Date sent:      	Tue, 22 Aug 2000 

A Comparison of Self-Estimated Symptoms and Impact of Disease in
Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain, Vol. 8(3) 2000

Jorma Viitanen, M.D.; Sisko Ronni, M.D.; Sirkku Ala-Peijari; Kirsti
Uoti-Reilama, M.D.; Hannu Kautiainen


ABSTRACT.
Objective: To investigate self-assessed impairments and impact of
fibromyalgia [FMS] in 86 patients and to compare the results with those
from the 74 rheumatoid patients [RA] who attended a three- week inpatient
course.

Methods:  Self-estimated symptoms as elicited using a multivariant
questionnaire together with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the Rimons’
Brief Depression Scale, and Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales were
compared between the two cohorts.

Results:  Fibromyalgia patients identified significantly more pain, sleep
disorders, daytime dozing, and difficulties in social activities, and were
subjectively more depressive and anxious than RA patients. However,
assessments of global health and ability to work in the two groups did not
differ significantly, while RA patients’ fitness and 'functional ability'
were assessed as slightly poorer.

Conclusion:  Fibromyalgia patients experienced more psychosocial problems
and felt impairments equally or even more than RA patients. The role of
these symptoms in the disability of FMS patients would also be reliably
assessed in outcome measures.


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KEYWORDS. Fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, comparison, quality of life


________________________________

Jorma Viitanen, MD, is Rheumatologist and Chief Physician, Sisko Ronni,
MD, is Specialist in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Sirkku
Ala-Peijari is Physiotherapist, and Kirsti Uoti-Reilama, MD, is
Rheumatologist, Rehabilitation Institute of the Finnish Rheumatism
Association, Kangasala, Finland.

Hannu Kautiainen is Statistician, Rheumatism Foundation Hospital,
Heinola, Finland.

Address correspondence to: Jorma Viitanen, MD, Reumaliiton
Kuntoutumislaitos, FIN-36200 Kangasala, Finland.

The authors thank the Institutes’ personnel for invaluable work in the
collection of material.

Submitted:  March 26, 1999.

Revision accepted: August 22, 1999.

Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain, Vol. 8(3) 2000
© 2000 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.