Long Term Follow-Up of Fibromyalgia Patients:

Objective: Fifty-five patients with fibromyalgia were followed by means of routine visits for a mean of 8 years. The patients were all invited for a special follow-up study. Methods: Clinical symptoms, tender points, laboratory tests and muscle function were studied. Results: Fibromyalgia symptoms were stable, with fluctuations but few remissions. Muscle function tests showed a marked reduction of muscle strength and muscle endurance as compared to healthy controls. Histocompatibility antigens did not differ from the normal population. One patient developed rheumatoid arthritis. One patient developed rheumatoid arthritis. One patient was free of symptoms. Conclusions: This study suggests that fibromyalgia is a chronic muscular pain disorder with muscle pain, fatigue and stiffness as the main symptoms. Symptoms remain stable over years. The muscle function is markedly reduced. The condition has a marked impact on work capacity.