Fibromyalgia Research Abstracts from ProHealth

Neurobiology of depression, fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain – Source: Frontiers in Bioscience, Jun 2009

This article synthesizes recent data suggesting that the high rates of comorbidity observed between major depression, fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain likely result from the fact that these disorders share multiple biological and environmental underpinnings.

Identification of fibromyalgia patients who may not be appropriate candidates for duloxetine or pregabalin therapy †Source: American Pain Society Annual Meeting, May 2009

This study assessed the prevalence of comorbidities and/or use of selected medications that may contraindicate the use of duloxetine (DLX and/or pregabalin (PGB) among patients with fibromyalgia (FM).

DNIC’s efficacy across [the] menstrual cycle in women with fibromyalgia †Source: American Pain Society Annual Scientific Conference, May 2009

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a widespread disorder of unknown etiology affecting 2-4% of the general population in which women are about nine times more likely to develop fibromyalgia than men.(1)  Nonetheless, several hypotheses have been advanced to explain the onset of symptoms. One of these supports a reduction of diffuse noxious inhibitory controls (DNIC) in fibromyalgics. (2) Another hypothesis comes from the fact that the higher prevalence of FMS in women should be related to sex hormones (SH).

Traditional Chinese Acupuncture and Placebo (Sham) Acupuncture Are Differentiated by Their Effects on mu-Opioid Receptors (MORs) – Source: Neuroimage, Jun 4, 2009

Controversy remains regarding the mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia. A prevailing theory, largely unproven in humans, is that it involves the activation of endogenous opioid antinociceptive systems [systems that reduce sensitivity to painful stimuli] and micro-opioid receptors (MORs). This is also a neurotransmitter system that mediates the effects of placebo-induced analgesia.

Prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders in patients with fibromyalgia and the role of psychologic distress – Source: Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Apr 2009

Background & aims: Fibromyalgia is a rheumatologic disorder associated with somatic and psychologic conditions. Although fibromyalgia is associated with irritable bowel syndrome, its relationship with other functional gastrointestinal disorders* (FGID) is unclear. We evaluated the prevalence of FGID in patients with fibromyalgia and the role of psychologic factors in this relationship.

Alterations in pain processing in patients with Restless Legs Syndrome †Source: American Pain Society Annual Meeting, May 2009

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder whose sufferers demonstrate profound sleep disruption and reduced quality of life.  While substantial comorbidities have been noted between RLS and pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, few studies have evaluated potential abnormalities in pain perception in RLS.

Progression of chronic spinal pain to widespread pain: A study of transition frequency and predictive clinical features †Source: American Pain Society Annual Meeting, May 2009

The notion that a subset of individuals with chronic spinal pain (CSP) is at risk for developing widespread pain (WSP) and/or fibromyalgia (FM) is now well accepted.  The purpose of this study was to: 1) quantify the frequency with which such a transition occurs, and 2) identify the risk factors associated with the development of widespread pain and fibromyalgia.

Implications of gender in chronic Lyme disease – Source: Journal of Womens Health, Jun 2009

 

Background:  “Post-Lyme disease syndrome” refers to prolonged subjective symptoms after antibiotic treatment and resolution of an objective manifestation of Borrelia burgdorferi infection (Lyme disease).  “Chronic Lyme disease” is a vaguely defined term that has been applied to patients with unexplained prolonged subjective symptoms, whether or not there was or is evidence of B. burgdorferi infection.