OBJECTIVE: We investigated the relationship of fibromyalgia (FM) tender points to other manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Sixty-seven RA patients completed questionnaires at study entry and described symptoms, emotionally significant events, and mood every evening for 75 days. Joint and tender point examinations were conducted every 2 weeks. RESULTS: Controlling for joint tenderness, the tender point count correlated with the degree of daily stress. Depression was not significantly related when daily stress was controlled for. CONCLUSION: We conclude that FM tender point counts correlate uniquely with RA patients' reports of daily stress.
OBJECTIVE: We investigated the relationship of fibromyalgia (FM) tender points to other manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Sixty-seven RApatients completed questionnaires at study entry and described symptoms, emotionally significant events, and mood every evening for 75 days. Joint and tender point examinations were conducted every 2 weeks. RESULTS: Controlling for joint tenderness, the tender point count correlated with the degree of daily stress. Depression was not significantly related when daily stress was controlled for. CONCLUSION: We conclude that FM tender point counts correlate uniquely with RApatients' reports of daily stress.
Authors: Robert R Edwards; Ajay D Wasan; Clifton O Bingham; Joan Bathon; Jennifer A Haythornthwaite; Michael T Smith; Gayle G Page Journal: Arthritis Res Ther Date: 2009-05-04 Impact factor: 5.156