Study from pub med about sleep and fibromyalgia

Study of the role of sleep with Fibro
The role of sleep in affect and in negative event reactivity and recovery.Hamilton NA, Affleck G, Tennen H, Karlson C, Luxton D, Preacher KJ, Templin JL.Department of Psychology, University of Kansas.

Objective: Fibromyalgia (FM) syndrome is a chronic pain condition characterized by diffuse muscle pain, increased negative mood, and sleep disturbance. Until recently, sleep disturbance in persons with FM has been modeled as the result of the disease process or its associated pain. The current study examined sleep disturbance (i.e., sleep duration and sleep quality) as a predictor of daily affect, stress reactivity, and stress recovery.

Design and Measures: A hybrid of daily diary and ecological momentary assessment methodology was used to evaluate the psychosocial functioning of 89 women with FM. Participants recorded numeric ratings of pain, fatigue, and positive and negative affect 3 times throughout the day for 30 consecutive days. At the end of each day, participants completed daily diary records of positive and negative life events. In addition, participants reported on their sleep duration and sleep quality each morning.

Results: After accounting for the effects of positive events, negative events, and pain on daily affect scores, it was found that sleep duration and quality were prospectively related to affect and fatigue. Furthermore, the effects of inadequate sleep on negative affect were cumulative. In addition, an inadequate amount of sleep prevented affective recovery from days with a high number of negative events.

Conclusions: These results lend support to the hypothesis that sleep is a component of allostatic load and has an upstream role in daily functioning. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2008 APA, all rights reserved).

Great Fibromyalgia Study

September 27, 2007

Research may explain why common painkillers often don’t work on patients with fibromyalgia
People with common chronic pain condition have less availability of a pain-deadening receptor in the brain, UMHS study finds

ANN ARBOR, MI – People who have the common chronic pain condition fibromyalgia often report that they don’t respond to the types of medication that relieve other people’s pain. New research from the University of Michigan Health System helps to explain why that might be: Patients with fibromyalgia were found to have reduced binding ability of a type of receptor in the brain that is the target of opioid painkiller drugs such as morphine.

The study included positron emission tomography (PET) scans of the brains of patients with fibromyalgia, and of an equal number of sex- and age-matched people without the often-debilitating condition. Results showed that the fibromyalgia patients had reduced mu-opioid receptor (MOR) availability within regions of the brain that normally process and dampen pain signals – specifically, the nucleus accumbens, the anterior cingulate and the amygdala.
“The reduced availability of the receptor was associated with greater pain among people with fibromyalgia,” says lead author Richard E. Harris, Ph.D., research investigator in the Division of Rheumatology at the U-M Medical School's Department of Internal Medicine and a researcher at the U-M Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center.

“These findings could explain why opioids are anecdotally thought to be ineffective in people with fibromyalgia,” he notes. The findings appear in The Journal of Neuroscience. “The finding is significant because it has been difficult to determine the causes of pain in patients with fibromyalgia, to the point that acceptance of the condition by medical practitioners has been slow.”

Opioid pain killers work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. In addition to morphine, they include codeine, propoxyphene-containing medications such as Darvocet, hydrocodone-containing medications such as Vicodin, and oxycodone-containing medications such as Oxycontin.

The researchers theorize based on their findings that, with the lower availability of the MORs in three regions of the brains of people with fibromyalgia, such painkillers may not be able to bind as well to the receptors as they can in the brains of people without the condition.
Put more simply: When the painkillers cannot bind to the receptors, they cannot alleviate the patient’s pain as effectively, Harris says. The reduced availability of the receptors could result from a reduced number of opioid receptors, enhanced release of endogenous opioids (opioids, such as endorphins, that are produced naturally by the body), or both, Harris says.
The research team also found a possible link with depression. The PET scans showed that the fibromyalgia patients with more depressive symptoms had reductions of MOR binding potential in the amygdala, a region of the brain thought to modulate mood and the emotional dimension of pain.

The study subjects were 17 women with fibromyalgia and 17 women without the condition.
The senior author of the paper was Jon-Kar Zubieta, M.D., Ph.D., the Phil F. Jenkins Research Professor of Depression in the U-M Department of Psychiatry and a member of U-M’s Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, Depression Center and Department of Radiology. Other authors were Daniel J. Clauw, M.D.; David J. Scott, Ph.D.; Samuel A. McLean, M.D., MPH; and Richard H. Gracely, Ph.D.

The research was supported by grants from the Department of the Army; the National Center for Research Resources, a component of the National Institutes of Health; and the NIH. Harris was supported by an NIH–National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Grant. McLean was supported by an NIH grant.
Reference: The Journal of Neuroscience, Sept. 12, 2007, 27(37):10000–10006.
Written by Katie Vloet

Can Duloxetine Help Fibromyalgia, Study from PubMed

Duloxetine for the treatment of fibromyalgia in women: pooled results from two randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials.

Background:

To assess the efficacy (in particular, in pain, functional impairment, and quality of life) and safety and tolerability (incidence of adverse events, discontinuation rates, changes in laboratory findings, and vital signs) of duloxetine in female patients with fibromyalgia.

Methods: Data were pooled from two placebo-controlled clinical trials of similar design (randomized, 12-week, and double-blind), comparing duloxetine 60 mg a day (q.d.) or 60 mg twice daily (b.i.d.) (n = 326) with placebo (n = 212), in women who met the American College of Rheumatology criteria for primary fibromyalgia.

Results: Compared with the patients receiving placebo, duloxetine-treated female patients demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) average pain severity score and in the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) total score, beginning at week 1 and continuing through week 12 (p < 0.001). Duloxetine was superior to placebo on all efficacy measures, including mean tender point threshold, Clinical Global Impression of Severity, Patient Global Impression of Improvement, and average interference from pain scores. The duloxetine-treated group was superior to placebo on all quality of life and functional measures, including each domain of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36). A direct treatment effect of duloxetine on pain reduction was demonstrated and shown to be independent of secondary improvement in mood (based on BPI average pain score). Significantly more duloxetine-treated patients reported treatment-emergent adverse events (296 [90.8%] duloxetine-treated and 165 [77.8%] placebo-treated, p < 0.001).

Rates of serious adverse events were similar between duloxetine-treated and placebo-treated patients.

Conclusions: The pooled results of these studies demonstrate that duloxetine is a safe and efficacious treatment for both the pain and functional impairment associated with fibromyalgia in female patients, while significantly improving quality of life.

Interesting study with Fibromyalgia in Children

Fibromyalgia syndrome in young children: onset at age 10 years and younger.
Eraso RM, Bradford NJ, Fontenot CN, Espinoza LR, Gedalia A.
Department of Pediatrics, LSU Health Sciences Center and Children's Hospital, New Orleans, USA.

OBJECTIVE:To report our experience of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) in young children with onset at age 10 years and younger as compared to older children.

METHODS:Clinical and laboratory data were reviewed in all patients that had been diagnosed with FMS between November 1994 and March 2003. Patients with onset above the of age 18 years, and patients with FMS and concomitant rheumatic diseases were excluded from this study. The study population included two groups: group "A", young children with onset at age 10 years and under and group "B", children with onset above 10 years old. A questionnaire was used at follow-up visits or by telephone interview to evaluate the outcome.

RESULTS:There were 148 children with the diagnosis of FMS (based on ACR criteria), of these 46 children in group A and 102 children in group B. The mean age at onset and mean age at diagnosis were 7.5 years and 10 years in group A, and 13.2 years and 14.5 years in B, respectively. The mean interval between the age of onset and the age at diagnosis was 32 months in group A, and 18 months in group B (p= 0.007). There was a predominance of female gender and Caucasian ethnicity in both groups. Diffuse aching was reported in all patients in both groups. Stiffness, subjective joint swelling, abdominal pain and initial presentation on wheelchair were found more frequently in group A, compared with group B (p= 0.03, 0.001, 0.01, 0.03 respectively). The mean count of tender points at diagnosis was higher in group A, compared with group B (15.3 vs. 14.2, p = 0.004). The differences of other clinical features and laboratory tests in both groups were not statistically significant. Thirty-six patients in group A (78%) and 83 in group B (81%) were available for one or more follow-up visits and/or telephone interview. The mean follow-up period was 14 months in group A, and 19 months in group B (p value = 0.3). There was no difference in the type of treatment or outcome in both groups.

CONCLUSION:FMS in young children of 10 years old and younger is frequently under-recognized. As compared with the older group, stiffness, subjective joint swelling, abdominal pain, initial presentation on wheelchair and a higher mean count of tender points at diagnosis were significantly more common in the younger age group. However, the type of medications used and outcome were similar in both groups. Prospective studies with large patient population are needed to clarify these findings.
PMID: 17888225

To see about natural treatments for kids or adults with fms visit http://www.ridfibromyalgia.com/.

We were number 1 in google!

Rid Fibromyalgia Offers Hope with Alternative Fibromyalgia Treatment
Many that suffer from this illness have resigned themselves to living in pain, unable to get out of bed and live life the way they want. Rid Fibromyalgia offers a fibromyalgia treatment that is different and all inclusive to get sufferers moving again.
Clearfield, Utah (PRWEB) September 21, 2007 -- Rid Fibromyalgia (http://www.ridfibromyalgia.com) is proud to announce that they have an alternative fibromyalgia treatment that works to get sufferers of this illness moving again. Many who suffer from fibromyalgia believe after years of suffering and treatments that don't work that there simply is no hope for them to lead a normal life again. The website, and treatment plan, was created by a sufferer of the illness who made a change in her own life and wants to share it with others.
The problem with fibromyalgia is that every doctor treats it differently, some suggesting that those that suffer simply need to triumph psychologically to feel better. This can be frustrating and defeating to those that have the illness. Many people who have been to numerous doctors for help have been given one medication after another, with no relief. Many times there is no relief from the medications because they don't treat the problem, they simply try to mask the symptoms.
Rid Fibromyalgia has a different idea, one that gets to the root of the problem, treating the pain at its source. This program can be found in their "Heal Your Body" eBook that is offered on the website and includes a regimen of diet and safe exercises, acupuncture for pain relief, vitamins and supplements to help the body heal, and even a list of medications that you may want to try and which ones you may want to steer clear of. As you can see, this is a comprehensive fibromyalgia treatment that aims to heal the body, not just mask the symptoms.
Many sufferers of this painful illness have found relief through this alternative treatment. One satisfied customer said of the program, "Pain had been keeping me from doing the things I love: Roller-blading, going to park with my kids, and being able to get out of bed in the mornings. My anxiety levels were horrible, I was afraid to go out sometimes, now I feel like I have a life again. Some of the system was difficult, but well worth it. The detox and rejuvenation part of the system really worked. Thanks, I am going to help others now lead a healthy life."
For more information visit: http://www.ridfibromyalgia.com
About Rid Fibromyalgia:Rid Fibromyalgia (http://www.ridfibromyalgia.com) was founded in 2006 in Syracuse, Utah, and has emerged as one of the industry leaders in providing effective natural treatments for Fibromyalgia. The Heal Your Body system is innovative and provides real relief to the pain and fatigue and other symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Hailey Harris, CEO of Ridfibromyalgia, helps others use the same natural treatments she used to beat her fibromyalgia. Ridfibromyalgia.com provides a free newsletter with healing tips, information and strategies to completely eliminate the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
(An http://IPRWire.com Press Release)
Contact Info:Name: Hailey HarrisAddress: P.O. Box 160266City: ClearfieldState: UtahCountry: United StatesZip: 84016

Fibromyalgia and Digestive Problems

Fibromyalgia and Digestive Problems

Eating is one of the most enjoyable pleasures in life, yet for Fibromyalgia sufferers this is not always true. Poor guts and eating habits can lead to major gut problems, especially in those suffering from Fibromyalgia. Keeping your body in balance through healthy eating and exercising is important for fibromyalgia sufferers. Being attentive to your body will help fibromyalgia sufferers deal with the common symptoms and digestive problems that plague these sufferers.

A good, healthful, balanced diet is a key factor for helping the digestive tract for fibromyalgia sufferers. Digestion problems such as constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, ibs, and other horrible bowel problems are common. We all have different foods that we should avoid and different nutritional requirements for optimal health. However, there are a few things you can do right now to help you with your digestive problems.

Eating a variety of fresh foods keeps us supplied with vitamins and minerals and essential fats that we need to keep our health. Knowing what our bodies need and what our bodies don’t need is a key factor in how well our digestive systems help us.

So let’s take a look at some general advice that can help sufferers of fibromyalgia deal better with their digestive systems.

First, eat slowly. I know this sounds like your mother but eating slowly and chewing your food well is the first step to good digestion. Your digestive system begins with your mouth and ends, you know, at the end. So having the proper start, by chewing your food thoroughly, helps you on the right path. This gets the proper digestive enzymes going so that processing your food happens correctly.

Second, if constipation is something you struggle with, make sure you are getting enough fluids. Water is a wonderful remedy to constipation and making sure you get enough can help more than you think. On average, a person should drink half their body weight in ounces. For instance, if you weigh 100 pounds, you should drink approximately 50 ounces of water daily.

Third, eating at regular hours facilitates digestion because the digestive system gets used to working at regular times and is more efficient. Efficiency is key to good digestive systems. If your system is sluggish you may have more health problems. Keeping it tuned up will help rid your body of toxins that may contribute to your fibromyalgia symptoms.

Next, your lifestyle can have a major impact on your digestive system. It is really easy to

Lifestyle affects on eating habits and digestion system Never in history has it been so easy to find food, yet it is so difficult to eat right. Many suffer from eating or digestive disorders mainly because of poor eating habits. The rush of modern times has driven many of use to eat too fast, too much, and at irregular hours—often in a stressful environment. Additionally relieving stress often improves digestive symptoms. Stress can manifest itself through the digestive system in the form of symptoms or “signals” like canker sores and / or heartburn. Recognizing and listening to important signals from our digestive system When the body begins to become off balance, we often know it through our digestive system: mouth, stomach, intestine, liver. Staying healthy means being attentive to the signs our body sends us. Homeopathic medicines are a safe and reliable option to restore our balance before the situation worsens, and should be taken at the first sign of symptoms. The homeopathic approach of treating illness is based on the understanding that symptoms are an expression of the body’s attempt to correct an imbalance. Because they work with the body instead of directly suppressing symptoms, patients and physicians are able to detect and respond faster should a more serious condition arise. In the case of stomach pain, the body is alerting us that something is wrong. Pain can be a sign of a serious condition, which could lead to the formation of an ulcer or other conditions requiring a physician’s care. A painkiller will mask the pain without treating the underlying disorder. Since homeopathic medicines do not mask symptoms, a physician will know if another problem is present and be able to treat it.

University of Pisa Study On Fibromyalgia and Thyroid Abnormalities

Bazzichi L, Rossi A, Giuliano T, De Feo F, Giacomelli C, Consensi A, Ciapparelli A, Consoli G, Dell'osso L, Bombardieri S.
Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine
University of Pisa, Via Roma, 67, 56100, Pisa, Italy
Our objectives were to investigate thyroid abnormalities and autoimmunity in 120 patients affected by fibromyalgia (FM) and to study their relationships with clinical data and symptoms.
Thyroid assessment by means of antithyroglobulin antibodies, antithyroid peroxidase antibodies, free triiodo-thyronine, free thyroxine, and thyroid stimulating hormone analyses was carried out.
The clinical parameters "Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire", pain, tender points, fatigue, and other symptoms, and the presence of depression or anxiety disorders were evaluated.
The basal thyroid hormone levels of FM patients were in the normal range, while 41% of the patients had at least one thyroid antibody.
Patients with thyroid autoimmunity showed a higher percentage of dry eyes, burning, or pain with urination, allodynia, blurred vision, and sore throat.
Correlations found between thyroid autoimmunity and age or with the presence of depression or anxiety disorders were not significant.
However, in the cohort of post-menopausal patients, the frequency of thyroid autoimmunity was higher with respect to pre-menopausal patients.
In conclusion, autoimmune thyroiditis is present in an elevated percentage of FM patients, and it has been associated with the presence of typical symptoms of the disease.
PMID: 16790074
Arthritis Research & Therapy 2006 Published 21 June 2006
Alteration of Serotonin Transporter Density and Activity in Fibromyalgia
Laura Bazzichi , Gino Giannaccini , Laura Betti , Giovanni Mascia , Laura Fabbrini , Paola Italiani , Francesca De Feo , Tiziana Giuliano , Camillo Giacomelli , Alessandra Rossi , Antonio Lucacchini and Stefano Bombardieri
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Psychiatry, Neurobiology, Pharmacology and Biotechnology,
University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate the kinetic parameters of a specific serotonin transporter (SERT) and serotonin uptake in a mentally healthy subset of patients with fibromyalgia.
Platelets were obtained from 40 patients and 38 healthy controls.
SERT expression and functionality were evaluated through the measurement of [3H]paroxetine binding and the [3H]serotonin uptake itself.
The values of maximal membrane binding capacity (Bmax) were statistically lower in the patients than in the healthy volunteers, whereas the dissociation constant (Kd) did not show any statistically significant variations.
Moreover, a decrease in the maximal uptake rate of SERT (Vmax) was demonstrated in the platelets of patients, whereas the Michaelis constant (Km) did not show any statistically significant variations.
Symptom severity score (tiredness, tender points index and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire) were negatively correlated with Bmax and with Vmax, and positively correlated with Km.
A change in SERT seems to occur in fibromyalgic patients, and it seems to be related to the severity of fibromyalgic symptoms.