Lack of correlation between the mean tender point score and self-reported pain in fibromyalgia |
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Authors: | Johannes W. G. Jacobs,Johannes J. Rasker,Agnes van der Heide,Johannes W. Boersma,Alida C. E. de Blé court,Eduard N. Griep,Martin H van Rijswijk,Johannes W. J. Bijlsma |
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Abstract: | Objectives . To study the validity and nature of self-assessed symptoms among patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and to compare our data with findings reported in the US. To determine whether tender point scores correlate with self-reported pain and other symptoms and to study the influence of disease duration. Methods . Tender point scores were assessed in 113 consecutive patients with FMS. All patients completed 2 self-assessment questionnaires (an extended Campbell list, the Enschede Fibromyalgia Questionnaire, and the Dutch Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales). Results . The self-assessed symptoms of the Dutch FMS patients seem to be valid and are comparable with those of American patients. No association between disease duration and number of self-reported symptoms was found. An association between self-reported pain and mean tender point score was lacking for patients with disease of shorter duration and was weak for patients with disease of longer duration. Conclusions . The use of a self-report questionnaire for patients with FMS is feasible and appears to be valid. Tender point scores and self-reported pain represent very different aspects of pain in FMS. |
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Keywords: | Fibromyalgia Self-assessment Tender points Pain |
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