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Medicina
Special Issues
Updates on Fibromyalgia Research
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Updates on Fibromyalgia Research

A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144). This special issue belongs to the section "Neurology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (29 February 2024) | Viewed by 5302

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Valeria Giorgi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Rheumatology Unit, Internal Medicine Department, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan University School of Medicine, Milan, Italy
Interests: chronic pain; fibromyalgia; cannabis; nociplastic pain; chronic widespread pain

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is one of the most common conditions causing chronic widespread pain worldwide, although it is far from being a solely painful condition. It is characterized by a complex array of multisystem symptoms, among which chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive dysfunctions, functional symptoms and mood disorders are prominent. It is recognized as one of the major causes of poor quality of life, high health expenditure and indirect social costs (in terms of sick leave and loss of working productivity). In fact, although FMS is a common condition in the general population, diagnostic difficulties and lack of gold-standard treatments are still hampering effective FMS management. In the last decade, more than four diagnostic criteria have followed one another (especially due to the absence of diagnostic biomarkers), and there is still lack of consensus regarding FMS aetiopathogenesis.

However, increasing awareness has been paid to FMS in recent years, and many new discoveries have been made in clinical and preclinical research. FMS has been linked with central alterations (altered central nervous system activation and brain connectivity, neuroinflammation, cognitive-emotional influence) and peripheral abnormalities (small fiber neuropathy, altered activation of immune cells, altered intestinal microbiota). In addition, a recent preclinical study showed the possibility of the presence of specific autoantibodies in FMS patients’ sera.

Therefore, in the framework of this outlook, which is full of research opportunities, Medicina decided to publish a Special Issue dedicated to the updates in FMS research. In keeping with the journal’s aims, we are looking for original research or review manuscripts related to prevention and treatment, issues related to global health and problems of developing and developed countries.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to present new insights into FMS diagnosis, epidemiology (e.g., symptom presentation and monitoring in men), aetiopathogenesis and treatment, by means of clinical and preclinical studies.

Dr. Valeria Giorgi
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Medicina is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • fibromyalgia
  • fibromyalgia syndrome
  • chronic pain
  • nociplastic pain
  • central pain
  • autoimmunity
  • neuroinflammation
  • epidemiology
  • treatment
  • pathogenesis

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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8 pages, 648 KiB  
Article
Prevalence of FMS Diagnosis According to ACR 2016 Revised Criteria in a Pain Therapy Centre in Italy: Observational Study
by Vittorio Schweiger, Alvise Martini, Marta Nizzero, Eleonora Bonora, Giovanna Del Balzo, Leonardo Gottin, Lorena Torroni, Luca Polati, Giada Zuliani, Erica Secchettin and Enrico Polati
Medicina 2024, 60(4), 599; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60040599 - 4 Apr 2024
Viewed by 707
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a multifaceted disease with a strong preference for the female sex. It is characterised by chronic widespread pain, sleep–wake disorders, fatigue, cognitive disturbances, and several other somatic symptoms. Materials and Methods: In this prospective observational study, [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a multifaceted disease with a strong preference for the female sex. It is characterised by chronic widespread pain, sleep–wake disorders, fatigue, cognitive disturbances, and several other somatic symptoms. Materials and Methods: In this prospective observational study, we analysed data regarding 302 patients who were referred to our pain centre for a first clinical assessment evaluation and were then inspected for the physician-based 2016 revision of the ACR diagnostic criteria for FMS, regardless of the final diagnosis previously made by the pain therapist. Results: Among the 280 patients who adhered to the 2016 ACR questionnaire, 20.3% displayed positive criteria for FMS diagnosis. The level of agreement between the FMS discharge diagnosis made by the pain clinician and the ACR 2016 criteria-positivity was moderate (kappa = 0.599, with moderate agreement set at a kappa value of 0.6). Only four patients (1.7%) diagnosed as suffering from FMS at discharge did not satisfy the minimal 2016 ACR diagnostic criteria. Conclusions: This prospective observational study confirmed the diagnostic challenge with FMS, as demonstrated by the moderate grade of agreement between the FMS diagnosis at discharge and the positivity for 2016 ACR criteria. In our opinion, the use of widely accepted diagnostic guidelines should be implemented in clinical scenarios and should become a common language among clinicians who evaluate and treat patients reporting widespread pain and FMS-suggestive symptoms. Further methodologically stronger studies will be necessary to validate our observation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Updates on Fibromyalgia Research)
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20 pages, 1260 KiB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of Psychophysiological Responses in Fibromyalgia Patients: Evaluating Neuromodulation Alone, Neuromodulation Combined with Virtual Reality, and Exercise Interventions
by Alejandro Rubio-Zarapuz, María Dolores Apolo-Arenas, Pablo Tomas-Carus, José Francisco Tornero-Aguilera, Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez and Jose A. Parraca
Medicina 2024, 60(3), 404; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60030404 - 27 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1289
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Fibromyalgia, a chronic condition, manifests as widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, autonomic and cognitive dysfunction, hypersensitivity to stimuli, and various somatic and psychiatric symptoms. This study, a controlled and randomized experiment, aimed to evaluate and compare the immediate effects [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Fibromyalgia, a chronic condition, manifests as widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, autonomic and cognitive dysfunction, hypersensitivity to stimuli, and various somatic and psychiatric symptoms. This study, a controlled and randomized experiment, aimed to evaluate and compare the immediate effects of different treatments on fibromyalgia patients. Materials and Methods: The treatments included the EXOPULSE Mollii suit, a combination of the EXOPULSE Mollii suit with a virtual reality (VR) protocol, and a physical exercise regimen. A cohort of 89 female fibromyalgia patients was randomly assigned to one of four groups: Control (n = 20), Suit only (n = 22), Suit combined with VR (n = 21), and Exercise (n = 26). Results: This study found notable differences across the groups in several key parameters. In the Control group, significant changes were observed in Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV 1/FEV 6), the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain, Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) at the epicondyle, cortical arousal levels, the 10 m up-and-go test, and in all measured variables related to temperature and muscle oxygenation. For the group using the suit alone, there were significant differences noted in the NRS, the chair stand test, palm temperature, and all muscle oxygenation parameters. The Suit + VR group showed significant changes in the NRS, PPT at the knee, handgrip strength test, the 10 m up-and-go test, one-leg balance test with the right leg, muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2), deoxygenated hemoglobin (HHb), and oxygenated hemoglobin (O2Hb). Finally, the Exercise group exhibited significant differences in FEV 1/FEV 6, chest perimeter difference, NRS, PPT at both the epicondyle and knee, cortical arousal, the chair stand test, the 10-m up-and-go test, and in SmO2, HHb, and O2Hb levels. Conclusions: combining neuromodulation with VR and targeted exercise regimens can effectively alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms, offering promising avenues for non-pharmacological management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Updates on Fibromyalgia Research)
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Review

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14 pages, 833 KiB  
Review
Unraveling the Complex Web of Fibromyalgia: A Narrative Review
by Sarah Al Sharie, Scott J. Varga, Lou’i Al-Husinat, Piercarlo Sarzi-Puttini, Mohammad Araydah, Batool Riyad Bal’awi and Giustino Varrassi
Medicina 2024, 60(2), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60020272 - 4 Feb 2024
Viewed by 2879
Abstract
Fibromyalgia is a complex and often misunderstood chronic pain disorder. It is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and heightened sensitivity, and has evolved in diagnostic criteria and understanding over the years. Initially met with skepticism, fibromyalgia is now recognized as a global [...] Read more.
Fibromyalgia is a complex and often misunderstood chronic pain disorder. It is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and heightened sensitivity, and has evolved in diagnostic criteria and understanding over the years. Initially met with skepticism, fibromyalgia is now recognized as a global health concern affecting millions of people, with a prevalence transcending demographic boundaries. The clinical features and diagnosis of fibromyalgia encompass a range of symptoms beyond pain, including sleep disturbances and cognitive difficulties. This study emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive evaluation for accurate diagnosis, considering the shift from tender point reliance to a more holistic approach. Etiology and pathophysiology involve genetic predisposition, neurotransmitter dysregulation, central sensitization, and immune system involvement. Risk factors such as gender, age, family history, and comorbid conditions contribute to susceptibility. The impact on quality of life is profound, affecting physical and social aspects, often accompanied by mood disorders. Management approaches include pharmacological interventions, non-pharmacological therapies, lifestyle modifications, and alternative treatments. This study also delves into emerging research, exploring advances in neurobiological understanding, brain imaging, genetic markers, glutamate modulation, cannabinoids, gut microbiome, and digital health tools for fibromyalgia management. Overall, this study provides a nuanced and up-to-date overview of the complexities surrounding fibromyalgia, aiming to enhance understanding and support for individuals grappling with this challenging condition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Updates on Fibromyalgia Research)
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