Beyond Bones Article.pdf (204.49 kB)
Beyond bones: the relevance of variants of connective tissue (hypermobility) to fibromyalgia, ME/CFS and controversies surrounding diagnostic classification: an observational study
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 22:59 authored by Jessica EcclesJessica Eccles, Beth Thompson, Kristy Themelis, Marisa Amato, Robyn Stocks, Amy Pound, Anna-Marie Jones, Zdenka Cipinova, Lorraine Shah-Goodwin, Jean Timeyin, Charlie ThompsonCharlie Thompson, Thomas Batty, Neil Harrison, Hugo CritchleyHugo Critchley, Kevin DaviesKevin DaviesBackground Fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) are poorly understood conditions with overlapping symptoms, fuelling debate as to whether they are manifestations of the same spectrum or separate entities. Both are associated with hypermobility, but this remains significantly undiagnosed, despite impact on quality of life. Objective We planned to understand the relevance of hypermobility to symptoms in fibromyalgia and ME/CFS. Method Sixty-three patient participants presented with a confirmed diagnosis of fibromyalgia and/or ME/CFS; 24 participants were healthy controls. Patients were assessed for symptomatic hypermobility. Results Evaluations showed exceptional overlap in patients between fibromyalgia and ME/CFS, plus 81% met Brighton criteria for hypermobility syndrome (odds ratio 7.08) and 18% met 2017 hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (hEDS) criteria. Hypermobility scores significantly predicted symptom levels. Conclusion Symptomatic hypermobility is particularly relevant to fibromyalgia and ME/CFS, and our findings highlight high rates of mis-/underdiagnosis. These poorly understood conditions have a considerable impact on quality of life and our observations have implications for diagnosis and treatment targets.
Funding
Viscero-sensory processes and neural responses to inflammation: mechanisms of pain and fatigue in fibromyalgia; G1863; ARTHRITIS RESEARCH UK; 21194
Investigating the effects of mild inflammation on brain function in ME/CFS; G2485; ACTION FOR ME
Fibroduck Foundation - Donation to continue PF5661; G2725; FIBRODUCK FOUNDATION
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
Clinical MedicineISSN
1470-2118Publisher
Royal College of PhysiciansExternal DOI
Issue
1Volume
21Page range
53-58Department affiliated with
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2021-02-05First Open Access (FOA) Date
2022-01-22First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2021-02-04Usage metrics
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