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Fibromyalgia in Indian patients with SLE
R Handa1, P Aggarwal, J P Wali
1Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.
Lupus
|October 31, 1998
Summary
Fibromyalgia is uncommon in Indian patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), with only 8.2% prevalence observed. Clinical profiles and demographics were similar between SLE patients with and without fibromyalgia.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Systemic Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease.
- Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain disorder.
- The prevalence of FM in SLE patients globally varies, necessitating region-specific data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and clinical profile of fibromyalgia in Indian patients with SLE.
- To compare socio-demographic factors and disease characteristics between SLE patients with and without FM.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 158 patients with SLE at a tertiary referral center in India.
- Assessment for fibromyalgia using standardized criteria.
- Comparison of clinical and demographic data between SLE patients with and without FM.
Main Results:
- Fibromyalgia was diagnosed in 13 patients (8.2%) with SLE.
- Clinical profiles of SLE patients with FM were similar to other reported series.
- No significant differences were observed in age, sex, marital status, education, disease duration, activity, or organ involvement between SLE patients with and without FM.
- Corticosteroid withdrawal or dose reduction was a probable precipitating factor in approximately one-third of patients with FM.
Conclusions:
- Fibromyalgia appears to be distinctly uncommon in Indian patients with SLE.
- Factors such as strong family support, limited disability benefits, and potential racial variations in pain threshold may contribute to the low observed prevalence.