The Relationship of Fibromyalgia Syndrome with Neuropathic Pain, Quality of Life and Emotional Status in Male Traumatic Lower Limb Amputees

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS] in male traumatic lower limb amputees [LLAs] and to determine the relationship between FMS clinical findings and neuropathic pain [NeP], quality of life [QOL], and emotional status in LLAs with FMS. Methods: Thirty male traumatic LLAs were enrolled. Twelve LLAs [40 percent] included in the study were diagnosed with FMS [Group 1]. Group 2 [n = 18] included patients without FMS. The FMS-related measurements [Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire [FIQ], myalgic scoring, number of tender points, widespread pain, the presence of accompanying symptoms of FMS], NeP-related measurements [Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs [LANSS] scale, the presence and severity of phantom-residual limb pain], QOL [Nottingham Health Profile [NHP]], emotional status [Beck Depression Inventory [BDI], and Beck Anxiety Inventory [BAI]] were gathered using standardized measures. Results: While there were significant differences between the groups in FMS-related measurements, NHP, BDI, and BAI scores [P < 0.05], there were no significant differences between the groups in NeP-related measurements [P > 0.05]. The FIQ score was positively correlated with NHP-QOL domains and BAI scores in LLAs with FMS [P < 0.05]. No correlation was found between other FMS-related measurements and demographics, the LANSS scale, postamputation pain visual analog scale, BDI, BAI, or NHP scores in LLAs with FMS [P > 0.05]. Conclusion: In the current study, QOL and emotional status are impaired in male traumatic LLAs with FMS than those without. More severe FMS leads to less QOL and more anxiety. There is no relationship between FMS-related measurements and NeP-related measurements in LLAs with FMS.