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The following is a summary of “Fibromyalgia severity and symptoms are associated with the disorders of gut–brain interaction,” published in the December 2024 issue of Pain by Erdrich et al. 

Fibromyalgia, a common disorder with unknown cause and no standard treatment, was characterized by widespread pain, and its association in women with irritable bowel syndrome was previously established, but the prevalence of disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI) and the link to fibromyalgia symptoms and severity remained unclear.  

Researchers conducted a retrospective study to specify the prevalence of various DGBI and the links in women with the symptoms and severity of fibromyalgia.  

They carried out the study in New Zealand in 2022, using a comprehensive survey that included validated measures to identify DGBI based on Rome IV criteria. The survey also assessed the severity of fibromyalgia, pain symptoms, sleep quality, QoL, mental health, and migraines. Data analysis was performed using Spearman’s rho, Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis, and chi-square tests.  

The results showed 111 adult women with fibromyalgia participated, with 98 (93%) meeting the criteria for at least 1 DGBI and 67 (68%) meeting the criteria for more than 1. All DGBI groups, along with 11 specific DGBI, were significantly linked to pain, fibromyalgia severity, sleep disturbances, and migraines (P < 0.05). Additionally, pain severity and fibromyalgia-related symptoms, including sleep issues, were strongly associated with the functional bowel disorder severity index.  

Investigators concluded the prevalence of DGBI in women with fibromyalgia extended beyond irritable bowel syndrome, with multiple DGBI correlating with pain, fibromyalgia severity, and sleep issues, highlighting the need for further research on the aetiology of DGBI in the population. 

Source: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ejp.4766