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The Comparative Burden of Chronic Widespread Pain and Fibromyalgia in the United States
Author(s) -
Schaefer Caroline,
Mann Rachael,
Masters Elizabeth T.,
Cappelleri Joseph C.,
Daniel Shoshana R.,
Zlateva Gergana,
McElroy Heather J.,
Chandran Arthi B.,
Adams Edgar H.,
Assaf Annlouise R.,
McNett Michael,
Mease Philip,
Silverman Stuart,
Staud Roland
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
pain practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.899
H-Index - 58
eISSN - 1533-2500
pISSN - 1530-7085
DOI - 10.1111/papr.12302
Subject(s) - medicine , fibromyalgia , physical therapy , chronic pain , absenteeism , disease burden , disease , management , economics
Background/Purpose Little information exists on the comparative patient and economic burden of chronic widespread pain ( CWP ) and fibromyalgia ( FM ) in the United States. Methods This multistage, observational study included an online screening survey of a large geographically diverse US sample to assess CWP status, a physician/site visit to determine FM diagnosis, and an online subject questionnaire to capture clinical characteristics, pain, health status, functioning, sleep, healthcare resource use ( HRU ), productivity, and costs. Based on the screener and physician evaluation, mutually exclusive groups of subjects without CWP ( CWP −), with CWP but without FM ( CWP +), and with confirmed FM were identified. Results Disease burden was examined in 472 subjects (125 CWP ‐, 176 CWP +, 171 FM ). Age, race, and ethnicity were similar across groups. Mean body mass index and number of comorbidities increased from CWP − to CWP + to FM ( P = 0.0044, P < 0.0001, respectively). From CWP − to CWP + to FM , there were reductions in health status ( EQ ‐5D, SF ‐12) and sleep outcomes ( MOS ‐ SS , SSQ ) (all P < 0.05). Pain severity, interference with function ( BPI ‐ SF ), and overall work impairment ( WPAI : SHP ) increased from CWP − to CWP + to FM (all P < 0.0001). Higher proportions of CWP + (52.8%) and FM subjects (62.6%) were taking pain‐related prescription medications relative to CWP − subjects (32.8%; P < 0.0001). Significant differences in total direct and indirect costs across the three groups (both P < 0.0001) were observed, with highest costs among FM subjects. Conclusion Fibromyalgia subjects were characterized by the greatest disease burden with more comorbidities and pain‐related medications, poorer health status, function, sleep, lower productivity, and higher costs.