IDENTIFICATION OF CLINICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CORRELATIONS IN FIBROMYALGIA SYNDROME: OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ON 200 PATIENTS

A. Patton, L. Villagrossi, A. Martini, P. Vendramin, E. Bonora, G. Poni, L.Occhial, M. Tomasi, N. Pozzobon, E. Polati, V. Schweiger | Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Therapy, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy

BACKGROUND
Fibromyalgia is a complex systemic syndrome characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, cognitive impairment, and a range of functional disturbances. Despite its prevalence (ranging from 0.4% to 8.8%), its etiopathogenesis remains poorly understood, and available treatment options often show limited efficacy.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to explore the associations between specific symptom clusters and past traumatic experiences, with the goal of identifying potential clinical phenotypes within the fibromyalgia population to support the development of more personalized therapeutic strategies.
METHODS
A total of 200 patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia were enrolled in this clinical-epidemiological study. Participants completed standardized diagnostic tools (WPI and SSS), an internal symptom questionnaire, and the Fibro-Profile Trauma Questionnaire. Symptoms were categorized into seven predefined clusters: genital, urinary, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, sensory-perceptual, hypersensitivity, and miscellaneous. Associations between trauma exposure and symptom clusters were assessed using the Mann–Whitney U test and chi-square test, with significance set at p < 0.05.
RESULTS
Demographic and clinical features were consistent with existing literature. A significant association was observed between the genital symptom cluster (e.g., vulvodynia, dyspareunia) and traumatic experiences, including physical violence (p =0.042), psychological violence (p =0.023), psychological trauma (p = 0.029), sexual abuse (p < 0.001), and stalking (p = 0.003). Patients with genital symptoms also exhibited an earlier onset of fibromyalgia.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings support the relevance of trauma history in shaping specific clinical manifestations of fibromyalgia. Identifying distinct symptom-based phenotypes linked to traumatic experiences may enhance etiological understanding and facilitate the development of more personalized and effective treatment approaches, particularly within the context of supportive care.