Increased Rates of Infectious Diseases in Fibromyalgia Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Vinker-Shuster Michal, Magen Eli, Green Ilan, Merzon Eugene, Golan-Cohen Avivit, Israel Ariel
Primary Institution: Leumit Health Services
Hypothesis
Are fibromyalgia patients at greater risk of infectious diseases compared to the general population?
Conclusion
Fibromyalgia patients have a significantly higher incidence of infectious diseases than the general population.
Supporting Evidence
- Fibromyalgia patients had higher odds ratios for various infections, including respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.
- The study found a significant increase in the incidence of infections among fibromyalgia patients compared to controls.
- Patients with fibromyalgia reported more chronic conditions, which may contribute to their increased infection rates.
Takeaway
People with fibromyalgia get sick more often than those without it, which means they might need extra care to stay healthy.
Methodology
A nationwide population-based case-control study comparing 9232 fibromyalgia patients to 46,160 matched controls.
Potential Biases
Ascertainment bias may have influenced the higher diagnosis rates due to more frequent physician visits by FM patients.
Limitations
The study's observational nature may have introduced biases, and data were collected from a single health maintenance organization, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
The study included 9232 fibromyalgia patients and 46,160 matched controls, with equal female predominance (86.8%) in both groups.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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