[Factors related to temporal incapacity in patients with fibromyalgia]

To know the sociodemographic, clinical and working conditions characteristics related with temporary disability (TWD) in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FS).

Patients diagnosed with FS who met the American College of Rheumatology's criteria, attending an outpatient clinic for at least three months prior were included. We performed a standard clinical protocol with sociodemographic, clinical and working conditions, dates and number of TWD during the last year. All patients were asked to complete a questionnaire with 40 items [Fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ) inclusive].

The participants were 51 women with FS, 32 of whom needed one or more TWD during the last year. The mean TWD was 83.73 days (DS 98). There was not a statistically significant relationship between the TWD and sociodemographic characteristics in a bivariate analysis. There is a significant trend with hard physical work and with the presence of triggering factors. There was evidence of a significant statistical relationship between TWD with a lack of response to selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). We noticed that the highest marks in the FIQ have a direct relationship with patients in a TWD situation.

The lack of response to SSRIs was related with TWD process. The patients in TWD situation scored the highest FIQ. There is a trend towards an increase in the TWD with jobs that required physical effort.