Quality of Life Among Hospitalized Fibromyalgia Older Adults: a Case-Control Study

Abstract

Background

Only few studies addressed the topic of Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) effects on geriatric population quality of life and drug usage. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the significant impact of FMS in terms of quality of life (QOL) in geriatric aged patients.

Methods

80 patients were studied, 40 with FMS according to FMS 2016 classification criteria, and 40 non-FMS controls. The patients were all above the age of 65 years. The FMS and control group completed Widespread Pain Index (WPI) and Symptom Severity Score (SSS). Three questionnaires, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Short Form (SF-36) Questionnaire, and Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) were completed. These with additional medical records were used to classify symptoms and severity in both groups.

Results

Fibromyalgia patients demonstrated significant higher disability scores, (FIQ of 79.5 vs. 33.9, p<.01, and HAQ-DI of 2.00 vs. 1.00, p<.01 for FMS vs. non-FMS, respectively), and lower social functioning in comparison to non-FMS controls (SF-36 of social functioning 0.31 vs. 0.92, p<.01 for FMS vs. non-FMS, respectively). The FMS group had a higher use of pain management medications (opioid use of 12 patients vs. 0, p<.01, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs by 11 FMS patients vs. 4 non-FMS controls, p<.01).

Conclusions

Patients with FMS older than 65 years of age demonstrate poorer outcomes and worse symptoms in comparison to matched-aged non-FMS control group. An association was found between FMS and the effect on the quality of life in this population.