In a nutshell
This study compared symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and fibromyalgia in patients with RA. The authors reported higher levels of disease activity but fewer inflamed joints in patients with both RA and fibromyalgia.
Some background
In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the immune system attacks the healthy joints. Patients experience inflammation and pain in the joint as a result. Some patients will experience other conditions, such as fibromyalgia, in addition to RA. Fibromyalgia is a condition where patients experience widespread pain, fatigue (extreme tiredness), and reduced physical function. RA and fibromyalgia share similar symptoms. It can therefore be difficult to distinguish between the two. It would be beneficial to know which condition is causing a patient's discomfort in order to effectively prescribe a suitable treatment.
Methods & findings
47 patients with RA were included in this study. Swelling of the joints in the hands and wrists of patients was measured by ultrasound. Patients also filled out questionnaires to assess pain, fatigue, disability, and mental wellness. Fibromyalgia was diagnosed based on two defined sets of criteria and tender joints.
40% of patients were positive for fibromyalgia based on at least one set of criteria. 25% of patients met both sets of criteria.
53% of patients had high levels of tender joints. Levels of tender joints were higher in patients with fibromyalgia. Disease activity was also significantly higher in patients with fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia patients and patients with high levels of tender joints more commonly reported fatigue, depression, and disability.
The number of swollen joints measured by ultrasound was significantly lower in patients with fibromyalgia.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that RA patients with fibromyalgia have higher disease activity but fewer inflamed joints.
The fine print
Larger studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results
Published By :
BMC musculoskeletal disorders
Date :
Oct 03, 2016
