Introduction

A new review suggests that a chronic condition that causes widespread pain in millions of patients may be associated with an increased risk of death.

Increased risk of death

The analysis suggested that people with fibromyalgia had a 27% increased risk of death.

Specific risks

In particular, they highlighted the higher likelihood of accidents, infections, and suicides.

Significant public health concern

The researchers at Ben-Gurion University in Israel concluded that these risks “could pose a significant public health concern given the high prevalence of the disease.”

Fibromyalgia as a serious condition

The team writes: “Fibromyalgia is often referred to as a ‘fictitious condition’ and debate continues about the validity and clinical usefulness of this diagnosis. Our review provides additional evidence that patients with fibromyalgia should be taken seriously, with a focus on screening for suicidal ideation, accident prevention, and infection prevention and treatment.”

Increased risk of infections and suicides

The review found that patients with fibromyalgia were 44% more likely to develop infections such as pneumonia and sepsis and three times more likely to commit suicide.

Risk of accidents

A five percent increase in the risk of accidents, which can include car crashes and injuries.

Fatigue and difficulty concentrating

“The finding of increased mortality from accidents may be related to the fatigue, lack of restorative sleep, and difficulty concentrating that accompanies fibromyalgia,” the researchers wrote.

Lower risk of cancer

However, the risk of developing cancer was 12% lower than in the general population. The researchers said this may be because fibromyalgia patients routinely undergo extensive testing, which could make it easier to detect cancer early.

Review analysis

The review analyzed the results of eight studies conducted between 1999 and 2020.

More than 188,000 adults participated in these studies, all of whom were clinically diagnosed with other diseases.

Understanding fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is defined as a chronic disease that causes widespread pain throughout the body. People with this disorder are also more sensitive to pain.

The pain can be anywhere from the arms and legs to the head, chest and abdomen.

Other symptoms, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), include muscle and joint stiffness, numbness and tingling, memory problems, increased sensitivity to light and noise, and digestive issues such as bloating and constipation.

Challenges faced by medical staff

“Studies have shown that medical staff are reluctant to accept fibromyalgia as a disease and experience emotional and psychological difficulties in dealing with these patients and treating their disorder,” the researchers say.

Source

Review published in RMD Open magazine.

Source: Daily Mail