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Identifying fibromyalgia subgroups using cluster analysis: Relationships with clinical variables
1Department of Rheumatology, Chonnam National University Hospital & Medical School, Gwangju, Korea.
European Journal of Pain (London, England)
|September 17, 2016
Summary
Fibromyalgia (FM) patients can be divided into four distinct subgroups based on pain, physical, social, and psychological factors. These subgroups exhibit varied symptoms and medication needs, suggesting personalized treatment approaches for FM.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Clinical Psychology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Fibromyalgia (FM) presents significant heterogeneity in physical, social, and psychological functioning, impacting treatment responses.
- Understanding these variations is crucial for developing effective, individualized therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify distinct clinical subgroups of FM patients.
- To determine if these subgroups predict different treatment patterns.
Main Methods:
- A K-means cluster analysis was performed on data from 313 FM patients.
- Variables included tender points, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Social Support Scale.
Main Results:
- Four distinct patient clusters were identified.
- Cluster 1: high pain, severe impairment, low support. Cluster 2: moderate pain/impairment, mild mental issues, moderate support. Cluster 3: moderate pain, low physical/moderate mental impairment, low support. Cluster 4: low pain, near-normal function, high support.
- Cluster 1 patients were more likely to be smokers and report diverse symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Four subgroups of FM patients were identified based on pain, physical, social, and psychological function.
- These subgroups display unique clinical symptoms and medication profiles, advocating for comprehensive patient assessment in FM management.
