Health status in fibromyalgia--a followup study.
OBJECTIVE
To examine symptoms, physical function, and nutritional status in patients with fibromyalgia (FM) after 6 to 8 years.


METHODS
Of 51 women with FM initially included in exercise and patient education programs 6 and 8 years ago, 33 agreed to participate. Median (range) age was 45.5 years (33-64) and symptom duration 18 years (8-46). Symptoms (visual analog scales), cardiovascular capacity (Aastrand's test), and restriction on daily activities (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire) were measured. Employment status and experience of coping with everyday life were addressed in an interview. Nutritional status was evaluated by anthropometric measurements and dietary intake.


RESULTS
All the 33 participants had widespread chronic pain, and 79% had enough tender points to satisfy the FM classification criteria. Compared with initital data there were significant reductions in the number of tender points (p = 0.004) in the exercise group, and in fatigue (p = 0.008) and pain (p = 0.5) in the patient education group. Cardiovascular capacity was within normal limits in 33% of the participants. Currently, 26 performed regular physical activity and of these, 10 were engaged in organized exercise. Seventy-two percent reported regular use of dietary supplements and attached importance to a healthy diet. Still, there was a significant increase in weight and body fat, and 24% were obese (BMI > 30). The coping strategies adopted were adjustments to the new situation and distraction from symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
No worsening of symptoms and no change in employment status, as well as frequent participation in physical activities, suggests a benign longterm outcome in these patients with FM.
Mengshoel
A M
AM
Center for Rheumatic Diseases, the National Hospital, Oslo, Norway. a.m.mengshoel@helsefag.uio.no
Haugen
M
M
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009752:Nutritional Status; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011788:Quality of Life; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index