Evaluation of Fibromyalgia Frequency in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Patients Referred to a Tertiary Dermatology Outpatient Clinic.

INTRODUCTIONChronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and fibromyalgia (FM) share overlapping features such as autoimmunity, psychological influence, and female predominance. Previous studies show conflicting results on FM prevalence in CSU patients.

OBJECTIVESThis study aimed to assess the prevalence of concurrent FM in patients with CSU.

METHODSA cross-sectional study including 257 CSU patients and age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Data collected included demographics, disease duration, severity (UAS-7), and quality of life (DLQI). FM was diagnosed using the 2016 ACR criteria.

RESULTSThe prevalence of FM was 18.98% in CSU patients and 4.43% for the control group (P<0.01). The mean WPI and SSS scores were higher in the CSU group; WPI was statistically significant (P < 0.01), whereas SSS showed no statistically significant difference (P = 0.05). CSU patients with FM had longer disease duration, higher disease severity, and more impairment in life. Furthermore, female CSU patients had more FM than did male CSU patients (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONSFM was more prevalent among patients with CSU compared to the control group. Female sex, higher disease severity, and impaired quality of life were significantly associated with FM in CSU patients. Given the reduced quality of life observed in individuals with both conditions, clinicians should consider evaluating CSU patients, especially those with severe symptoms, for FM to ensure accurate diagnosis and comprehensive management. Further studies are needed to clarify the nature of this association.

Abstract from PubMed