical pain stimuli, respectively

   (499)    Montoya P, Sitges C, Garcia-Herrera M, Izquierdo R, Truyols M, Blay N et al. Abnormal affective modulation of somatosensory brain processing among patients with fibromyalgia. Psychosom Med 2005; 67(6):957-963.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: It is well established that subjective pain perception can be modulated by negative mood states and that patients with chronic pain are characterized by high levels of depression and anxiety. Nevertheless, very little is known about the effects of negative mood induction on brain processing of somatosensory information in fibromyalgia. The objective of the present study was to examine the influence of two emotional states (pleasant and unpleasant) on brain activity of patients with fibromyalgia (FM; n = 27) and with musculoskeletal (MSK) pain resulting from identifiable somatic lesions (n = 16). METHODS: For this purpose, somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs) elicited by nonpainful pneumatic stimuli, delivered to the right and left hand following an oddball paradigm, were recorded when patients were viewing affective slides. RESULTS: As compared with patients with MSK pain, patients with FM displayed overall larger P50 amplitude to tactile stimuli. In addition, significantly larger P50 and smaller N80 amplitudes were found within patients with FM when they were viewing the unpleasant rather than the pleasant slides. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest an abnormal processing of nonpainful somatosensory information in FM, especially when somatic signals are arising from the body within an aversive stimulus context. These findings provide further support for the use of biopsychosocial models for understanding FM and other chronic pain states

   (500)    Moore SK, Black K. Fibromyalgia & pregnancy: what nurses need to know and do. AWHONN Lifelines 2005; 9(3):228-235.

   (501)    Morf S, mann-Vesti B, Forster A, Franzeck UK, Koppensteiner R, Uebelhart D et al. Microcirculation abnormalities in patients with fibromyalgia - measured by capillary microscopy and laser fluxmetry. Arthritis Res Ther 2005; 7(2):R209-R216.
Abstract: This unblinded preliminary case-control study was done to demonstrate functional and structural changes in the microcirculation of patients with primary fibromyalgia (FM). We studied 10 women (54.0 +/- 3.7 years of age) with FM diagnosed in accordance with the classification criteria of the American College of Rheumatology, and controls in three groups (n = 10 in each group) - age-matched women who were healthy or who had rheumatoid arthritis or systemic scleroderma (SSc). All 40 subjects were tested within a 5-week period by the same investigators, using two noninvasive methods, laser fluxmetry and capillary microscopy. The FM patients were compared with the healthy controls (negative controls) and with rheumatoid arthritis patients and SSc patients (positive controls). FM patients had fewer capillaries in the nail fold (P < 0.001) and significantly more capillary dilatations (P < 0.05) and irregular formations (P < 0.01) than the healthy controls. Interestingly, the peripheral blood flow in FM patients was much less (P < 0.001) than in healthy controls but did not differ from that of SSc patients (P = 0.73). The data suggest that functional disturbances of microcirculation are present in FM patients and that morphological abnormalities may also influence their microcirculation

   (502)    Morris CR, Bowen L, Morris AJ. Integrative therapy for fibromyalgia: possible strategies for an individualized treatment program. South Med J 2005; 98(2):177-184.
Abstract: One of the most complex patient treatment situations encountered by the clinician is the patient who presents with the cluster of signs and symptoms that lead to the diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome. While physicians focus primarily on pharmacologic treatment, a number of nonpharmacologic modalities have been shown to benefit patients as well. No one therapy is uniformly effective in every patient; treatment programs consisting of a combination of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies must be individualized to the patient, and the clinician may have to try several different modalities before reaching an optimal improvement in the patient's symptoms

   (503)    Mulak A, Paradowski L. [Migraine and irritable bowel syndrome]. Neurol Neurochir Pol 2005; 39(4 Suppl 1):S55-S60.
Abstract: The association between migraine and functional gastrointestinal disorders has been confirmed by many clinical observations and epidemiological studies. In most patients during the attacks of migraine, apart from various neurological and vascular symptoms, gastrointestinal disturbances occur including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhea. Functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), are reported in migraine patients in periods between the attacks as well. On the other hand 23-53% of IBS patients have frequent headaches. Migraine and IBS often coexist with fibromyalgia and other chronic pain syndromes and functional disorders. Migraine and IBS affect approximately 10-20% of the general population, usually young adults. Both diseases are more prevalent in women, perhaps due to the role of estrogen in their pathogenesis. Looking for the common pathogenetic mechanisms of IBS and migraine the role of the brain-gut axis, neuroimmune and neuroendocrine interactions are being considered. The influence of stress on symptom occurrence and severity seems to be associated with hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The enteric nervous system as a source of numerous neurotransmitters and visceral reflexes is a plausible common pathogenic link between IBS and migraine. In particular serotonin being the main neurotransmitter of the gastrointestinal tract plays a relevant role in the pathogenesis of IBS as well as migraine. Nowadays, agonists and antagonists of serotoninergic receptors are the most efficacious drugs for IBS and migraine therapy. Some side effects of triptans, 5-HT(1B/D) agonists, used in migraine treatment may be connected with the influence of triptans on the gastrointestinal functions. A better understanding of the relationship between migraine and IBS may result in more effective treatment of both diseases

   (504)    Narvaez J, Nolla JM, Valverde J. No serological evidence that fibromyalgia is linked with exposure to human parvovirus B19. Joint Bone Spine 2005; 72(6):592-594.

   (505)    Narvaez J, Nolla JM, Valverde-Garcia J. Lack of association of fibromyalgia with hepatitis C virus infection. J Rheumatol 2005; 32(6):1118-1121.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: An association between chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and fibromyalgia (FM) remains controversial, mainly because previous studies were based on prevalent case series or comparisons with less than optimal control groups. We investigated whether there might be an association between chronic HCV infection and FM. METHODS: We prospectively investigated the prevalence of HCV infection in a series of 115 patients with FM and compared it with the prevalence in the general population of our community reported in the same period. Anti-HCV antibodies were determined by ELISA. In positive cases, infection was confirmed by recombinant immunoblot assay and HCV-RNA was detected by PCR using sera samples. Differences between prevalence rates were assessed by chi-square test. RESULTS: HCV infection was confirmed in 3 of 115 patients with FM (2.6%). Two of these patients (1.74%) had active HCV infection shown by the presence of viral RNA in serum, whereas HCV RNA was undetectable in the third patient. In these cases, liver disease had previously been undiagnosed and HCV infection manifested itself by extrahepatic symptoms. Although the prevalence of HCV infection was slightly higher in patients with FM than in the general population in the age groups 25-44 and 45-64 years, when we compared prevalence rates in the total group and the different age groups, no statistically significant differences were found. CONCLUSION: From our results, it seems unlikely that HCV infection plays a pathogenic role in FM

   (506)    Naschitz JE, Rozenbaum M, Fields MC, Enis S, Manor H, Dreyfuss D et al. Cardiovascular reactivity in fibromyalgia: evidence for pathogenic heterogeneity. J Rheumatol 2005; 32(2):335-339.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate disease-specific cardiovascular reactivity patterns in patients with fibromyalgia (FM) using a recently described method called fractal and recurrence analysis score (FRAS). METHODS: The study group included 30 women with FM, average age 46.7 years (SD 7.03). An age matched group of 30 women with other rheumatic disorders or having a dysautonomic background [chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), non-CFS fatigue, neurally mediated syncope, and psoriatic arthritis (PsA)] served as controls. Subjects were evaluated with a head-up tilt test with beat-to-beat recording of the heart rate (HR) and pulse transit time. A 10-minute supine phase was followed by 600 cardiac cycles recorded on tilt. Data were processed by recurrence plot and fractal analysis. Variables acting as independent predictors of the cardiovascular reactivity were identified in FM patients versus controls. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the groups by univariate analysis comparing 92 variables of cardiovascular reactivity in FM patients compared to controls. CONCLUSION: Study of cardiovascular reactivity utilizing a head-up tilt test and processing the data using the FRAS method did not reveal a specific FM-associated abnormality. Our data confirm studies that utilized other methodologies and reached similar conclusions. Patients with FM represent a heterogenous group with respect to their pattern of cardiovascular reactivity

   (507)    Naschitz JE, Mussafia-Priselac R, Peck ER, Peck S, Naftali N, Storch S et al. Hyperventilation and amplified blood pressure response: is there a link? J Hum Hypertens 2005; 19(5):381-387.
Abstract: Based on prior studies, the hypothesis that hyperventilation (HV) may have a pressor effect and play a causal role in hypertension has been suggested. The objective of this study was to correlate HV with blood pressure (BP)-change during a postural challenge. Consecutive subjects referred for evaluation of syncope, dizziness, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia, or non-CFS fatigue were assessed with a 10-min supine 30-min head-up tilt test combined with capnography. We selected for analysis the records of patients aged 17-70 years, not taking vasoactive medications, having sitting systolic BP (SBP) < 140 mmHg, sitting diastolic BP (DBP) < 90 mmHg, and who completed 30 min of tilt. HV was diagnosed when end-tidal pressure of CO2 < 30 mmHg was recorded consecutively for > or = 10 min. Postural hypertension (PHT) was diagnosed when DBP on tilt > or = 90 mmHg was recorded consecutively for > or = 10 min. DBP-change was computed as (median DBP on tilt) -(median DBP supine). PHT and DBP-change were correlated with HV. A total of 320 patient charts were reviewed. PHT was present in 30 cases. The mean DBP-change in patients with PHT was +9.9 mmHg (s.d. 5.8), with three patients manifesting HV. Of the remaining 290 patients, 56 had HV, their mean DBP-change was -0.3 mmHg (s.d. 7.2). The other 234 patients without HV had a mean DBP-change +0.95 mmHg (s.d. 5.7), comparable to the DBP-change in patients with HV. In, conclusion, posturally induced HV was not associated with an increase in BP, nor was PHT associated with HV, except in a small minority of cases

   (508)    ntai-Otong D. The art of prescribing. Depression and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS): pharmacologic considerations. Perspect Psychiatr Care 2005; 41(3):146-148.

   (509)    Offenbaecher M, Ackenheil M. Current trends in neuropathic pain treatments with special reference to fibromyalgia. CNS Spectr 2005; 10(4):285-297.
Abstract: Neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia are prevalent diseases which have major consequences on healthcare resources and the individual. From the clinical point of view neuropathic pains represent a heterogeneous group of aetiologically different diseases ranging from cancer to diabetes. Patients with fibromyalgia also display clinical features common in neuropathic pain suggesting that there might be some overlap. The mechanisms responsible for symptoms and signs in both diseases are still unknown. Recently, there have been numerous reports of various pharmacological treatments of neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia with often disappointing results. Most of the studies were of short duration, had high attrition rates, and displayed other methodological problems. Some compounds had high rates of adverse effects which makes it often difficult for the patients to tolerate the treatment, especially in the long-term. At present, the best options for medication treatment are tricyclic antidepressants in lower dosage than usual in psychiatric disorders and a wide range of anticonvulsants. Opioids are sometimes recommended but have been found to have minor efficacy. Recently, there have been more controlled trials, which are reported here if they had been published between 2002 and 2004. Various compounds have been tested in different studies. Treatment of fibromyalgia, which has many features in common with depressive symptoms, became the focus of interest. New promising studies with dual serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (duloxetine and milnacipram) and a newer antiepileptic drug (pregabalin) are in progress. Future research will have to apply new approaches (e.g., using a mechanism-based classification of neuropathic pain and carrying out studies in populations with the same symptom but not necessarily the same disease) in order to find effective treatments for these common and often debilitating diseases

   (510)    Ofluoglu D, Berker N, Guven Z, Canbulat N, Yilmaz IT, Kayhan O. Quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Rheumatol 2005; 24(5):490-492.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine and compare the quality of life (QOL) of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to assess patients' psychological and functional status in each group. This prospective study included 62 female FS patients and 60 female RA patients diagnosed by the American College of Rheumatology criteria. The Turkish translations of the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale II (AIMS II) and Beck Depression Index (BDI) were given to all of the patients and they were asked to complete the two questionnaires. The scores of AIMS II, pain, and QOL were evaluated in the FS and RA groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the FS and RA groups (p>0.05) in terms of QOL. The affect subgroup scores of the AIMS II and BDI were highly correlated in the FS and RA groups (p<0.002, r=0.85 and p<0.05, r=0.80, respectively). The results show that the QOL is negatively but similarly affected in FS and RA groups

   (511)    Ohayon MM. Prevalence and correlates of nonrestorative sleep complaints. Arch Intern Med 2005; 165(1):35-41.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Nonrestorative sleep (NRS) has been little studied in the general population, even though this symptom has an important role in several medical conditions such as heart disease, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome, as well as various sleep disorders. METHODS: A total of 25,580 individuals (age range, 15-100 years) from the noninstitutionalized general population representative of 7 European countries (France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Finland) were interviewed by telephone using the Sleep-EVAL system. Nonrestorative sleep was analyzed in relationship to sociodemographic determinants, environmental factors, life habits, health, sleep-wake schedule, and psychological factors. RESULTS: The prevalence of NRS was 10.8% (95% confidence interval, 10.4%-11.2%) in the sample, was higher in women than in men (12.5% vs 9.0%; P<.001), and decreased with age. The United Kingdom (16.1%) and Germany (15.5%) had the highest prevalence of NRS and Spain (2.4%), the lowest. In multivariate analyses, several factors were positively associated with NRS. The most important were younger age, dissatisfaction with sleep, difficulty getting started in the morning, stressful life, presence of anxiety, bipolar or a depressive disorder, and having a physical disease. When compared with subjects who have difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep (without NRS), subjects with NRS reported more frequently a variety of daytime impairment (irritability, physical, and mental fatigue) and consulted a physician twice as frequently for their sleeping difficulties than did other subjects with insomnia. CONCLUSIONS: Nonrestorative sleep is a frequent symptom in the general population, but its prevalence largely varies between countries. It is often associated with mental disorders and characteristics of sleep deprivation (such as extra sleep time on weekends). Nonrestorative sleep affected more frequently the active classes of the population and caused greater daytime impairment than difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep

   (512)    Oliver K, Cronan TA. Correlates of physical activity among women with fibromyalgia syndrome. Ann Behav Med 2005; 29(1):44-53.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a chronic pain syndrome of unknown origin that lacks standardized treatment. However, participation in physical activity (PA) benefits people with FMS. Despite the psychosocial and health benefits that can be gained through PA, the correlates of PA among people with FMS remain poorly understood. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify and compare the effects of cross-sectional and longitudinal correlates of PA among women with FMS. METHODS: Participants were 187 female members of a HMO with a confirmed diagnosis of FMS. They were administered a battery of questionnaires assessing potential correlates of PA. These correlates were suggested by social cognitive theory and the transtheoretical model, and have been repeatedly associated with PA among the general population. RESULTS: Multivariate analyses indicated that self-efficacy for PA and the behavioral processes of change were the strongest discriminators among PA adopters, maintainers, quitters, and those who were sedentary. Enjoyment of PA, barriers to PA, the impact of FMS, and the environment also significantly discriminated among these groups. Longitudinally, changes in self-efficacy were significantly associated with changes in PA. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that self-efficacy may play a critical role in both the present and long-term PA of women with FMS. They also lend additional support to the role of social cognitive and transtheoretical variables in discriminating among levels of PA

   (513)    Otero M, Nogueiras R, Lago F, Meijide J, Amarelo J, Mera A et al. Ghrelin plasmatic levels in patients with fibromyalgia. Rheumatol Int 2005; 25(1):6-8.
Abstract: Ghrelin is a recently discovered 28 amino acid peptide that regulates GH secretion and energy homeostasis. In fibromyalgia (FM) there are alterations in the pituitary-hypothalamic axis, particularly in the growth hormone (GH) secretion pattern. Whether this anomalous secretion of GH pertains to abnormal levels of ghrelin is still unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate plasma ghrelin levels in patients with fibromyalgia (FM) compared with healthy controls. Plasmatic ghrelin concentrations were determined by a double antibody radioimmunoassay in 19 patients with FM and 14 healthy controls. Compared with controls, patients with FM did not show any significant differences of ghrelin plasmatic levels. In conclusion, FM is not associated with deviation in ghrelin concentrations. Existing alterations in FM with respect to GH are unlikely due to circulating ghrelin

   (514)    Palla S. Myopain 2004: Sixth World Congress on myofascial pain and fibromyalgia. July 18-22, 2004, Munich, Germany. J Orofac Pain 2005; 19(1):89-90.

   (515)    Pamuk ON, Cakir N. The variation in chronic widespread pain and other symptoms in fibromyalgia patients. The effects of menses and menopause. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2005; 23(6):778-782.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: We determined the relationship between the menstrual cycle and fibromyalgia (FM) symptoms in premenopausal women. In addition, we compared the clinical features of FM patients diagnosed pre-and postmenopausally. METHODS: We included 80 premenopausal, and 72 postmenopausal patients with FM. All patients were questioned about the severity of their pain and symptoms of FM by using a visual analog scale (VAS). In addition, the patients were asked questions about symptoms of somatization, depression and anxiety. Postmenopausal subjects were asked about the change in their FM symptoms with the onset of menopause; and premenopausal subjects were asked whether their FM symptoms changed during the menses. In addition, 40 premenopausal patients were requested to fill in a diary about their FM symptoms using VAS throughout one menstrual cycle. RESULTS: Postmenopausal patients had more severe pain on VAS (p = 0.048). Of all the postmenopausal females, 25% said that their FM symptoms started with the onset of menopause and 26.4% said that the severity of their previous symptoms increased after menopause. Of all the premenopausal females, 45% admitted to higher pain severity and 57.5% to a higher fatigue severity during the menses. The patients who defined an increase in their symptoms during the menses were the ones with higher sleep disturbance scores, more somatization symptoms and more tender points (p values < 0.05). The results of the diaries revealed that the mean pain and fatigue scores in the menstrual and luteal phases were higher than the scores in the follicular and premenstrual phases (p values < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The menstrual cycle and the onset of menopause affect pain and the severity of other FM-related symptoms in approximately one half of the subjects

   (516)    Pasoto SG, Abrao MS, Viana VS, Bueno C, Leon EP, Bonfa E. Endometriosis and systemic lupus erythematosus: a comparative evaluation of clinical manifestations and serological autoimmune phenomena. Am J Reprod Immunol 2005; 53(2):85-93.
Abstract: PROBLEM: In view of evidences suggesting association between endometriosis (EM) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), we have performed a comparative evaluation of clinical and humoral immunologic abnormalities in both diseases. METHOD OF STUDY: Forty-five women (18-40 years) with histologically confirmed pelvic EM, 21 healthy-women and 15 female SLE-patients (18-40 years) without surgically confirmed EM were prospectively evaluated. Immunologic investigations were performed by blinded researchers. RESULTS: None of the EM-patients fulfilled criteria for SLE. However, EM-patients presented higher frequencies of arthralgia (62%) and generalized myalgia (18%) superior than normal-controls (24%, P = 0.004/0%, P = 0.048) but comparable with SLE-patients (33%, P = 0.052/27%, P = 0.5). Similarly to SLE (7%), 9% of EM-patients presented fibromyalgia. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) were detected in 18% of EM-sera, as compared with healthy-women (0%, P = 0.014) and SLE-patients (93%, P = 0.0005). In contrast with SLE, antibodies to dsDNA, Sm and U1RNP were negative in EM-sera. Anti-Ro and anticardiolipin antibodies were more often in SLE (40%, 33%) than in EM-patients (2%, P < 0.001/9%, P = 0.04). Elevated immune-complexes and low total complement were more frequent in SLE (40%, 13%) compared with EM-sera (7%, P = 0.005/0%, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate differences of ANA antigenic specificity and complement consumption between EM and SLE. The high prevalence of generalized musculoskeletal complaints in EM justifies a multidisciplinary approach

   (517)    Patten SB, Beck CA, Kassam A, Williams JV, Barbui C, Metz LM. Long-term medical conditions and major depression: strength of association for specific conditions in the general population. Can J Psychiatry 2005; 50(4):195-202.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The prevalence of major depression (MD) in persons with nonpsychiatric medical conditions is an indicator of clinical need in those groups, an indicator of the feasibility of screening and case-finding efforts, and a source of etiologic hypotheses. This analysis explores the prevalence of MD in the general population in relation to various long-term medical conditions. METHODS: We used a dataset from a large-scale Canadian national health survey, the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS). The sample consisted of 115 071 subjects aged 18 years and over, randomly sampled from the Canadian population. The survey interview recorded self-reported diagnoses of various long-term medical conditions and employed a brief predictive interview for MD, the Composite International Diagnostic Interview Short Form for Major Depression. Logistic regression was used to adjust estimates of association for age and sex. RESULTS: The conditions most strongly associated with MD were chronic fatigue syndrome (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 7.2) and fibromyalgia (AOR 3.4). The conditions least strongly associated were hypertension (AOR 1.2), diabetes, heart disease, and thyroid disease (AOR 1.4 in each case). We found associations with various gastrointestinal, neurologic, and respiratory conditions. CONCLUSIONS: A diverse set of long-term medical conditions are associated with MD, although previous studies might have lacked power to detect some of these associations. The strength of association in prevalence data, however, varies across specific conditions

   (518)    Perez-Pareja J, Borras C, Sese A, Palmer A. Pain perception and fibromyalgia. Actas Esp Psiquiatr 2005; 33(5):303-310.
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Although psychological factors and self-regulation processes rarely cause pain they have enough importance to exacerbate pain and contribute to its maintenance. Nevertheless, pain perception and associated beliefs can influence its confrontation and the sensation of intensity. Pain perception in fibromyalgia acquires special relevance due to an abnormal sensitivity to digital pressure on the so-called "tender points". This constitutes the main factor for its differential diagnosis. METHOD: The aim of the present study is to determine differences in pain perception and associated beliefs that appear between a group of patients with fibromyalgia (n = 36), a control group with chronic pain with objectified non-inflammatory locomotion apparatus pathology (n = 44) and a control group with healthy subjects (n = 31). Pain perception and beliefs concerning pain were assessed using Spanish versions of the following self-reports: West Haven Yale Multidimensional Questionnaire (WHYWP) and Pain Perceptions and Beliefs Inventory (PBAPI). RESULTS: Results show that the difference between patients with chronic pain is not related to pain global perception, but rather to greater perception of pain as more incapacitating when carrying out every day activities in fibromyalgic patients. In this sense, these people use escape-avoidance strategies in their every day lives believing that pain incapacitates them and therefore that physical activity should be avoided. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of pain perceptions and beliefs could be considered relevant for assessment and for intervention programs on pathologies associated with chronic pain

   (519)    Peterson J. Understanding fibromyalgia and its treatment options. Nurse Pract 2005; 30(1):48-55.

   (520)    Petzke F, Giesecke T. [From opinions and hypotheses to facts? Trends in fibromyalgia research]. Schmerz 2005; 19(3):175-176.

   (521)    Petzke F, Harris RE, Williams DA, Clauw DJ, Gracely RH. Differences in unpleasantness induced by experimental pressure pain between patients with fibromyalgia and healthy controls. Eur J Pain 2005; 9(3):325-335.
Abstract: Pain possesses both sensory and affective dimensions, which are highly correlated yet distinct. Comparison of these dimensions within experimental pain settings has resulted in the construct of relative unpleasantness. Relative unpleasantness is defined as the amount of affective unpleasantness elicited for a given sensory magnitude. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between affective and sensory components of evoked pain in subjects with fibromyalgia (FM) and healthy controls. Here we show that patients with FM unexpectedly display less relative unpleasantness than healthy controls in response to random noxious pressure stimuli. Relative unpleasantness was not correlated with distress, anxiety, or depression, which were pronounced in the FM group. Clinical pain in patients with FM was perceived to be more unpleasant than the evoked pain stimuli. These results are consistent with the concept that chronic pain may reduce the relative unpleasantness of evoked pain sensations

   (522)    Piegza M, Gorczyca P, Hese RT. [Selected aspects relative to somatoform disorders]. Wiad Lek 2005; 58(7-8):442-446.
Abstract: This article addresses somatoform disorders, which remain a challenging problem in contemporary psychiatry. Inadequate responses to stressors play a significant role in their development. The term "somatoform disorders" refers to illnesses that were previously termed "psychosomatic". This article defines disorders according to the ICD-10 classification while highlighting important differences between this and the DSM-IV classification. The article reviews expert opinions concerning somatoform disorders, particularly in regard to somatization, hypochondriasis and autonomic dysfunction in these conditions. Attention is drawn to the relationship between somatoform disorders and other psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety disorders and personality disorders as well as to actual non-psychiatric illnesses. The influence of cultural background, sex and age is discussed. Difficult clinical conditions such as fibromyalgia and Munchhausen syndrome are also considered

   (523)    Pielsticker A, Haag G, Zaudig M, Lautenbacher S. Impairment of pain inhibition in chronic tension-type headache. Pain 2005; 118(1-2):215-223.
Abstract: Evidence has been accumulated suggesting that a dysfunction in pain inhibitory systems, i.e. in 'diffuse noxious inhibitory controls' (DNIC)-like mechanisms, might be-amongst other factors-responsible for the development of anatomically generalized chronic pain like fibromyalgia. The aim of the present study was to look for similar impairments in chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) as a regionally specific pain syndrome. Twenty-nine CTTH patients and 25 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects participated in the study. After baseline assessment of electrical detection and pain thresholds, tonic heat stimuli were concurrently applied by a thermode to the thigh to induce DNIC-like pain inhibition. Tonic heat stimuli were applied either slightly above ('pain' condition) or slightly below ('heat' condition) pain threshold. For determination of electrical detection and pain thresholds, electrocutaneous stimuli were administered either to the forearm (extra-cranial site) or to the temple (cranial site), using a multiple staircase procedure. The increase in the electrical detection and pain thresholds induced by concurrent tonic heat stimulation was significantly smaller in the CTTH patients than in the control subjects. This group difference was present during the 'pain' as well as the 'heat' condition. Furthermore, the electrical detection and pain thresholds were affected in this group-specific manner both at the forearm and at the temple. These findings suggest that patients with CTTH suffer from deficient DNIC-like pain inhibitory mechanisms in a similar manner, as do patients with anatomically generalized chronic pain like fibromyalgia

   (524)    Pierrynowski MR, Tiidus PM, Galea V. Women with fibromyalgia walk with an altered muscle synergy. Gait Posture 2005; 22(3):210-218.
Abstract: Most individuals can use different movement and muscle recruitment patterns to perform a stated task but often only one pattern is selected which optimizes an unknown global objective given the individual's neuromusculoskeletal characteristics. Patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FS), characterized by their chronic pain, reduced physical work capacity and muscular fatigue, could exhibit a different control signature compared to asymptomatic control volunteers (CV). To test this proposal, 22 women with FS, and 11 CV, were assessed in a gait analysis laboratory. Each subject walked repeatedly at self-selected slow, comfortable, and fast walking speeds. The gait analysis provided, for each walk, each subject's stride time, length, and velocity, and ground reaction force, and lower extremity joint kinematics, moments and powers. The data were then anthropometrically scaled and velocity normalized to reduce the influence of subject mass, leg length, and walking speed on the measured gait outcomes. Similarities and differences in the two groups' scaled and normalized gait patterns were then determined. Results show that FS and CV walk with externally similar stride lengths, times, and velocities, and joint angles and ground reaction forces but they use internally different muscle recruitment patterns. Specifically, FS preferentially power gait using their hip flexors instead of their ankle plantarflexors. Interestingly, CV use a similar muscle fatiguing recruitment pattern to walk fast which parallels the common complaint of fatigue reported by FS walking at comfortable speed

   (525)    Price DD, Staud R. Neurobiology of fibromyalgia syndrome. J Rheumatol Suppl 2005; 75:22-8.:22-28.
Abstract: Accumulating evidence suggests that fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) pain is maintained by tonic impulse input from deep tissues, such as muscle and joints, in combination with central sensitization mechanisms. This nociceptive input may originate in peripheral tissues (trauma and infection) resulting in hyperalgesia/allodynia and/or central sensitization. Evidence for abnormal sensitization mechanisms in FM includes enhanced temporal summation of delayed pain in response to repeated heat taps and repeated muscle taps, as well as prolonged and enhanced painful after-sensations in FM patients but not control subjects. Moreover, magnitudes of enhanced after-sensations are predictive of FM patients' ongoing clinical pain. Such alterations of relevant pain mechanisms may lead to longterm neuroplastic changes that exceed the antinociceptive capabilities of affected individuals, resulting in ever-increasing pain sensitivity and dysfunction. Future research needs to address the important role of abnormal nociception and/or antinociception for chronic pain in FM

   (526)    Pukall CF, Strigo IA, Binik YM, Amsel R, Khalife S, Bushnell MC. Neural correlates of painful genital touch in women with vulvar vestibulitis syndrome. Pain 2005; 115(1-2):118-127.
Abstract: Vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (VVS) is a common cause of dyspareunia in pre-menopausal women. Recent evidence points to the importance of the sensory component in VVS, particularly the heightened processing of tactile and pain sensation in the vulvar vestibule. The goal of the present study was to examine the neural basis of heightened sensitivity to touch (i.e. allodynia) in women with VVS. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we compared regions of neural activity in 14 women with VVS and 14 age- and contraceptive-matched control women in response to the application of mild and moderate pressure to the posterior portion of the vulvar vestibule. Intensity and unpleasantness ratings were recorded after each scan; these ratings were significantly higher for women with VVS than controls. All women with VVS described moderate pressure as painful and unpleasant, and 6 of the 14 women with VVS described mild pressure as painful and unpleasant. In contrast, none of the stimuli was painful for control women. Correspondingly, women with VVS showed more significant activations during pressure levels that they found to be either painful or non-painful than did controls during comparable pressure levels. During pressure described as painful by women with VVS, they had significantly higher activation levels in the insular and frontal cortical regions than did control women. These results suggest that women with VVS exhibit an augmentation of genital sensory processing, which is similar to that observed for a variety of syndromes causing hypersensitivity, including fibromyalgia, idiopathic back pain, irritable bowel syndrome, and neuropathic pain

   (527)    Rasmussen LB. [Maharishi Ayurveda, fibromyalgia and bladder problems]. Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen 2005; 125(17):2398.

   (528)    Reck R. [Chronic back pain and expert opinion]. Versicherungsmedizin 2005; 57(4):171-177.
Abstract: Back pain, especially chronic back pain, is not only a medical and psychological burden but also an economic problem due to the extremely high associated costs. These are generated by treatment and rehabilitation measures, pensions and loss of working hours. The cause of pain is multifocal and frequently remains unclear. It is not the etiology of back pain that has changed in the last 20 years, but its rate of assessment and treatment options. According to the relevant literature, treatment of chronic back pain will most probably only succeed using multimodal concepts that have to consider medical/somatic and psychosocial aspects and be based on scientific training experience. Pain assessment is based on common legal and certification standards. However, typical decision and rating problems result from the difficulty of objective medical registration and grading of pain. Medical certification may often be complicated by co-morbidities such as somatic pain attacks, fibromyalgia, depression or anxiety. These cases necessitate close cooperation with other medical specialities

   (529)    Reid GJ, McGrath PJ, Lang BA. Parent-child interactions among children with juvenile fibromyalgia, arthritis, and healthy controls. Pain 2005; 113(1-2):201-210.
Abstract: Parent-child interactions during pain-inducing exercise tasks among children (11-17 years old) with fibromyalgia, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and pain-free controls were examined and the contribution of parent-child interactions to disability was tested. Fifteen children in each of the three diagnostic groups and their parents completed 5-min exercise tasks and completed questionnaire measures of disability (Functional Disability Inventory) and coping (Pain Coping Questionnaire). There were few group differences in parent-child interactions. After controlling for children's ratings of pain evoked by the exercise, group differences in interactions during exercise tasks were no longer significant. Sequential analyses, controlling for group and exercise task, revealed that when parents made statements discouraging coping following children's negative verbalizations about the task or pain, children were less likely to be on task, compared to when parents made statements encouraging coping or when parents made any other statements. Children's general pain coping strategies were not related to parent-child interactions. Parent-child interactions were generally not related to disability. Across the groups, more pain and less time on task during the exercises were related to Functional Disability Inventory scores and more school absences. Parent-child interaction patterns influence children's adaptation to pain during experimental tasks. Parents' discouragement of coping in response to their children's negative statements related to the pain or the pain-evoking task are counter productive to children's ability to maintain activity in a mildly painful situation

   (530)    Ribel-Madsen S, Gronemann ST, Bartels EM, nneskiold-Samsoe B, Bliddal H. Collagen structure in skin from fibromyalgia patients. Int J Tissue React 2005; 27(3):75-82.
Abstract: The distribution and amount of collagen in skin from a non-tender-point area from fibromyalgia patients was assessed by quantitative analysis of amino acids and by electron and light microscopy. Skin biopsies were obtained from the front of the thigh of 27 females who fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology criteria of fibromyalgia and from eight control subjects who were matched for gender, age and physical activity. Amino acids were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Electron and light microscopic investigations were carried out to examine tissue structure. Among the collagen-related amino acids, the mean number of hydroxyproline residues per 1,000 residues was 52.5 and 63.4 in fibromyalgia patients and control subjects, respectively (p = 0.050); proline residues were 81.7 and 110.0 (p = 0.006); and hydroxylysine residues were 14.7 and 10.1 (p = 0.002). The total amount of skin protein in proportion to dry tissue weight was 83.4% and 72.6% in fibromyalgia and controls, respectively (p = 0.037). The overall microscopic picture was normal. The lamellar structure of the perineurium and a deficiency in collagen packing in the endoneurium was observed more frequently and to a larger extent in fibromyalgia patients than in controls. In conclusion, there are some differences between the amino acid composition of skin proteins in fibromyalgia patients compared with controls. The amount of collagen may be lower in skin from fibromyalgia patients, and collagen packing in the endoneurium may be less dense

   (531)    Rico-Villademoros F, Hidalgo J, Dominguez I, Garcia-Leiva JM, Calandre EP. Atypical antipsychotics in the treatment of fibromyalgia: a case series with olanzapine. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2005; 29(1):161-164.
Abstract: Fibromyalgia is a common and disabling chronic pain syndrome. Although a wide array of symptomatic pharmacological treatments has been used to treat this condition, only modest results have been obtained. Olanzapine has been proven effective in some chronic pain conditions. The authors present a case series of patients suffering from fibromyalgia who received olanzapine as add-on therapy during a 3-month period. Olanzapine (2.5-20.0 mg/day) was administered to 25 consecutive patients (24 females, 1 male) meeting the American College of Rheumatology diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia, and who were receiving nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; 68%), benzodiazepines/zolpidem (48%), antidepressants (32%), and cyclobenzaprine (4%), either alone or in combination. Overall, 6 of the 14 patients (43%) who completed the 12-week trial reported to be much or very much improved ('responders'), according to the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale and 7 of them (50%) reported a good or very good sense of well-being. Olanzapine's modal dose among responders was 10.0 mg/day. It was discontinued in 11 patients (44%) due to adverse reactions, most commonly weight gain (n=5, 20%). Our preliminary findings suggest a possible role for olanzapine in treating fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, the beneficial outcome of olanzapine was largely obscured by its poor tolerability, which could be explained by the greater propensity of patients with fibromyalgia to adverse drug reactions, and the greater risk of antipsychotic-induced weight gain among women. Whether other atypical antipsychotics will provide similar symptomatic relief, while showing a better tolerability profile than olanzapine in patients with fibromyalgia, should be further investigated

   (532)    Rowbotham MC. Is fibromyalgia a neuropathic pain syndrome? J Rheumatol Suppl 2005; 75:38-40.:38-40.
Abstract: The fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) seems an unlikely candidate for classification as a neuropathic pain. The disorder is diagnosed based on a compatible history and the presence of multiple areas of musculoskeletal tenderness. A consistent pathology in either the peripheral or central nervous system (CNS) has not been demonstrated in patients with FM, and they are not at higher risk for diseases of the CNS such as multiple sclerosis or of the peripheral nervous system such as peripheral neuropathy. A large proportion of FM sufferers have accompanying symptoms and signs of uncertain etiology, such as chronic fatigue, sleep disturbance, and bowel/bladder irritability. With the exception of migraine headaches and possibly irritable bowel syndrome, the accompanying disorders are clearly not neurological in origin. The impetus to classify the FM as a neuropathic pain comes from multiple lines of research suggesting widespread pain and tenderness are associated with chronic sensitization of the CNS. An examination of how the term neuropathic pain is defined reveals a conceptual split into 2 partially overlapping groups of disorders: those with demonstrable pathology in the nervous system and those characterized primarily by enduring dysfunction in the nervous system. Requiring demonstrable pathology in the nervous system in the definition of neuropathic pain is the traditional approach. The expansion of the definition to require only enduring nervous system dysfunction is less palatable because it opens the classification to many disorders of uncertain etiology, including complex regional pain syndrome. As it is uncertain which of the many different chronic pain syndromes include an enduring component of central sensitization, restricting the term "neuropathic pain" to those disorders with a primary etiology clearly related to the peripheral or CNS is prudent and consistent with clinical practice

   (533)    Rubin JJ. Psychosomatic pain: new insights and management strategies. South Med J 2005; 98(11):1099-1110.
Abstract: At least 40 to 60 percent of women and at least 20 percent of men with chronic pain disorders report a history of being abused during childhood and/or adulthood. This incidence of abuse is two to four times higher than in the general population. Patients with more severe or frequent abuse, usually during childhood and worse if sexual in nature. often develop specific syndromes or combinations of syndromes. These syndromes include posttraumatic stress disorder, fibromyalgia, and other conditions characterized by repression, somatization, and increased utilization of medical care. Psychosomatic symptoms and dysfunctional behaviors may emerge as these patients seek attention and validation of their suffering, while paradoxically repressing painful memories of trauma. Behavioral observations and key features of the physical examination may greatly help the clinician identify both the presence and severity of psychosomatic disease. In addition, it is very interesting that various studies document physiologic changes in the brains of patients with a history of abuse and in patients with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. These studies suggest that abuse may physiologically and developmentally increase a person's susceptibility to pain and that some organic changes may be associated with psychogenic disease. Diagnosis and treatment of even the most challenging patients with chronic pain is much more effective if it includes (a) careful inquiry about any history of past or present abuse or other severe trauma, (b) empathy and constructive validation of disease and suffering, (c) recognition of dysfunctional pain behaviors and personality traits, (d) documentation of nonanatomic as well as anatomic features on examination, (e) multidisciplinary treatments including psychotherapy whenever indicated, and (f) noninvasive procedures and alternatives to potentially habit-forming medications whenever possible and appropriate. Furthermore, it has been shown that helping patients gain insight about the relationship between abuse and their current symptoms leads to decreased health care utilization. Practical guidelines are provided for identifying psychopathology, communicating effectively, and achieving better treatment outcomes for these unfortunate patients

   (534)    Russell AS, Hui BK. The use of PRIME-MD questionnaire in a rheumatology clinic. Rheumatol Int 2005; 25(4):292-295.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders 1-page Brief Patient Health Questionnaire (PRIME-MD 1-page PHQ) can serve as: (1) a diagnostic test for fibromyalgia syndrome (FM), or (2) a questionnaire through which internists can be alerted to otherwise hidden mental disorders in patients attending internal medicine clinics. METHOD: Two hundred and thirteen consecutive patients attending a rheumatology clinic were given the PRIME-MD 1-page PHQ and seen by a rheumatologist who was blind to the PRIME-MD diagnosis. RESULTS: The PRIME-MD 1-page PHQ pointed to Major Depressive Disorder in 33.3% of FM patients, Other Depressive Disorder in 33.3% of FM patients, and Panic Disorder in 22.2% of FM patients (all of whom also had Major Depressive Disorder), as compared to 13.1, 13.1, and 3.0% respectively in patients with other rheumatic disorders. However, when used as a diagnostic test for FM, the PRIME-MD 1-page PHQ did not have adequate diagnostic value. When all the PRIME-MD 1-page PHQ diagnoses were compiled, however, a trend was observed. Compared to the rates of mental disorders in both the normal population and in primary care practices, the rates found in this rheumatology clinic were higher. CONCLUSIONS: The PRIME-MD 1-page PHQ is not an adequate diagnostic test for FM. Because FM is primarily a somatization disorder that draws its symptoms from other current diseases, it may in fact be impossible to diagnose FM based on specific symptoms alone. However, the PRIME-MD 1-page PHQ proved to be a useful diagnostic tool in a rheumatology clinic. It helped to alert the physician to the possibility of an elevated frequency of mental disorders that would otherwise have gone unnoticed and untreated

   (535)    Ruster M, Franke S, Spath M, Pongratz DE, Stein G, Hein GE. Detection of elevated N epsilon-carboxymethyllysine levels in muscular tissue and in serum of patients with fibromyalgia. Scand J Rheumatol 2005; 34(6):460-463.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To compare levels of the advanced glycation end product (AGE) N(epsilon)-carboxymethyllysine (CML) present in the muscle tissue and in the serum of patients with fibromyalgia (FM) vs. healthy controls. METHODS: The serum levels of CML were measured in 41 patients with FM and 81 healthy controls. The presence of CML, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB), the AGE receptor (RAGE), collagen types I, II, VI, and CD68-positive monocytes/macrophages in muscle tissue of 14 patients with FM was investigated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Patients with FM showed significantly increased serum levels of CML in comparison to healthy controls. The immunohistochemical investigation revealed a stronger staining for CML and NF-kappaB and more CD68-positive monocytes/macrophages in the muscle of FM patients. The collagens and CML were co-localized, suggesting that the AGE modifications were related to collagen. RAGE was absent in controls but a faint and patchy staining was seen in FM. CONCLUSIONS: In the interstitial connective tissue of fibromyalgic muscles we found a more intensive staining of the AGE CML, activated NF-kappaB, and also higher CML levels in the serum of these patients compared to the controls. RAGE was only present in FM muscle. AGE modification of proteins causes reduced solubility and high resistance to proteolytic digestion of the altered proteins (e.g. AGE-modified collagens). AGEs can stimulate different types of cells by activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB, mediated by specific receptors of AGEs (e.g. RAGE) on the cell surface. Both mechanisms may contribute to the development, perpetuation, and spreading of pain characteristic in FM patients

   (536)    Rustoen T, Wahl AK, Hanestad BR, Lerdal A, Paul S, Miaskowski C. Age and the experience of chronic pain: differences in health and quality of life among younger, middle-aged, and older adults. Clin J Pain 2005; 21(6):513-523.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To describe age differences in chronic pain and to evaluate for differences in demographic and health-related variables among younger (18-39 years), middle-aged (40-59 years), and older adults (60-81 years) who reported chronic pain. METHODS: A total of 4000 Norwegian citizens were mailed a questionnaire that measured pain, quality of life, mood, and demographic and health-related variables. RESULTS: Of the total sample (n = 1912), 19.2% of the younger age group, 27.5% of the middle-aged group, and 31.2% of the older group reported chronic pain (ie, >3 months duration). A total of 58.9% of the participants in chronic pain reported having a chronic disease, with the most common being musculoskeletal problems, chronic pain disorder, and osteoarthritis. Participants in the older age group reported pain of longer duration and more comorbidities and received pain treatment more often. They had higher total quality of life scores, were more satisfied with their material comforts and social life, and reported better mood. The middle-aged group reported the largest number of pain locations, reported having fibromyalgia more frequently, and reported that the cause of their pain was not known. They were less satisfied with their social life than the older age group. The younger age group reported the highest rates of injury and accidents as the cause of their pain, and almost 43% of this age group was not receiving any treatment of their chronic pain. CONCLUSION: This study found that the prevalence rates for chronic pain do vary with age and that the middle-aged group may be a high-risk group of patients with chronic pain

   (537)    Safman BL. Fibromyalgia, why? J Ark Med Soc 2005; 102(5):134-136.

   (538)    Salaffi F, Stancati A, Procaccini R, Cioni F, Grassi W. [Assessment of circadian rhythm in pain and stiffness in rheumatic diseases according the EMA (Ecologic Momentary Assessment) method: patient compliance with an electronic diary.]. Reumatismo 2005; 57(4):238-249.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Many researchers have used paper diaries in an attempt to capture patient experience. However, patient non-compliance with written diary protocols is a serious problem for researchers. Electronic patient experience diaries (eDiary) facilitate Ecologic Momentary Assessment (EMA) study designs by allowing the researcher to administer flexible, programmable assessments and mark each record with a time and date stamp. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the current study were to evaluate methodological issues associated with real-time pain reports (EMA) using electronic patient experience diaries, to quantify compliance (percentage of the total number of diary reports scheduled that were actually completed), and to examine the circadian rhythm in pain and stiffness of patients with rheumatic diseases in an ecologically valid manner. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study we examined 49 patients with rheumatic diseases (14 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 18 with fibromyalgia and 17 with osteoarthritis of the knee), attending the care facilities of the Department of Rheumatology of Universita Politecnica delle Marche. All patients fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. The assessment of pain and stiffness in all patients were repeated seven times a day (8 A.M., 10 A.M., 12 A.M., 2 P.M., 4 P.M., 6 P.M. and 8 P.M.) on seven consecutive days using an electronic diary (DataLogger(R) - Pain Level Recorder). A datalogger is newly developed electronic instrument that records measurements of pain and stiffness over time. Dataloggers are small, battery-powered devices that are equipped with a microprocessor. Specific software is then used to select logging parameters (sampling intervals, start time, etc.) and view/analyse the collected data. Compliance is based on the time and date record that was automatically recorded by the devices. RESULTS: Using the data from the electronic diary, we determined that the average verified compliance rate for pain and stiffness were 93.8 and 93.6%, respectively. The two highest compliance rates were observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (95.6 and 95.2%, respectively). There were no statistically significant difference in compliance between females and males or patients above or below 60 years old. Significant circadian rhythms in patients with RA and OA of the knee were detected in pain and stiffness. No rhythm in pain or stiffness was observed in subjects with fibromyalgia. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that collection of subjective data using electronic diary in rheumatologic setting is a feasible method than can be adopted with high compliance rates across a range of patient demographic subgroups. The identification of diurnal cycles of self-reported pain and stiffness, using EMA method, has important implications for patients with respect to planning their daily activities and in developing individual therapeutic programs with respect to diurnal variability, which therefore may be more effective

   (539)    Salaffi F, De AR, Grassi W. Prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions in an Italian population sample: results of a regional community-based study. I. The MAPPING study. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2005; 23(6):819-828.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The objective of the MAPPING study was to estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions in an Italian population sample. METHODS: Questionnaires were sent to a random sample of 3664 individuals aged 18 years and over, stratified for age and gender, selected from the practice lists of 16 general practices. Trained rheumatologists carried out structured visits in which subjects were asked about musculoskeletal symptoms and socio-demographic characteristics, and underwent a standardized physical examination. Cases were defined by previously validated criteria. RESULTS: A total of 2155 subjects participated in the study (response rate 58.8%). The overall prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions in the general adult population was 26.7% (95% CI 25.4-28.5), being significantly higher among women than men (p < 0.0001). Disease prevalence increased significantly with age (p < 0.0001). The most common disease group was symptomatic peripheral osteoarthritis (SPOA), with a prevalence of 8.95% (95% CI 6.81-10.7), followed by soft tissue disorders--STD (8.81%; 95% CI 7.16-10.29), low back pain--LBP (5.91%; 95% CI 4.89-6.89), and inflammatory rheumatic disease--IRD (3.06%; 95% CI 2.38-3.93). The estimated rates of disease prevalence were as follows: rheumatoid arthritis: 0.46% (95% CI 0.33-0.59); psoriatic arthritis: 0.42% (95% CI 0.31-0.61); ankylosing spondylitis: 0.37% (95% CI 0.23-0.49); polymyalgia rheumatica: 0.37% (95% CI 0.29-0.44); undifferentiated connective tissue disease: 0.14% (95% CI 0.09-0.21); crystal arthropathies, including gout 0.46% (95% CI 0.34-0.57) and chondrocalcinosis: 0.42% (95% CI 0.33-0.58); symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA): 5.39% (95% CI 3.41-7.99); hip-OA: 1.61% (95% CI 1.39-1.87); hand-OA: 1.95 (95% CI 1.22-2.48); fibromyalgia: 2.22% (95% CI 1.36-3.19); shoulder tendinitis/adhesive capsulitis: 3.06% (95% CI 2.11-4.09); carpal tunnel syndrome: 1.90% (95% CI 1.06-2.29), localized regional pain syndromes of the neck: 0.88% (95% CI 0.561.29), and lateral epicondylitis 0.74% (95% CI 0.47-1.33). CONCLUSIONS: The MAPPING study indicates that musculoskeletal conditions are common in the general adult population of Italy. These data are useful in planning the provision of healthcare

   (540)    Salek AK, Khan MM, Ahmed SM, Rashid MI, Emran MA, Mamun MA. Effect of aerobic exercise on patients with primary fibromyalgia syndrome. Mymensingh Med J 2005; 14(2):141-144.
Abstract: Sixty eight adult patients of fibromyalgia were included in this prospective study from the Outpatient Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka during the period of January 2003 to June 2003. Study samples were assigned into two treatment groups: Group A (n = 38) with exercise by static bicycle and aerobic walking in addition to tricyclic antidepressant and analgesic and Group B (n = 30) was non exercise group, treated with tricyclic antidepressant and analgesic only. The total duration of treatment was 16 weeks. Pre-treatment (week 0) and post treatment (week 16) evaluation was performed in both groups. Evaluation parameters included pain grade, number of trigger points, occurrence of arousal at night, frequency of micturition and global evaluation by the physician. After 16 weeks, mean improvement of exercise group and non exercise group was 48% and 39% respectively but this difference was not statistically significant. Therefore, from this study it was observed that aerobic exercise showed no significant benefit to fibromyalgia patients

   (541)    Samborski W, Sobieska M, Pieta P, Drews K, Brzosko M. Normal profile of sex hormones in women with primary fibromyalgia. Ann Acad Med Stetin 2005; 51(2):23-26.
Abstract: PURPOSE: One of the prevailing hypotheses on the pathogenesis of fibromyalgia (FM) emphasizes the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in this condition. Aberrant function of the axis was inferred from decreased concentrations of growth hormone and serotonin and reduced urinary excretion of corticosteroid metabolites observed in FM patients. Studies in a very limited number of FM patients suggest that disturbances in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis may also lead to changes in the synthesis of sex hormones. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was performed in 19 women aged 23 to 46 years in whom FM was diagnosed according to ACR criteria. The control group consisted of 18 healthy women aged 21 to 41 years. Pain intensity and sleep quality was assessed with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The number of points reported as painful ("tender points") was measured by dolorimetry. Hormones or contraceptives were not administered to the women during the pre-study period. Blood was collected on day 8 or 9 of the menstrual cycle and serum was prepared for measurements of estradiol and progesterone with Microparticle Enzyme Immunoassay (MEIA) and AxSYM reagents from Abbott (USA). RESULTS: The study and control groups differed as to pain intensity and sleep quality, as well as number of tender points reported. However, groups did not differ as to mean concentration of estradiol or progesterone. CONCLUSIONS: A deficit of sex hormones does not appear to be part of the manifestations of FM

   (542)    Sandberg M, Larsson B, Lindberg LG, Gerdle B. Different patterns of blood flow response in the trapezius muscle following needle stimulation (acupuncture) between healthy subjects and patients with fibromyalgia and work-related trapezius myalgia. Eur J Pain 2005; 9(5):497-510.
Abstract: Needle stimulation (acupuncture) has recently been shown to increase blood flow in the tibialis anterior muscle and overlying skin in healthy subjects (HS) and patients with fibromyalgia (FM). The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of needle stimulation on local blood flow in the trapezius muscle and overlying skin in HS and two groups of patients suffering from chronic pain in the trapezius muscle, i.e., FM and work-related trapezius myalgia (TM) patients. Two modes of needling, deep muscle stimulation (Deep) and subcutaneous needle insertion (SC), were performed at the upper part of the shoulder and blood flow was monitored for 60 min post-stimulation. Blood flow changes were measured non-invasively by using a new application of photoplethysmography. Increased blood flow in the trapezius muscle and overlying skin was found in all three groups following both Deep and SC. In HS, Deep was superior to SC in increasing skin and muscle blood flow, whereas in FM, SC was as effective as, or even more effective, than Deep. In the severely affected TM patients, no differences were found between the stimuli, and generally, a lesser blood flow response to the stimuli was found. At Deep, the muscle blood flow increase was significantly larger in HS, compared to the two patient groups. Positive correlations were found between muscle blood flow at Deep and pressure pain threshold in the trapezius muscle, neck movement and pain experienced at the stimulation, and negative correlations were found with spontaneous pain-related variables, symptom duration and age, pointing to less favorable results with worsening of symptoms, and to the importance of nociceptor activation in blood flow increase. It was hypothesized that the different patterns of muscle blood flow response to the needling may mirror a state of increased sympathetic activity and a generalized hypersensitivity in the patients. The intensity of stimulation should be taken into consideration when applying local needle stimulation (acupuncture) in order to increase the trapezius muscle blood flow in chronic pain conditions

   (543)    Sandrini G, Serrao M, Rossi P, Romaniello A, Cruccu G, Willer JC. The lower limb flexion reflex in humans. Prog Neurobiol 2005; 77(6):353-395.
Abstract: The flexion or flexor reflex (FR) recorded in the lower limbs in humans (LLFR) is a widely investigated neurophysiological tool. It is a polysynaptic and multisegmental spinal response that produces a withdrawal of the stimulated limb and resembles (having several features in common) the hind-paw FR in animals. The FR, in both animals and humans, is mediated by a complex circuitry modulated at spinal and supraspinal level. At rest, the LLFR (usually obtained by stimulating the sural/tibial nerve and by recording from the biceps femoris/tibial anterior muscle) appears as a double burst composed of an early, inconstantly present component, called the RII reflex, and a late, larger and stable component, called the RIII reflex. Numerous studies have shown that the afferents mediating the RII reflex are conveyed by large-diameter, low-threshold, non-nociceptive A-beta fibers, and those mediating the RIII reflex by small-diameter, high-threshold nociceptive A-delta fibers. However, several afferents, including nociceptive and non-nociceptive fibers from skin and muscles, have been found to contribute to LLFR activation. Since the threshold of the RIII reflex has been shown to correspond to the pain threshold and the size of the reflex to be related to the level of pain perception, it has been suggested that the RIII reflex might constitute a useful tool to investigate pain processing at spinal and supraspinal level, pharmacological modulation and pathological pain conditions. As stated in EFNS guidelines, the RIII reflex is the most widely used of all the nociceptive reflexes, and appears to be the most reliable in the assessment of treatment efficacy. However, the RIII reflex use in the clinical evaluation of neuropathic pain is still limited. In addition to its nocifensive function, the LLFR seems to be linked to posture and locomotion. This may be explained by the fact that its neuronal circuitry, made up of a complex pool of interneurons, is interposed in motor control and, during movements, receives both peripheral afferents (flexion reflex afferents, FRAs) and descending commands, forming a multisensorial feedback mechanism and projecting the output to motoneurons. LLFR excitability, mediated by this complex circuitry, is finely modulated in a state- and phase-dependent manner, rather as we observe in the FR in animal models. Several studies have demonstrated that LLFR excitability may be influenced by numerous physiological conditions (menstrual cycle, stress, attention, sleep and so on) and pathological states (spinal lesions, spasticity, Wallenberg's syndrome, fibromyalgia, headaches and so on). Finally, the LLFR is modulated by several drugs and neurotransmitters. In summary, study of the LLFR in humans has proved to be an interesting functional window onto the spinal and supraspinal mechanisms of pain processing and onto the spinal neural control mechanisms operating during posture and locomotion

   (544)    Sayar K, Barsky AJ, Gulec H. Does somatosensory amplification decrease with antidepressant treatment? Psychosomatics 2005; 46(4):340-344.
Abstract: Somatosensory amplification refers to a tendency to experience somatic and visceral sensations as unusually intense, noxious, and disturbing. The authors wanted to determine whether somatosensory amplification is a stable construct or whether it might change with antidepressant therapy. Fifteen patients with fibromyalgia and 17 patients with major depressive disorder received antidepressant treatment and were assessed after 6 and 12 weeks of treatment. Amplification scores responded to antidepressant treatment in patients with major depression but not in patients with fibromyalgia, despite a decrease in the levels of depression in both groups. When change in depression and anxiety scores was partialled out from change in somatosensory amplification scores, the amplification scores did not change significantly in either the depressed or the fibromyalgia groups. Given the small numbers and the marginal significance of the results, the authors are unable to say definitely just how independent of depression somatosensory amplification is. Whether somatosensory amplification is a measure of depression per se should be tested in a more definitive and larger future study

   (545)    Schaefer KM. The lived experience of fibromyalgia in African American women. Holist Nurs Pract 2005; 19(1):17-25.
Abstract: This study aimed to learn what it is like for African American women to live with fibromyalgia. Van Manen's phenomenological method of writing and rewriting guided the inquiry. The sample included 10 women, who were interviewed for 30 to 60 minutes each. Two agreed to second interviews, for a total of 12 interviews for data analysis. Data analysis revealed the following themes: (a) managing the symptoms, (b) becoming a self-advocate, (c) medications camouflage the pain, (d) coming to grips with the illness means making changes, (e) being accused of "taking a free ride" angers them, (f) support comes from self and spiritual connections, and (g) a certain amount of secrecy makes it easier to live with the illness. Recommendations focus on using a holistic approach to help African American women achieve or maintain their integrity

   (546)    Schleicher H, Alonso C, Shirtcliff EA, Muller D, Loevinger BL, Coe CL. In the face of pain: the relationship between psychological well-being and disability in women with fibromyalgia. Psychother Psychosom 2005; 74(4):231-239.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined the potentially beneficial role of positive psychological functioning in individuals with chronic pain. This study examined the relationship of psychological well-being (PWB) to pain and disability in women with fibromyalgia (FM) as compared to women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and healthy controls (HC). We targeted several domains of PWB that have been associated with health, and also tested whether PWB was related to the women's social network. METHODS: PWB, pain, and disability were assessed in 125 women (57 with FM, 20 with RA, and 48 HC) on two occasions. RESULTS: Women with FM reported lower overall PWB than did RA and HC women. Further, greater PWB was associated with less disability and fatigue, but not pain in women with FM. Self-acceptance, environmental mastery, purpose in life, and positive relations with others emerged as four important constructs in the association between PWB and disability. In addition, PWB mediated the relationship between social network size and disability. CONCLUSIONS: This assessment of PWB provides insight into those psychological domains that should be emphasized in treatments aimed at reducing the disabling aspects of FM

   (547)    Seng JS, Graham-Bermann SA, Clark MK, McCarthy AM, Ronis DL. Posttraumatic stress disorder and physical comorbidity among female children and adolescents: results from service-use data. Pediatrics 2005; 116(6):e767-e776.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: In adults, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with adverse health outcomes and high medical utilization and cost. PTSD is twice as common in women and is associated with increased risk for a range of diseases, chronic conditions, and reproductive-health problems. Little is known about the health effects of PTSD in children. The purpose of this study was to explore patterns of physical comorbidity in female children and adolescents with PTSD by using population data. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional, descriptive epidemiologic case-control analysis of a Midwestern state's Medicaid eligibility and paid-claims data for girls (0-8 years old) and teens (9-17 years old). Data were from 1994-1997. All those with the PTSD diagnostic code were compared with randomly selected controls in relation to 3 sets of outcomes: (1) International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) categories of disease; (2) chronic conditions previously associated with sexual trauma and PTSD in women; and (3) reproductive-health problems. Analyses included bivariate odds ratios (OR) and logistic-regression models that control for the extent of insurance coverage and the independent associations of victimization and psychiatric comorbidity with the 3 sets of outcomes. The mental health covariate was categorical to allow consideration of a range of severity. There were 4 categories for the young girls: neither PTSD nor depression, PTSD without depression, depression without PTSD, and PTSD + depression. For the adolescent analysis, a fifth category reflecting a "complex PTSD" was added, defined as having PTSD complicated by a dissociative disorder or borderline personality disorder diagnosis. RESULTS: There were 647 girls and 1025 adolescents with the PTSD diagnosis. Overall, PTSD was associated with adverse health outcomes in both age strata. Victimization was sometimes independently associated with adverse health outcomes, but PTSD often was a mediator, especially in the adolescent age stratum. The importance of PTSD diagnosis as a predictor of the ICD-9 categories of disease or chronic conditions seemed to increase with age. In the younger age stratum, the increased bivariate ORs of significant associations with PTSD ranged from 1.4 for digestive disorders to 3.4 for circulatory disorders. Among younger girls, PTSD diagnosis was associated with significantly greater bivariate odds for 9 of the 12 ICD-9 categories of disease but not for neoplasms, blood disorders, or respiratory disorders and with threefold increased odds for chronic fatigue. They also had 1.8 times greater odds for sexually transmitted infections, some of which could be from congenital transmission in this age group, which includes infants. In the multivariate models for the young girls, the mental health variable seemed to mediate the relationship between victimization and increased odds of infectious and parasitic diseases, endocrine/metabolic/immune disorders, circulatory diseases, skin and cutaneous tissue disorders, and having any 1 of the 5 chronic conditions. The mental health categories that were significantly associated with health outcomes varied across the conditions. There were no health outcomes in which the depression-without-PTSD category was the only one significantly associated with the outcome condition. Circulatory and musculoskeletal disorders were significantly associated with all 3 of the mental health categories. Having any 1 of the 5 chronic conditions was significantly associated only with simple PTSD (PTSD without depression). Genitourinary disorders and signs/symptoms/ill-defined conditions were significantly associated with both simple and comorbid PTSD. PTSD with comorbid depression, the most severe of the mental health categories in this younger age group, was the only category associated with the endocrine/metabolic/immune disorders and skin disorders outcomes. In the adolescent age stratum, the bivariate ORs significantly associated with PTSD ranged from 2.1 for blood disorders to 5.2 for irritable bowel syndrome. Adolescents with PTSD were nearly twice as likely to have a sexually transmitted infection and 60% more likely to have cervical dysplasia. However, their rate of pregnancy was lower (23% vs 31%), a one-fourth decreased odds. In the adolescent group, only 4 outcomes (nervous system/sense organ, digestive, and genitourinary disorders and signs/symptoms/ill-defined conditions) remained statistically significantly associated with victimization after the mental health variable was added, suggesting an additive model of risk for these outcomes but a mediating role for PTSD in relation to the majority of the health outcomes. Among the adolescent girls, the range of ORs for the ICD-9 and chronic-condition diagnoses generally increased across the categories of the mental health variable in a dose-response pattern. Compared with adolescents with neither PTSD nor depression, those with PTSD without depression had statistically significant ORs from 1.5 to 3.6. Those with depression without PTSD had statistically significant ORs from 1.9 to 4.4. The significant ORs for those with PTSD comorbid with depression were from 2.3 to 6.6, and those in the complex-PTSD category had significant ORs of between 2.5 and 14.9. Only blood disorders seemed to be more strongly associated with depression alone than with the comorbid and complex forms of PTSD. The simple-PTSD category was not significantly associated with blood disorders, chronic pelvic pain, fibromyalgia, or dysmenorrhea. Depression without PTSD was not significantly associated with chronic pelvic pain or fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia was only significantly associated with complex PTSD. CONCLUSIONS: In young girls who receive Medicaid benefits, PTSD was associated with increased odds of a range of adverse health conditions. The pattern and odds of physical comorbidity among adolescent recipients with PTSD was nearly as extensive as that seen in adult women. Overall, the pattern observed suggests that objective disease states (eg, circulatory problems, infections) may be associated with PTSD to an extent nearly as great as that of PTSD with more subjective somatic experience of loss of wellness. Using the concepts of allostatic load and allostatic support, professionals who work with children and adolescents may be able to decrease the toll that traumatic stress takes on health even if available interventions can only be thought of as supportive and fall short of completely preventing trauma exposure or completely healing posttraumatic stress. Clinical research to extend these exploratory findings is warranted

   (548)    Sennoune B, Costa V, Dumontier C. [Arthroscopic treatment of tennis elbow: preliminary experience with 14 patients]. Rev Chir Orthop Reparatrice Appar Mot 2005; 91(2):158-164.
Abstract: The purpose of the study was to report our experience in a preliminary series of patients who underwent arthroscopic treatment of tennis elbow in order to appreciate effectiveness of this method. Between September 2000 and February 2004, we treated arthroscopically fourteen patients with epicondylitis which failed to respond to medical treatment given for a mean duration of 15.8 months. We used the technique described by Baker in 1999. Briefly, the external capsule was sectioned followed by section of the extensor carpi radialis brevis and extensor digitorum communis insertions on the epicondyle. Section was continued until muscle fibers were visible. Mean patient age was 45 years (range 36-55). Five patients were victims of occupational accidents and one had an occupational disease. One patient suffered from fibromyalgia. All patients were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 11.5 months. We used the Mayo Clinic score to assess outcome which was excellent or good in nine patients, fair in one and poor in four. Despite these modest preliminary results, arthroscopy appears to be well indicated for this pathological condition. The ideal treatment remains a question of discussion

   (549)    Shapiro JR, Anderson DA, noff-Burg S. A pilot study of the effects of behavioral weight loss treatment on fibromyalgia symptoms. J Psychosom Res 2005; 59(5):275-282.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have found a relation between weight loss and pain severity in various chronic pain populations. However, there has been little research examining the relation between body mass index (BMI) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the relationship between BMI and FMS symptoms and to determine if FMS symptoms would decrease following weight loss. METHODS: Overweight and obese women participated in a 20-week behavioral weight loss treatment. RESULTS: Participants, on average, lost 9.2 lbs (4.4% of their initial weight), and there were significant pre-postimprovements on several outcome measures. Although weight was not significantly related to pain at baseline, weight loss significantly predicted a reduction in FMS, pain interference, body satisfaction, and quality of life (QOL). CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that behavioral weight loss treatment could be included in the treatment for overweight/obese women with FMS

   (550)    Sipila K, Zitting P, Siira P, Niinimaa A, Raustia AM. Generalized pain and pain sensitivity in community subjects with facial pain: a case-control study. J Orofac Pain 2005; 19(2):127-132.
Abstract: AIMS: To investigate the existence of pain outside the facial area as well as pain sensitivity in a population-based sample of 34-year-old subjects with facial pain. METHODS: Fifty-two facial pain cases (10 men, 42 women) and 52 pain-free controls (10 men, 42 women) included in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort of 1966 underwent a clinical musculoskeletal examination. Pain outside the facial area during the week prior to the examination was defined by means of a pain drawing. Eighteen fibromyalgia points were palpated in response to digital palpation with an algometer. Pressure pain thresholds were measured from the dorsal side of the wrist and from the highest points of the temporalis muscles. RESULTS: Compared to controls, pain cases reported significantly more pain in areas outside the face, with the exception of the shoulder and lower back. The number of painful fibromyalgia points was significantly higher in cases than in controls. Mean pressure pain thresholds were slightly lower in cases than in controls; the difference was significant in the left wrist. CONCLUSION: Subjects with facial pain reported more pain and had more mascular tenderness outside the facial area compared to controls. Pain symptoms outside the facial area should be assessed in patients seeking treatment for facial pain, and they should be taken into account when treatment is planned

   (551)    Smythe HA. Incarnations of fibromyalgia. J Rheumatol 2005; 32(8):1422-1425.

   (552)    Smythe HA. Temporomandibular joint disorder and other medically unexplained symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia. J Rheumatol 2005; 32(12):2288-2290.

   (553)    Staines DR. Therapeutic and preventive interventions for postulated vasoactive neuropeptide autoimmune fatigue-related disorders. Med Hypotheses 2005; 65(4):797-803.
Abstract: Major advances have been made in understanding the relatively novel group of vasoactive (vasodilatory) neuropeptides (VNs) in humans. VNs comprise a novel but expanding group of substances having immunoregulation, inflammation modulation, neurotransmitter, neurotrophic, hormonal and metabolic functions. These substances may control gene expression for mRNA for themselves and their receptors. They have complex relationships with gaseous and other neurotransmitters and xenobiotic substances. Theoretical arguments have implicated these substances in autoimmune phenomena resulting in fatigue-related conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), fibromyalgia (FM) and Gulf War syndrome (GWS) but remain unproven. As well as possibly spontaneous onset, the precipitating causes of VN autoimmune dysfunction are likely to be a combination of genetic predisposition, infection and xenobiotic substances. Therapeutic and preventive possibilities for postulated VN autoimmune conditions will be influenced by the complex patholophysiology underpinning them. Some speculative possibilities are VN substitution/replacement, preservation of biological effect, epigenetic DNA modifications, plasma exchange, anti-cholinesterases, e.g., pyridostigmine, corticosteroids and other drug treatments, thymectomy, intravenous immunoglobulin and anti-idiotype antibodies, and CpG/DNA vaccines. Prevention and treatment of possible VN autoimmune fatigue-related disorders may prove to be important areas for future research and development

   (554)    Staud R. Predictors of clinical pain intensity in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2005; 9(5):316-321.
Abstract: Central changes in pain processing have been previously reported in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. These changes include decreased thresholds to mechanical and thermal stimuli (allodynia) and central sensitization, both of which are fundamental to the generation of clinical pain. Therefore, psychophysical measures of central pain processing may be useful predictors of clinical pain intensity of fibromyalgia syndrome patients. Previous studies of fibromyalgia syndrome patients have shown statistically significant correlations of psychophysical test results with clinical pain intensity. The tests used to characterize this important relationship were dependent on spinal cord pain mechanisms and included temporal summation of pain or wind-up and wind-up after-sensations. Particularly, the magnitude of wind-up after-sensations appeared to be one of the best predictors for clinical pain intensity of fibromyalgia syndrome patients (27%). Furthermore, the combination of tender point count, negative affect, and wind-up after-sensations accounted for approximately 50% of the variance in clinical pain intensity of fibromyalgia syndrome patients. Therefore, wind-up after-sensations, tender point count, and negative affect not only seem to represent relevant pain mechanisms but also strongly emphasize their importance for fibromyalgia syndrome pain

   (555)    Staud R, Vierck CJ, Robinson ME, Price DD. Effects of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist dextromethorphan on temporal summation of pain are similar in fibromyalgia patients and normal control subjects. J Pain 2005; 6(5):323-332.
Abstract: Temporal summation of second pain at least partly reflects temporal summation of dorsal horn neuronal responses, and both have been termed windup (WU), a form of nociception-dependent central sensitization. Animal and human experiments have shown that both forms of WU depend on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and substance P receptor systems. WU of second pain (WU(SP)) in patients with fibromyalgia (FM) is enhanced compared with normal control (NC) subjects and is followed by exaggerated WU(SP) aftersensations and prolonged WU(SP) maintenance at low stimulus frequencies. Because the enhanced WU(SP) of FM patients could be related to abnormal endogenous modulation of NDMA receptors, we tested the effects of the NMDA receptor antagonist dextromethorphan (DEX) on WU(SP) in FM and NC subjects in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. WU(SP) was elicited by trains of 0.7-second duration thermal pulses applied to the glabrous surface of the hands or by 1-second mechanical stimuli to the adductor pollicis muscle of the hands at a frequency of 0.33 Hz. In comparison to baseline and placebo conditions, single oral doses of DEX 60 and 90 mg reduced thermal and mechanical WU(SP) in NC and FM subjects, with DEX 90 mg being most effective. These effects did not differ for male and female NC subjects. FM subjects required less thermal and mechanical stimulus intensity than NC to achiev