Research Article: Prior COVID-19 infection and fibromyalgia criteria fulfillment: a comparative cross-sectional study
Abstract:
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic widespread pain syndrome frequently accompanied by fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, psychological symptoms, and multiple somatic symptoms. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected millions worldwide; however, its long-term sequelae remain incompletely understood.
This study aimed to investigate whether prior COVID-19 infection was associated with a higher prevalence of fibromyalgia and to identify demographic and clinical factors associated with fibromyalgia in the study population.
This comparative cross-sectional study included 250?individuals with PCR-confirmed COVID-19 at least 3?months before assessment and 250?participants without a known history of confirmed COVID-19 infection. Data were collected at a single time point using a structured questionnaire and interview. Fibromyalgia status was defined as fulfillment of the modified 2016 American College of Rheumatology criteria.
Fibromyalgia criteria were fulfilled by 60/250?participants (24.0%) with prior COVID-19 infection compared with 35/250?participants (14.0%) in the comparison group. In crude analysis, prior COVID-19 infection was associated with higher odds of fibromyalgia criteria fulfillment (OR?=?1.94, 95% CI: 1.22–3.07, p =?0.004). After adjustment for age group, sex, educational level, occupation, smoking status, and chronic disease, prior COVID-19 infection remained significantly associated with higher odds of fibromyalgia criteria fulfillment (adjusted OR?=?2.18, 95% CI: 1.33–3.58, p =?0.002).
Prior COVID-19 infection remained associated with higher odds of modified 2016 ACR fibromyalgia criteria fulfillment. Female sex and non-employment were also associated with fibromyalgia criteria fulfillment, highlighting the need for clinical awareness and early recognition of fibromyalgia-like symptoms among individuals with a history of COVID-19 infection.
Introduction:
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic widespread pain syndrome frequently accompanied by fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, psychological symptoms, and multiple somatic symptoms. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected millions worldwide; however, its long-term sequelae remain incompletely understood.
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