DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS AND CLINICAL FEATURES OF FIBROMYALGIA IN PATIENTS PRESENTING IN RHEUMATOLOGY OPD OF TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Main Article Content

Asif Islam
Syed Abdullah Haider
Fnu Kirshma
Dr. Osama Bin Zia
Aqib Ahmed
Dr. Muhammad Adeel
Dr Jaisingh Rajput

Keywords

Chronic ache, Demographic variables, Healthcare cost, Sleep disturbance, Women disorders

Abstract

Background: Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic pain affecting approximately 2% to 4% of common population. It is manifested by pervasive pain, cognitive problems, fatigue and sleep disturbances. Fibromyalgia can affect individuals of any age, gender, or ethnicity; however, it is more prevalent in women than in men, and it is typically diagnosed in middle age. ‘


Objectives: We investigated demographic as well as clinical characteristics of fibromyalgia in patients presenting to Rheumatology OPD of Mayo Hospital, Lahore.


Methods: This research was conducted from August 2021 to January 2023, in a metropolitan facility of Mayo Hospital Lahore. Patients who met the 2016 revised fibromyalgia diagnostic criteria were included in the study. Demographic information, medical history, clinical characteristics, and laboratory investigations were recorded for each patient.


Results: A total of 139 fibromyalgia patients were included in the study, having average age of 41.87+10.19 years, 76.95+12.92 Kg was their average weight and 23.72 mean BMI and 94.96% of them were females. Before being diagnosed with fibromyalgia, patients reported extensive pain (100%), fatigue (93.52%) and sleep disturbances (84.17%), headache (82.01%), cognitive difficulties (80.57%) as their most prevalent clinical manifestations.


Conclusion: Fibromyalgia is a prevalent disorder observed in rheumatology clinics, particularly among middle-aged women. Fibromyalgia is manifested by pervasive pain, sleep disturbances, fatigue and cognitive complexes. Early diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia can enhance patients' quality of life and reduce healthcare expenditures.

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