Comparing Fibromyalgia and Diabetic Neuropathic Pain
Author Information
Author(s): Koroschetz Jana, Rehm Stefanie E, Gockel Ulrich, Brosz Mathias, Freynhagen Rainer, Tölle Thomas R, Baron Ralf
Primary Institution: Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel
Hypothesis
Similar sensory symptoms might be associated with similar mechanisms of pain generation in fibromyalgia and diabetic neuropathy.
Conclusion
Patients with diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia experience very similar sensory phenomena, but their sensory profiles are mostly distinct and unique to each condition.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients with diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia chose similar descriptors for their sensory perceptions.
- Significant differences in co-morbidities like depression and sleep disturbance were found between both disorders.
- Five distinct symptom profiles were identified among the patients.
Takeaway
This study looked at two types of pain, and found that even though they are different, people with both types of pain often describe their feelings in similar ways.
Methodology
The study compared epidemiological data and sensory symptoms of 1434 fibromyalgia patients and 1623 patients with painful diabetic neuropathy using self-report questionnaires.
Potential Biases
Self-report questionnaires may be biased by patients' feelings and health state at the time of completion.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design limits conclusions about the dynamics or cause and effect of symptoms.
Participant Demographics
1623 patients with diabetic neuropathy and 1434 fibromyalgia patients; gender ratio in DPN was even, while only about 10% of fibromyalgia patients were male.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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