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Addition of a four pain-region filter for FM may avoid misclassification of regional pain conditions
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Results from this study indicated use of a widespread pain criterion that incorporates at least four pain regions identified most patients with fibromyalgia.
“A ≥ 4-pain region widespread pain definition will eliminate regional pain false-positives and will identify 98.8% of current 2011 cases. Future revisions of the 2010/2011 criteria should consider incorporating the ≥ 4-region requirement to avoid misclassification,” the researchers wrote.
Researchers evaluated 5,011 patients who satisfied the 2011 fibromyalgia criteria from the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). Investigators used the widespread pain index (WPI) and symptom severity scale to identify fibromyalgia (FM). The health assessment questionnaire was used to assess functional status, and investigators also determined the SF-36 physical and mental component scores. Investigators used the patient health questionnaire to assess depression and anxiety. Using the 1990 ACR FM criteria, the investigators defined widespread pain as four quadrants with the additional of axial pain.
Frederick Wolfe
Results showed there were 4,700 patients who met the ACR 1990 criterion for widespread pain. Investigators noted 98.8% of criteria-positive patients were identified by using four of the five pain regions based on the WPI sites. Milder FM was seen in patients without widespread pain and in patients with low WPI/ high symptom severity scale scores, with no increase in psychological or physical distress. ‒ by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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