An insight into the gastrointestinal component of fibromyalgia: clinical manifestations and potential underlying mechanisms

Implication of intestinal microbiota in the etiopathogenesis of fibromyalgia: A systematic review

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a highly prevalent chronic disease. About 4.7% of the world's population suffers from generalized pain and hypersensitivity, in addition to a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms. The etiopathogenesis of this disease is multifactorial, which makes its diagnosis and treatment challenging. Recently, the increase in the number of studies on microbiota has provided new data that can help to understand the onset and development of FM. An updated systematic review of the causes of FM has been carried out in this work. Particularly in the last decade, research has focused on the gut-brain axis, which has emerged as a crucial mechanism for microbiota-host crosstalk. In FM patients, quantitative imbalances of the intestinal microbiota (dysbiosis) and bacterial metabolites with differential relative abundance have been found, especially short-chain fatty acids and lipopolysaccharides. Furthermore, the microbiota has been found to indirectly influence host neurotransmitter mechanisms, mainly through the serotonin precursor, glutamate, and gamma-aminobutyric acid. Thus, all these mechanisms and their influence on the etiopathogenesis of FM are discussed in this review.

Efficacy of a gluten-free diet in reducing the widespread pain index and symptom severity scale in patients affected by fibromyalgia

OBJECTIVE

Dietary interventions to improve fibromyalgia (FM) symptoms reported conflicting results. This study aimed to treat FM patients with a gluten-free diet (GFD), alternated with a non-restricted gluten-containing diet, followed by a rechallenge of the GFD.

METHODS

Twenty postmenopausal women with FM and no history of celiac disease participated. A GFD was assigned for 6 months. This was followed by 3 months of a non-restricted gluten-containing diet and then a new GFD for another 6 months. At each visit, the widespread pain index (WPI) and the symptom severity scale (SS) scores were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients enrolled was 53.9±10 years. None of the patients had a diagnosis of irritable bowel disease, although they reported vague gastrointestinal symptoms. After 6 months of a GFD, a statistically significant reduction was observed for the WPI (10.3±1.8 vs 7.7±1.4; p<0.0001) and the SS scale (6.4±1.8 vs 4.15±1.6; p=0.0002). The D percentage reduction of the WPI after 6 months of GFD was -24%±9%, while for the SS scale, it was -36%±21%. The following reintroduction of a gluten-containing diet brought about a statistically significant rise in the absolute SS scale and WPI, as well as a D modification of the WPI (21%±13%) and of the SS scale (74%±90%). The rechallenge of the GFD showed a significant improvement in absolute and D WPI (-24%±7%) and SS (-36%±11%). No modifications to the body mass index were found.

CONCLUSIONS

A GFD improved FM symptoms evaluated with WPI and SS. This was confirmed for the first time, also with a rechallenge of the GFD that followed a non-restricted gluten-containing diet.

High frequency of gastrointestinal complaints, but insignificant prevalence of gluten-sensitive enteropathies in Brazilian fibromyalgia patients

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES

Coeliac disease (CD) and non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) cause symptoms like those seen in patients with fibromyalgia (FM) and functional gastrointestinal disorders. There is no consistent data on frequency of these symptoms and no study performed duodenal biopsies to investigate CD/NCGS in Brazilian FM patients. Therefore, we sought to verify the prevalence of CD/NCGS in FM patients and the association between gastrointestinal manifestations and FM symptoms.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixty-two individuals with FM (ACR2010) were recruited from FM outpatient clinics of a tertiary hospital. Clinical evaluation included the Widespread Pain Index (WPI), Severity Symptom Scale (SS), Polysymptomatic Distress Scale (PDS), and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). Subjects were screened for the presence of coeliac antibodies and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (duodenal biopsies) was performed for diagnosis of CD/NCGS.

RESULTS

46 (74.2%) women reported at least one digestive symptom: constipation, abdominal distension, loss of weight/inappetence, and nausea/vomiting. Fourteen (31.8%) presented macroscopic duodenitis and 2(4.5%) had duodenal lymphocytic infiltrates, but none met CD criteria. In 1(1.6%) patient NCGS was confirmed. There was association between presence of any digestive symptom and WPI and SS (fatigue, waking up tired, cognition), but no difference on FIQ between patients with and without gastrointestinal symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Gastrointestinal complaints were frequent and associated with increased degree of polysymptomatic distress in FM patients, but presence of these symptoms was not related to overall impact of FM over different dimensions of the patient's life. Moreover, the prevalence of CD/NCGS was very low. This suggests that screening for CD in Brazilian FM patients might not be cost-effective, since the frequency of CD/NCGS was very low.

Fibromyalgia and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Interaction: A Possible Role for Gut Microbiota and Gut-Brain Axis

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a serious chronic pain syndrome, characterised by muscle and joint stiffness, insomnia, fatigue, mood disorders, cognitive dysfunction, anxiety, depression and intestinal irritability. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) shares many of these symptoms, and FM and IBS frequently co-exist, which suggests a common aetiology for the two diseases. The exact physiopathological mechanisms underlying both FM and IBS onset are unknown. Researchers have investigated many possible causes, including alterations in gut microbiota, which contain billions of microorganisms in the human digestive tract. The gut-brain axis has been proven to be the link between the gut microbiota and the central nervous system, which can then control the gut microbiota composition. In this review, we will discuss the similarities between FM and IBS. Particularly, we will focus our attention on symptomatology overlap between FM and IBS as well as the similarities in microbiota composition between FM and IBS patients. We will also briefly discuss the potential therapeutic approaches based on microbiota manipulations that are successfully used in IBS and could be employed also in FM patients to relieve pain, ameliorate the rehabilitation outcome, psychological distress and intestinal symptoms.

Gastric herpes simplex virus type 1 infection is associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders in the presence and absence of comorbid fibromyalgia: a pilot case-control study

PURPOSE

Animal studies have linked gastric herpesvirus infections to symptoms associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). Herpesviruses have also been hypothesized to contribute to fibromyalgia (FM), a chronic pain syndrome frequently comorbid with FGIDs. The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of gastric herpesvirus infection in patients with FGIDs, with and without comorbid FM, to that of controls.

METHODS

For this pilot case-control study, we enrolled 30 patients who met both the Rome IV diagnostic criteria for one or more FGIDs and the American College of Rheumatology 2010 criteria for FM, 15 patients with one or more FGIDs without comorbid FM, and 15 control patients. Following endoscopic examination, gastric biopsies were analyzed for herpesvirus DNA and protein, Helicobacter pylori infection, and histological evidence of gastritis. Importantly, the viral nonstructural protein ICP8 was used as a marker to differentiate cell-associated actively replicating virus from latent infection and/or free virus passing through the GI tract.

RESULTS

Gastric herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection, as indicated by ICP8 presence, was significantly associated with FGIDs in the presence (OR 70.00, 95% CI 7.42-660.50; P < .001) and absence (OR 38.50, 95% CI 3.75-395.40; P < .001) of comorbid FM. Neither histological gastritis nor H. pylori infection were found to be associated with FGIDs or FM.

CONCLUSIONS

HSV-1 infection was identified in gastric mucosal biopsies from patients with diverse FGIDs, with and without comorbid FM. Larger, multi-center studies investigating the prevalence of this association are warranted.

An Assessment of Naturopathic Treatments, Health Concerns, and Common Comorbid Conditions in Fibromyalgia Patients: A Retrospective Medical Record Review

Background: Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by chronic pain, with allodynia and hyperalgesia being the most common signs. Many patients with FM explore, express interest, and use complementary and alternative medicine to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. However, little is known about the clinical recommendations provided by naturopathic doctors (NDs). Objective: To describe trends in assessment and treatment of patients with FM by NDs. Methods: Retrospectively, medical records of 200 patients with the FM ICD-10 code were reviewed from the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic. Of these records, 70 met inclusion criteria and were further analyzed. Comorbid conditions, health concerns, physical and psychological examinations, and treatment were recorded. Patients were excluded if informed consent for research was not signed. The project was approved by the Research Ethics Board of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. Results: Seventy patients met criteria and were included in the current analysis. Most patients identified as female (96%). Vitamin D (57%), magnesium (54%), omega-3 fish oil (53%), acupuncture by an acupuncturist (53%) or an ND (40%), B12 orally or by injection (40%), and probiotics (40%) were highly utilized treatments. A past/current medical history of digestive complaints (64%) and depression/mental illness (63%) were common comorbidities, alongside a history of arthritic conditions (53%) and anxiety (43%). A family history of arthritic conditions (47%) was also prevalent. The Widespread Pain Index and Symptom Severity tool (43%) was used to assess pain and other symptoms. No adverse effects of treatment were readily identifiable. Conclusion: Findings from this study reveal elements of both consistency and variability in the treatment recommendations from NDs in a teaching clinic environment. Future research that assesses or compares treatment recommendations for FM in other settings may be informative to better understand health services, the nature of individualized care, and patient experiences.

Association among Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI) and Fibromyalgia: A Prospective Study

The disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) have been associated with Fibromyalgia (FM). However, there are no data about the relationship between FM and DGBI using Rome IV criteria. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of FM in patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and/or Functional Dyspepsia (FD) and the prevalence of IBS and FD in FM patients using Rome IV criteria. DGBI patients and FM patients were recruited from two outpatient clinics devoted to DGBI and FM. All patients underwent a standardized gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms questionnaire. FM symptoms in DGBI patients were assessed through Fibromyalgia Rapid Screening Tool (FiRST) and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire. Thereafter, the rheumatologists evaluated them. 49.0% of FM patients fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for IBS, 81.6% for FD with an overlap for both IBS/FD in 44.9%. IBS-C was the most prevalent IBS-subtype in DGBI patients, whereas IBS-M was the most prevalent in FM patients (p = 0.01). 45.3% of DGBI patients reported pathological FiRST scores. DGBI patients with FM showed the highest score at the standardized GI questionnaire followed by FM patients with DGBI and DGBI without FM. In conclusion DGBI are common in FM patients and vice versa. The presence of FD is extremely frequent in FM patients. A multidisciplinary approach should be routinely used for the management of these patients.

Multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatments for patients with fibromyalgia: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a pathology that causes physical, psychological, and social problems. For this reason, it requires treatment that involves all of these elements. The main of study is to examine multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment (MRT) in fibromyalgia and to identify healthcare approaches developing effective MRT tools for the treatment of FM.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

In this systematic review, we searched the following databases: CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, Cuidatge, Cuiden, ENFISPO, IBEC and IME.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Of 356 articles found we selected 13 to analyze and summarize. We created 4 different categories: 1) multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment focusing on health education and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT); 2) multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment that includes dietetics; 3) multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment adapted to the patients' characteristics; 4) multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment based on physical exercise.

CONCLUSIONS

This review identifies the most effective treatments that may be usefully applied in many different rehabilitation contexts. These include all treatments that incorporated an education (ED) program to patients and an exercise program complete with aerobic exercise (AE), stretching (SE), relaxation (RE), strengthening (TE), endurance (EN), and which includes the entire body and biofeedback. Furthermore, many approaches also include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for self-management such as occupational therapy, moderation, acceptance, commitment, motivation to change and forgiveness.

Predictors of new onsets of irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia: the lifelines study

BACKGROUND

It has been claimed that functional somatic syndromes share a common etiology. This prospective population-based study assessed whether the same variables predict new onsets of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia (FM).

METHODS

The study included 152 180 adults in the Dutch Lifelines study who reported the presence/absence of relevant syndromes at baseline and follow-up. They were screened at baseline for physical and psychological disorders, socio-demographic, psycho-social and behavioral variables. At follow-up (mean 2.4 years) new onsets of each syndrome were identified by self-report. We performed separate analyses for the three syndromes including participants free of the relevant syndrome or its key symptom at baseline. LASSO logistic regressions were applied to identify which of the 102 baseline variables predicted new onsets of each syndrome.

RESULTS

There were 1595 (1.2%), 296 (0.2%) and 692 (0.5%) new onsets of IBS, CFS, and FM, respectively. LASSO logistic regression selected 26, 7 and 19 predictors for IBS, CFS and FM, respectively. Four predictors were shared by all three syndromes, four predicted IBS and FM and two predicted IBS and CFS but 28 predictors were specific to a single syndrome. CFS was more distinct from IBS and FM, which predicted each other.

CONCLUSIONS

Syndrome-specific predictors were more common than shared ones and these predictors might form a better starting point to unravel the heterogeneous etiologies of these syndromes than the current approach based on symptom patterns. The close relationship between IBS and FM is striking and requires further research.

Review article: Physical and psychological comorbidities associated with irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders encountered by physicians in primary and secondary care. Patients with IBS commonly present with various extraintestinal complaints, which account for a substantial clinical and economic burden. The common extraintestinal comorbidities associated with IBS include anxiety, depression, somatisation, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pelvic pain, interstitial cystitis, sexual dysfunction and sleep disturbance. The presence of comorbidity in IBS poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge with patients frequently undergoing unnecessary investigations and interventions, including surgery. This review discusses the different physical and psychological comorbidities associated with IBS, the shared pathophysiological mechanisms and potential management strategies.

The Probiotic VSL#3® Does Not Seem to Be Efficacious for the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Symptomatology of Patients with Fibromyalgia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Gastrointestinal symptomatology is frequent among patients with fibromyalgia, which increases disease burden and lacks specific treatment, either pharmacological or non-pharmacological. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a multi-strain probiotic, VSL#3^®, for the treatment of fibromyalgia-associated gastrointestinal manifestations. This randomized, placebo-controlled trial included 12 weeks of probiotic or placebo treatment followed by 12 weeks of follow up. The primary outcome variable was the mean change from the baseline to the endpoint in the composite severity score of the three main gastrointestinal symptoms reported by patients with fibromyalgia (abdominal pain, abdominal bloating and meteorism). Secondary outcome variables were the severity of additional gastrointestinal symptoms, fibromyalgia severity, depression, sleep disturbance, health-related quality of life and patients' overall impression of improvement. No differences were found between VSL#3^® (n = 54) and the placebo (n = 56) in the primary outcome (estimated treatment difference: 1.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.1, 4.2; p = 0.501), or in any of the secondary outcomes. However, responders to VSL#3 were more likely to maintain any improvement during the follow-up period compared to responders in the placebo arm. Overall, VSL#3 tolerability was good. Our data could not demonstrate any beneficial effects of VSL#3^® either on the composite score of severity of abdominal pain, bloating and meteorism or in any of the secondary outcome variables. More research is needed to elucidate specific factors that may predict a favourable response to treatment in patients with fibromyalgia.

A systematic review of the association between fibromyalgia and functional gastrointestinal disorders

BACKGROUND

Fibromyalgia and functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are common conditions presenting in clinical settings and are more prevalent in women. While the relationship between IBS and fibromyalgia has been demonstrated, a review of the prevalence of the broader group of FGID in adults with fibromyalgia has not been undertaken. The aim of this review was to systematically review the published literature, identifying the comorbidity of FGID in people with fibromyalgia, and to discuss the clinical implications, limitations of current research and areas of interest for future research.

METHODS

Medline, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science were searched during June 2019. Results were screened for original research articles meeting established criteria for identification of FGID in adults diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

RESULTS

A total of 14 studies involving 1340 adults with fibromyalgia, 363 healthy controls and 441 adults with other pathologies were included in this review. Only 1 of the 14 studies included surveyed the full range of FGID . Functional gut disorders were matched to Rome II criteria for reporting and comparison. In addition to increased abdominal pain and functional bloating or gas, IBS of mixed-pattern and constipation-types appear to be more prevalent than diarrhoea-predominant IBS in adults with fibromyalgia.

CONCLUSION

This review confirms previous reports that IBS is common in people living with fibromyalgia and suggests that IBS-mixed and constipation types predominate. An association with a range of FGID other than IBS is suggested, but data are limited. Research exploring the association between fibromyalgia and functional gastrointestinal dysfunction beyond IBS are warranted.

Coexistence of Alterations of Gastrointestinal Function and Mechanical Allodynia in the Reserpine-Induced Animal Model of Fibromyalgia

BACKGROUND

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a disorder characterized by widespread chronic pain as core symptom and a broad range of comorbidities. Despite the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) comorbidities in patients with FM, GI functions have rarely been investigated in animal models of FM.

AIMS

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the coexistence of alterations of GI function in the reserpine-induced myalgia (RIM) rat, a validated FM model associated with disruption of monoamine system.

METHODS

Paw withdrawal threshold (von Frey hair test) was assessed as pain-associated indicator. Gastric emptying (¹³C breath test), small intestinal transit (charcoal meal test), and fecal water content were investigated as GI functions.

RESULTS

The specific regimen of reserpine for the RIM rat, i.e., 1 mg/kg s.c., once daily for three consecutive days, caused a reduction of paw withdrawal threshold (i.e., mechanical allodynia) on days 3, 5, and 7 after the first injection. The ¹³CO₂ excreted from the RIM rat was significantly increased on day 7. The RIM rat exhibited an acceleration of small intestinal transit on day 5. Fecal water content collected from the RIM rat was significantly increased on days 3 and 5. The amount of noradrenaline was significantly decreased in GI tissues on days 3, 5, and 7 in the RIM rat. Conclusions This study revealed that accelerated gastric emptying, accelerated small intestinal transit, and increase in fecal water content coexist with mechanical allodynia in the RIM rat, simulating the coexistence of chronic pain and alterations of GI function in patients with FM.

Dietary interventions in fibromyalgia: a systematic review

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic non-degenerative disease, whose nutritional therapy seems controversial. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the knowledge about the effect of dietary interventions on patient-reported outcomes (PRO) and inflammation in patients with FM. Six electronic databases - PubMed, BioMed Central, Cochrane library, EMBASE, LILACS and ISI - were searched for clinical trials, in which a dietary intervention in patients with FM diagnosed was conducted. Quality of evidence assessment was measured in accordance with GRADE methodology. Seven clinical trials - 3 randomized controlled trials, 1 unrandomized clinical trial and 3 uncontrolled clinical trials were identified. Dietary approaches included gluten-free diet (n = 1), raw vegetarian diet (n = 2), low Fermentable oligo-, di- and monossacharides, alcohols and polyols (FODMAPs) diet (n = 1), hypocaloric diet (n = 2) and monosodium glutamate- and aspartame-free diet interventions (n = 1). The major PRO were pain and functional repercussion, with 5 out of 7 studies reporting an improvement. The progress in secondary outcomes was reported for fatigue (2/5 studies), sleep quality (2/3 studies), depression and anxiety (3/6 studies), quality of life (4/5 studies), gastrointestinal symptoms (1/2 studies) and inflammatory biomarkers (1/1 study). However, according to Cochrane Risk of Bias, these studies had poor statistical quality. Well-designed studies should be performed to investigate the dietary interventions effect on FM. Key messages Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic non-degenerative disease, whose nutritional therapy seems controversial but promising. Pain and functional repercussion in FM patients seem to improve with a hypocaloric diet, a raw vegetarian diet or a low FODMAPs diet, as much as quality of life, quality of sleep, anxiety and depression and inflammatory biomarkers. Existing studies in this subject are scarce and low quality, which does not allow conclusions to be drawn.

The complexities of fibromyalgia and its comorbidities

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is defined as chronic, widespread musculoskeletal pain and tenderness with concomitant mood and cognitive dysfunction. Several comorbidities have been reported to be associated with FMS. We reviewed the literature concerning the most noteworthy chronic conditions associated with FMS.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is mounting evidence displaying the concurrence of fibromyalgia and coexisting medical and psychiatric conditions. Such comorbidities may blur the classical clinical presentations and erroneously lead to misinterpretation of disease activity. The recognition of this fact should be underlined, as misrecognition may lead to excessive therapy and avoidable side-effects of medications on the one hand and to a better handling of FMS on the other hand, leading to improved clinical outcomes.

SUMMARY

A greater proportion of psychiatric and rheumatologic disorders are associated with FMS patients than the population. Consequently, physicians treating patients with either condition should keep in mind that these patients may have such comorbidities and should be treated accordingly.

Are probiotic treatments useful on fibromyalgia syndrome or chronic fatigue syndrome patients? A systematic review

Evidence suggests that the gut microbiota might play an important role in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Our goal is to systematically review the reported effect of probiotic treatments in patients diagnosed with FMS or CFS. A systematic review was carried out using 14 databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, PsycINFO, and others) in February 2016 to search for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and pilot studies of CFS or FMS patient, published in the last ten years (from 2006 to 2016). The Jadad scale was used to asseverate the quality of the clinical trials considered. Two studies (n=83) met the inclusion criteria, which were performed in CFS patients and both studies were considered as a 'High range of quality score'. The administration of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota in CFS patients, over the course of 8 weeks, reduced anxiety scores. Likewise, this probiotic changed the faecal composition following 8 weeks of treatment. Additionally, the treatment with Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 in CFS patients, during the same period, reduced inflammatory biomarkers. The evidence about the usefulness of probiotics in CFS and FMS patients remains limited. The studied strains of probiotics have demonstrated a significant effect on modulating the anxiety and inflammatory processes in CFS patients. However, more experimental research, focusing mainly on the symptoms of the pathologies studied, is needed.

Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Disease in Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia (FM) has historically been associated with several diseases in gastroenterology and hepatology. The most substantiated evidence pertains to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The pathogeneses of FM and IBS remain unclear, but it is likely related to dysregulation within the brain-gut axis, resulting in a hyperalgesic state. IBS and FM share other similarities, including a female predominance, fatigue, insomnia, and susceptibility to psychiatric state. These common manifestations and pathogeneses serve as a foundation for overlapping, multidisciplinary treatment modalities.

Patterns of food avoidance and eating behavior in women with fibromyalgia

INTRODUCTION

Fibromyalgia is a form of non-articular rheumatic disorder of unknown origin. It is characterized by widespread, chronic musculoskeletal pain. Patients with fibromyalgia suffer more frequently eating disorders, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Studies have pointed out to nutrition as a relevant factor in these patients. Some of them think that diet has an influence on fibromyalgia symptoms, and tend to adopt certain dietary patterns. This, combined with access to non-scientific information about diets and supplements, makes analysis of dietary behavior, avoidance, and restrictions particularly important. The aim of this study was to describe dietary habits and eating avoidance behaviors in patients with fibromyalgia, and to compare these data to those of a healthy sample of similar sociodemographic characteristics.

METHODS

A descriptive case-control study was conducted in healthy subjects (n = 60) age and sex-matched to the fibromyalgia group (n = 60), whose eating habits and restrictions were analyzed using a food frequency questionnaire, a sociodemographic questionnaire, and a food restriction scale.

RESULTS

The group with fibromyalgia had significantly higher values in body mass index, weight fluctuation, use of herbal products, and development of diets, and significantly lower mean consumption of cereals, fruits, sugars, alcohol, and soft drinks.

CONCLUSIONS

These results describe a sample of patients with fibromyalgia who follow a varied diet similar to that of healthy subjects, but more frequently avoid certain foods.

The Effects of a Gluten-free Diet Versus a Hypocaloric Diet Among Patients With Fibromyalgia Experiencing Gluten Sensitivity-like Symptoms: A Pilot, Open-Label Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Patients with fibromyalgia frequently present with symptoms similar to those experienced by patients with gluten-related disorders, raising the possibility that a subgroup of these patients could be experiencing underlying gluten sensitivity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a gluten-free diet (GFD) compared with a hypocaloric diet (HCD) among patients with fibromyalgia.

METHODS

Adult patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia were randomly allocated to receive a GFD or a HCD over a 24-week period. The primary outcome measure was the change in the number of gluten sensitivity symptoms. The following secondary outcomes were evaluated: body mass index, Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Brief Pain Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory-II, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Short-Form Health Survey, Patient Global Impression Scale of Severity, Patient Global Impression Scale of Improvement, and adverse events.

RESULTS

Seventy-five subjects were randomly allocated to receive either a GFD (n=35) or an HCD (n=40). The least squares mean change in the total number of gluten sensitivity symptoms from baseline did not differ significantly between the GFD and HCD groups (-2.44±0.40 for the GFD; -2.10±0.37 for the HCD; P=0.343). Similarly, the 2 dietary interventions did not differ in any of the remaining measured secondary outcomes. Both dietary interventions were well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

Both dietary interventions were associated with similar beneficial outcomes in reducing gluten sensitivity symptoms and other secondary outcomes. However, despite its specificity, GFD was not superior to HCD in reducing the number of gluten sensitivity symptoms or secondary outcomes.

Association between fibromyalgia syndrome and peptic ulcer disease development

PURPOSE

The correlation of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) with peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is unclear. We therefore conducted a cohort study to investigate whether FMS is correlated with an increased risk of PUD.

METHODS

In this study, we established an FMS cohort comprising 26068 patients aged more than 20 years who were diagnosed with FMS from 2000 to 2011. Furthermore, we established a control cohort by randomly choosing 104269 people without FMS who were matched to the FMS patients by gender, age, and index year. All patients were free of PUD at the baseline. Cox proportional hazard regressions were performed to compute the hazard ratio of PUD after adjustment for demographic characteristics and comorbidities.

RESULTS

The prevalence of comorbidities was significantly higher in the FMS patients than in the controls. The incidence of PUD was 29.8 and 19.4 per 1000 person-years in the FMS and control cohorts, respectively. In addition, the FMS cohort exhibited a 1.40-fold higher risk of PUD (95% confidence interval = 1.35-1.45) compared with the control cohort. After control for confounding factors, the medications (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and antidepressants) taken by the FMS patients did not increase the risk of PUD.

CONCLUSION

FMS patients exhibit a higher risk of PUD than that of patients without FMS.

A low fermentable oligo-di-mono saccharides and polyols(FODMAP) diet reduced pain and improve ddaily life in fibromyalgia patients

Background and aims

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic, rheumatic disease characterized by widespread myofascial pain, of unknown aetiology, having a major impact on quality of life (QOL). Available pharmacotherapy for FM is marginally effective. FM is associated with co-morbidities of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). There is growing evidence that diets low in FODMAPs, “fermentable oligo-, di- or mono-saccharides and polyols” [Low FODMAP Diet (LFD)], are effective in treating IBS. The aim of this pilot study was to examine the effects of LFDs on symptoms of FM, especially with regard to pain, QOL and GI disorders.

Methods

A longitudinal study using LFD intervention was performed on 38, 51±10 year-old, female patients diagnosed with FM for an average of 10 years, based on ACR (American College of Rheumatology) 2010 criteria. The study was conducted from January through May, 2015, using a four-week, repeated-assessment model, as follows: Moment 0 – introduction of the protocol to participants; Moment 1 – first assessment and delivery of individual LFD dietary plans; Moment 2 – second assessment and reintroduction of FODMAPs; Moment 3 – last assessment and final nutritional counselling. Assessment tools used were the following: RFIQ (Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire), FSQ (Fibromyalgia Survey Questionnaire), IBS-SSS (Severity Score System), EQ-5D (Euro-QOL quality of life instrument), and VAS (Visual Analogue Scale). Daily consumption of FODMAPs was quantified based on published food content analyses. Statistical analyses included ANOVA, non-parametric Friedman, t-student and Chi-square tests, using SPSS 22 software.

Results

The mean scores of the 38 participants at the beginning of the study were: FSQ (severity of FM, 0–31) – 22±4.4; RFIQ (0–100) – 65±17; IBS-SSS (0–500) – 275± 101; and EQ-5D (0–100) – 48± 19. Mean adherence to dietary regimens was 86%, confirmed by significant difference in FODMAP intakes (25 g/day vs. 2.5 g/day; p < 0.01). Comparisons between the three moments of assessment showed significant (p < 0.01) declines in scores in VAS, FSQ, and RFIQ scores, in all domains measured. An important improvement was observed with a reduction in the severity of GI symptoms, with 50% reduction in IBS scores to 138±117, following LFD therapy. A significant correlation (r = 0.36; p < 0.05) was found between improvements in FM impact (declined scores) and gastrointestinal scores. There was also a significant correlation (r = 0.65; p < 0.01) between “satisfaction with improvement” after introduction of LFDs and “diet adherence”, with satisfaction of the diet achieving 77% among participants. A significant difference was observed between patients who improved as compared to those that did not improve (Chi-square χ2 = 6.16; p < .05), showing that the probability of improvement, depends on the severity of the RFIQ score.

Conclusions

Implementation of diet therapy involving FODMAP restrictions, in this cohort of FM patients, resulted in a significant reduction in GI disorders and FM symptoms, including pain scores. These results need to be extended in future larger studies on dietary therapy for treatment of FM.

Implications

According to current scientific knowledge, these are the first relevant results found in an intervention with LFD therapy in FM and must be reproduced looking for a future dietetic approach in FM.

Vagal neurocircuitry and its influence on gastric motility

A large body of research has been dedicated to the effects of gastrointestinal peptides on vagal afferent fibres, yet multiple lines of evidence indicate that gastrointestinal peptides also modulate brainstem vagal neurocircuitry, and that this modulation has a fundamental role in the physiology and pathophysiology of the upper gastrointestinal tract. In fact, brainstem vagovagal neurocircuits comprise highly plastic neurons and synapses connecting afferent vagal fibres, second order neurons of the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), and efferent fibres originating in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV). Neuronal communication between the NTS and DMV is regulated by the presence of a variety of inputs, both from within the brainstem itself as well as from higher centres, which utilize an array of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators. Because of the circumventricular nature of these brainstem areas, circulating hormones can also modulate the vagal output to the upper gastrointestinal tract. This Review summarizes the organization and function of vagovagal reflex control of the upper gastrointestinal tract, presents data on the plasticity within these neurocircuits after stress, and discusses the gastrointestinal dysfunctions observed in Parkinson disease as examples of physiological adjustment and maladaptation of these reflexes.

Oral Burning With Dysphagia and Weight Loss

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by an abnormal pain regulation. Widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance are the prevalent symptoms. When unusual symptoms are overbearingly predominant at clinical presentation, the diagnosis becomes challenging.We report on the case of a patient with fibromyalgia, who presented with dysphagia, odynophagia, and glossodynia as prevalent symptoms. Difficulty in swallowing gradually developed over a month prior hospitalization, and worsened progressively so that nourishment and fluid intake were impeded.Because anemia with mild iron deficiency was found, esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed, but no lesions were seen in the upper digestive tract. Levels of zinc and vitamin B12 were normal. Intense pain at pelvis and the inferior limbs, which was at a first glance referred to as osteoarthrosis, associated with oral symptoms and feeling of being in the clouds allowed us to diagnose fibromyalgia. Amitriptyline was used, with relief of symptoms.Although oropharyngeal symptoms were occasionally reported in fibromyalgia, they are often overlooked. The present case, therefore, testifies the need to consider the diagnosis of fibromyalgia when the patient presents with such symptoms that cannot be readily explained on other grounds.

Increased prevalence of two mitochondrial DNA polymorphisms in functional disease: Are we describing different parts of an energy-depleted elephant?

About 20% of the population suffers from "functional syndromes". Since these syndromes overlap greatly in terms of co-morbidity, pathophysiology (including aberrant autonomic activity) and treatment responses, common predisposing genetic factors have been postulated. We had previously showed that two common mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymorphisms at positions 16519 and 3010 are statistically associated with the functional syndromes of migraine, cyclic vomiting syndrome and non-specific abdominal pain. Herein, among individuals with mtDNA haplogroup H (HgH), the presence of these two mtDNA polymorphisms were ascertained in additional functional syndromes: chronic fatigue syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, sudden infant death syndrome, and major depressive disorder. Polymorphic prevalence rates were compared between disease and control groups, and within each disease group in participants with and without specific clinical findings. In all four conditions, one or both of the polymorphisms was significantly associated with the respective condition and/or co-morbid functional symptomatology. Thus, we conclude that these two mtDNA polymorphisms likely modify risk for the development of multiple functional syndromes, likely constituting a proportion of the postulated common genetic factor, at least among individuals with HgH. Pathophysiology likely involves broad effects on the autonomic nervous system.