Fibromyalgia News

This issue of Healio Rheumatology features a robust discussion of the challenges posed by fibromyalgia by a group of leading experts in the field, including Drs. Choy, Clauw, Gota and Mackey, who remind us of the challenges of one of the most commonly encountered disorders seen in the practice of rheumatology. For us general rheumatologists — those of us who do not specialize in this disease — fibromyalgia presents a consummate challenge to both our clinical and professional persona.

Data science company IQuity has announced the launch of a new blood test called IsolateFibromyalgia, which uses RNA gene expression analysis to diagnose fibromyalgia, according to a press release.

Although most Canadian rheumatologists follow the country’s 2012 guideline recommendations for managing fibromyalgia, few believed they were effective, indicating an update may be necessary, according to findings published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology.

The presence of fibromyalgia, as well as an increase in the number of fibromyalgia symptoms, can predict a worsening functional status for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, according to a study published in Arthritis Care and Research.

Two simple assessments — questioning whether a patient has persistent deep aching pain over most of their body and determining if pain is elicited by pinching the Achilles tendon — should be added to routine evaluation in primary care to help physicians diagnose fibromyalgia, according to recent findings.

Efforts to better understand and treat fibromyalgia are ongoing and multifaceted, with an increased emphasis on both drug and non-drug treatments during the past 20 years. However, because of the complex, highly individualized nature of fibromyalgia causes and symptoms, the condition does not lend itself to a fast-paced drug development pipeline or to the advent of a single treatment that will help all patients.

A non-rigorous, work disability prevention program appeared to be effective in avoiding work loss in patients with chronic rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions, according to findings.

A novel psychological treatment that helps patients address emotional issues, including trauma and relationship problems, was successful in relieving chronic pain related to fibromyalgia, according to researchers from Wayne State University and the University of Michigan Medical Center. The researchers’ findings were published in the journal PAIN.

ORLANDO, Fla. — At the Rheumatology Nurses Society Annual Conference, Susan K. Chrostowski, DNP, APRN, ANP-C, spoke about diagnostic measures for fibromyalgia. She said practitioners should avoid the use of opioids in patients with fibromyalgia. Chrostowski said practitioners need to validate patients’ symptoms, set goals and help them achieve their best quality of life.

Patients with chronic widespread pain had a greater mortality risk, according to a recently published study.