The relationship between COVID-19 and fibromyalgia syndrome: prevalence, pandemic effects, symptom mechanisms, and COVID-19 vaccines

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization, realizing the level of spread worldwide and the severity of the condition, accepted coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) as a pandemic. Subsequently, quarantine conditions were implemented around the world, and these triggered particular results. Like all other individuals, fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) patients were affected by these conditions. The stress load in pandemic conditions, difficulties in accessing healthcare services, changes in exercise compliance, variations in physiotherapy programs, and remote work conditions all had an impact on FMS patients. Although general expectations were negative, some FMS patients were able to manage the pandemic conditions and even turn them in their favor. This is thought to be due to this patient group having established strategies to cope with stress in the pre-pandemic period, and they had sufficient ability to adapt to changing situations. FMS-related symptoms occur in a subset of individuals following COVID-19. One of the factors is the increased psychological burden after COVID-19. There is evidence that neuroinflammatory pathways affect neuroplasticity in the central nervous system and trigger the onset of FMS-related symptoms. Among the probable mechanisms are alterations in inflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathways. Changes in the autonomic nervous system with the effect of SARS-CoV-2 may induce the emergence of FMS-related symptoms. FMS and COVID-19 can coexist, and FMS may create a tendency to vaccine hesitancy. Future studies should focus on elucidating FMS-related symptoms occurring post-COVID-19. There is a need to determine distinctions between the FMS clinical status that emerged following COVID-19 and the regular patient group in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR)

Fibromyalgia syndrome: epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) profoundly impacts patients’ quality of life with its symptoms and clinical signs. Fibromyalgia syndrome impairs daily living activities, reduces work efficiency and raises health-related costs. Although the prevalence rates vary depending on geographical location and diagnostic criteria, it is a common disorder worldwide. Females have a higher prevalence of fibromyalgia syndrome, with varied rates, and there is an increase in prevalence rates with age. Although its etiopathogenesis has not been fully elucidated, various hypotheses have been proposed that central sensitization is at the core of the process. Fibromyalgia syndrome diagnostic approaches have advanced significantly over time, moving away from pain assessments alone and emphasizing multiple clinical signs of FMS. This condition has raised physicians’ and researchers’ awareness of non-pain symptoms. Considering the complicated etiopathogenesis of fibromyalgia syndrome, diverse pathways connected with symptoms, and multiple clinical presentations, it becomes clear that drug and non-drug treatments should be chosen in combination. © 2022 Termedia Publishing House Ltd.. All rights reserved

The relationship between body mass index and pain, disease activity, depression and anxiety in women with fibromyalgia

Background Obesity is a possible factor which affects severity of symptoms and disease activity in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The aim of our study was to determine the association between body mass index (BMI) and pain, tender point count (TPC), disease activity, anxiety and depression in patients with FMS. Methods This was a descriptive study. A total of 124 female FMS patients between 18 and 55 years of age were enrolled. FMS patients were evaluated with visual analog scale (VAS), fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ), Hamilton anxiety scale (HAM-A) and Hamilton depression scale (HAM-D). Patients were divided into three groups according to BMI levels: normal weight, overweight and obese. Normal weight was defined as BMI 18.5–24.9, overweight as BMI 25.0–29.9 and obesity as BMI ≥ 30. We assessed the BMI status and its association with symptom severity in patients with FMS. Results Significant differences were detected in VAS, TPC, FIQ and HAM-D among the groups (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups in HAM-A (p = 0.328). The highest scores were found in the obese group. Significant positive correlations were determined between BMI levels and VAS, TPC, FIQ and HAM-D (r = 0.277, p = 0.002; r = 0.384, p < 0.001; r = 0.292, p = 0.001; r = 0.357, p < 0.001). Discussion Obese female FMS patients had higher levels of pain, TPC, disease activity and depression. BMI was significantly and positively correlated with clinical manifestations of FMS. Therefore, FMS treatment programs should include weight loss strategies

AN OVERVIEW OF MONKEYPOX OUTBREAK

The proceeding 2022 multicountry epidemic of Monkeypox emerges as a global health concern. The first death outside of Africa appeared in Brazil on July 29, 2022, and the first death in Europe occurred in Spain on July 29, 2022. As a result, the World Health Organization announced the monkeypox epidemic as a global public health emergency on July 2022. Therefore, we aimed to present a review in light of contemporary facts. We conducted a review of current details on Monkeypox. Close contact is the best-known risk factor for human-to-human transmission; a pregnant woman can pass the virus to the fetus. The approximative incubation period is 10-14 days. Prodromal symptoms are fever, malaise, chills, and lymphadenopathy. Then clinicians observe that rash develops in most patients. Monkeypox usually takes 2-4 weeks on its own. The plurality of monkeypox patients recovers without treatment. However, some patients with complications may need treatment. Children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals may develop a longer disease because of eye infections, pneumonia, and encephalitis. Physicians use anamnesis, clinical signs, and laboratory tests to diagnose infection. Infected animals and patients should be quarantined. There is no specific vaccine still. Nevertheless, the smallpox vaccine protects 85% against monkeypox, according to early reports. Antiviral drugs, Tecovirimat, Cidofovir, Brincidofovir, and Human Vaccinia Immune Globulin, can potentially treat. Our review centers on clinical knowledge for the efficacious management, prevention, and guidance of monkeypox responders and patients globally