Relationship between Osteoporosis and Fibromyalgia in Hemodialysis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Musculoskeletal symptoms are common in chronic kidney disease, which negatively affects quality of life.

We aimed to evaluate the relationship between osteoporosis and fibromyalgia in hemodialysis patients.

The study included 170 patients on hemodialysis for more than 3 months. Demographic characteristics, complete blood count, and biochemistry values were recorded. Bone densitometry was measured by X-ray dual-energy absorptiometry. T score ≤ -2.5 was reported as osteoporosis. Groups were formed as those with and without lumbar osteoporosis and those with and without femoral neck osteoporosis. For fibromyalgia assessment, the widespread pain scale and symptom severity scale were recorded based on the American College of Rheumatology data. A fibromyalgia impact questionnaire was used to determine the level of physical disability (FIQ). P < 0.05 was considered significant.

A total of 170 patients, with a median age of 55 years, were studied. Females constituted 52.4% of the participants. Age and ferritin levels were higher in patients with lumbar and femoral neck osteoporosis than in patients without osteoporosis. Body mass index (BMI) and parathormone levels were lower in patients with femoral neck osteoporosis. Fibromyalgia score was significantly higher in patients with lumbar and femoral neck osteoporosis, and there was a negative correlation. Age (P < 0.002) and ferritin (P < 0.001) were found to be associated with lumbar osteoporosis. Similarly, age (P < 0.001), BMI (P < 0.013), and ferritin (P < 0.015) were found to be associated with femoral neck osteoporosis.

Fibromyalgia score was high in patients with both lumbar and femoral neck osteoporosis. The fibromyalgia score is an essential guide for early diagnosis, guidance to treatment, and prevention of complications.