Relationship Between Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria and Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Abstract

Aim: Autoimmunity, peripheral nerve dysfunction, and neurogenic inflammation are common mechanisms in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). We aimed to detect the prevalence of FMS in patients with CSU and to determine whether this prevalence was affected by the severity of urticaria, and dermatology life quality. Material and Methods: Fifty-three patients with CSU and 49 controls were enrolled in this prospective, controlled, cross-sectional study. The severity of CSU was assessed using Urticaria Activity Scores (UAS), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores were recorded. The 2016 fibromyalgia diagnostic criteria were used for the diagnosis of FMS, and FMS-related functional disability was assessed using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). Results: Fibromiyalgia prevalence and the FIQ scores were higher in the CSU group than in the control (p=0.033 and p=0.004, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between the urticaria durations and UAS of CSU with and without FMS (p>0.05), but DLQI scores were statistically significantly higher in CSU with FMS (p=0.007). A statistically significant moderate positive correlation was present between DLQI and FIQ, Widespread Pain Index, and Symptom Severity Scale scores (r=0.500, r=0.408, r=0.469, r=0.507, respectively). Conclusions: The prevalence of FMS and the disability due to FMS was increased in CSU. Furthermore, the FMS prevalence was not affected by the duration and severity of urticaria; however, it was associated with decreased quality of life.