Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Buskila D

Carville SF, Arendt-Nielsen S, Bliddal H, Blotman F, Branco JC, Buskila D, Da Silva JA, Danneskiold-Samsøe B, Dincer F, Henriksson C, Henriksson KG, Kosek E, Longley K, McCarthy GM, Perrot S, Puszczewicz M, Sarzi-Puttini P, Silman A, Späth M, Choy EH, Anonymous00148. · Academic Rheumatology Unit, King's College London, Weston Education Centre, Cutcombe Road, London SE5 9RJ, UK. · Ann Rheum Dis. · Pubmed #17644548 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To develop evidence-based recommendations for the management of fibromyalgia syndrome. METHODS: A multidisciplinary task force was formed representing 11 European countries. The design of the study, including search strategy, participants, interventions, outcome measures, data collection and analytical method, was defined at the outset. A systematic review was undertaken with the keywords "fibromyalgia", "treatment or management" and "trial". Studies were excluded if they did not utilise the American College of Rheumatology classification criteria, were not clinical trials, or included patients with chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis. Primary outcome measures were change in pain assessed by visual analogue scale and fibromyalgia impact questionnaire. The quality of the studies was categorised based on randomisation, blinding and allocation concealment. Only the highest quality studies were used to base recommendations on. When there was insufficient evidence from the literature, a Delphi process was used to provide basis for recommendation. RESULTS: 146 studies were eligible for the review. 39 pharmacological intervention studies and 59 non-pharmacological were included in the final recommendation summary tables once those of a lower quality or with insufficient data were separated. The categories of treatment identified were antidepressants, analgesics, and "other pharmacological" and exercise, cognitive behavioural therapy, education, dietary interventions and "other non-pharmacological". In many studies sample size was small and the quality of the study was insufficient for strong recommendations to be made. CONCLUSIONS: Nine recommendations for the management of fibromyalgia syndrome were developed using a systematic review and expert consensus.

Buskila D, Atzeni F, Sarzi-Puttini P. · Department of Internal Medicine H, Soroka Medical Center, Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheva, Israel. · Autoimmun Rev. · Pubmed #18706528 No free full text.

Abstract: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), a condition characterized by widespread pain and diffuse tenderness, is considered a multifactorial disorder. FMS is now recognized as one of the "central" pain syndromes. Environmental and genetic factors play a role in the pathogenesis of FMS. Various triggers including trauma and stress as well as infections, may precipitate the development of FMS. Certain infections including hepatitis C virus, HIV and Lyme disease have been temporally associated with the development of FMS. There is some evidence for the possible role of vaccinations in triggering the development of FMS and related syndromes, however this association remains to be established.

Ablin JN, Buskila D. · Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Rheumatology Institute, Tel Aviv, Israel. · Expert Opin Emerg Drugs. · Pubmed #18321148 No free full text.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a disorder characterized by widespread pain, tenderness, and fatigue. High prevalence marks the syndrome which is considered to reflect altered central pain processing. Fibromyalgia syndrome runs a chronic, non-progressive course, extracting high price owing to impaired quality of life, restricted vocational capacity, and increased health care utilization. OBJECTIVE: To review current and emerging trends in the treatment of FMS. Methods: A rigorous search of published literature, abstract presentations, and industry provided data was performed. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: The recent FDA approval of pregabalin as a first specific medication for FMS may herald a new era for the development of medications with higher specificity and efficacy for this hitherto frustrating condition.

Buskila D, Sarzi-Puttini P, Ablin JN. · Ben Gurion University, Department of Medicine H, Soroka Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Beer Sheva, Israel. · Pharmacogenomics. · Pubmed #17187510 No free full text.

Abstract: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a common chronic widespread pain syndrome mainly affecting women. Although the etiology of FMS is not completely understood, varieties of neuroendocrine disturbances, as well as abnormalities of autonomic function, have been implicated in its pathogenesis. The exposure of a genetically predisposed individual to a host of environmental stressors is presumed to lead to the development of FMS. Fibromyalgia overlaps with several related syndromes, collectively compromising the spectrum of the functional somatic disorder. FMS is characterized by a strong familial aggregation. Recent evidence suggests a role for polymorphisms of genes in the serotoninergic, dopaminergic and catecholaminergic systems in the etiopathogenesis of FMS. These polymorphisms are not specific for FMS and are similarly associated with additional comorbid conditions. The mode of inheritance in FMS is unknown, but it is most probably polygenic. Recognition of these gene polymorphisms may help to better subgroup FMS patients and to guide a more rational pharmacological approach. Future genetic studies conducted in larger cohorts of FMS patients and matched control groups may further illuminate the role of genetics in FMS.

Ablin JN, Shoenfeld Y, Buskila D. · Department of Rheumatology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel. · J Autoimmun. · Pubmed #17071055 No free full text.

Abstract: As the pathogenesis of fibromyalgia continues to raise debate, multiple putative triggers have been implicated. The current review summarizes the available data linking fibromyalgia to either infection or vaccination. Multiple infectious agents have been associated with the development of either full-blown fibromyalgia (e.g. hepatits C), or with symptom complexes extensively overlapping with that syndrome (e.g. chronic Lyme disease). The cases of Lyme disease, mycoplasma, hepatits C and HIV are detailed. Despite the described associations, no evidence is available demonstrating the utility of antibiotic or anti-viral treatment in the management of fibromyalgia. Possible mechanistic links between fibromyalgia and HIV are reviewed. Associations have been described between various vaccinations and symptom complexes including fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. The case of Gulf War syndrome, a functional multisystem entity sharing many clinical characteristics with fibromyalgia is discussed, with emphasis on the possibility of association with administration of multiple vaccinations during deployment in the Persian Gulf and the interaction with stress and trauma. Based on this example a model is proposed, wherein vaccinations function as co-triggers for the development of functional disorders including fibromyalgia, in conjunction with additional contributing factors.

Buskila D, Neumann L, Press J. · Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84101, Israel. · CNS Spectr. · Pubmed #15788956 links to  free full text

Abstract: Recent evidence suggests that fibromyalgia, a chronic widespread pain condition and related syndromes (chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, etc.) may share heritable pathophysiologic features. We review the recent literature on genetic and familial factors found to participate in the pathogenesis of these syndromes, specifically fibromyalgia, including evidence suggesting that serotonin- and dopamine-related genes may play a role in the pathogenesis of these illnesses. The importance of environmental factors triggering these conditions in predisposed individuals is also discussed.

Buskila D, Press J. · Rheumatic Disease Unit and Department of Medicine 'B', Soroka Medical Centre and Ben-Gurion University, Beer-Sheva, 84101, Israel. · Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. · Pubmed #11812019 No free full text.

Abstract: Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are poorly understood disorders that share similar demographic and clinical characteristics. Because of the clinical similarities between both disorders it was suggested that they share a common pathophysiological mechanism, namely, central nervous system dysfunction. This chapter presents data demonstrating neurohormonal abnormalities, abnormal pain processing and autonomic nervous system dysfunction in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. The possible contribution of the central nervous system dysfunction to the development and symptomatology of these conditions is discussed. The chapter concludes by reviewing the effect of current treatments and emerging therapeutic modalities in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Cohen H, Neumann L, Kotler M, Buskila D. · Anxiety and Stress Research Unit, Ministry of Health Mental Health Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel. · Isr Med Assoc J. · Pubmed #11692551 links to  free full text

Abstract: Fibromyalgia syndrome is a chronic, painful musculoskeletal disorder of unknown etiology and/or pathophysiology. During the last decade many studies have suggested autonomic nervous system involvement in this syndrome, although contradictory results have been reported. This review focuses on studies of the autonomic nervous system in fibromyalgia syndrome and related disorders, such as chronic fatigue syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome on the one hand and anxiety disorder on the other, and highlights techniques of dynamic assessment of heart rate variability. It raises the potentially important prognostic implications of protracted autonomic dysfunction in patient populations with fibromyalgia and related disorders, especially for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Buskila D. · Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Faculty of Health Sciences, Soroka Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel. · Curr Opin Rheumatol. · Pubmed #11224736 No free full text.

Abstract: The prevalence of chronic widespread pain in the general population in Israel was comparable with reports from the USA, UK, and Canada. Comorbidity with fibromyalgia (FM) resulted in somatic hyperalgesia in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. One sixth of the subjects with chronic widespread pain in the general population were also found to have a mental disorder. Mechanisms involved in referred pain, temporal summation, muscle hyperalgesia, and muscle pain at rest were attenuated by the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist, ketamine, in FM patients. Delayed corticotropin release, after interleukin-6 administration, in FM was shown to be consistent with a defect in hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone neural function. The basal autonomic state of FM patients was characterized by increased sympathetic and decreased parasympathetic systems tones. The severity of functional impairment as assessed by the Medical Outcome Survey Short Form (SF-36) discriminated between patients with widespread pain alone and FM patients. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) occurred in about 0.42% of a random community-based sample of 28,673 adults in Chicago, Illinois. A significant clinical overlap between CFS and FM was reported. Cytokine dysregulation was not found to be a singular or dominant factor in the pathogenesis of CFS. A favorable outcome of CFS in children was reported; two thirds recovered and resumed normal activities. No major therapeutic trials in FM and CFS were reported over the past year.

Buskila D. · Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Faculty of Health Sciences, Soroka Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel. · Curr Opin Rheumatol. · Pubmed #10751014 No free full text.

Abstract: Fibromyalgia and widespread pain were common in Gulf War veterans with unexplained illness referred to a rheumatology clinic. Increased tenderness was demonstrated in the postmenstrual phase of the cycle compared with the intermenstrual phase in normally cycling women but not in users of oral contraceptives. Patients with fibromyalgia had high levels of symptoms that have been used to define silicone implant-associated syndrome. Tender points were found to be a common transient finding associated with acute infectious mononucleosis, but fibromyalgia was an unusual long-term outcome. The common association of fibromyalgia with other rheumatic and systemic illnesses was further explored. A preliminary study revealed a possible linkage of fibromyalgia to the HLA region. Patients with fibromyalgia were found to have an impaired ability to activate the hypothalamic pituitary portion of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis as well as the sympathoadrenal system, leading to reduced corticotropin and epinephrine response to hypoglycemia. Much interest has been expressed in the literature on the possible role of autonomic dysfunction in the development or exacerbation of fatigue and other symptoms in chronic fatigue syndrome. Mycoplasma genus and mycoplasma fermentans were detected by polymerase chain reaction in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. It was reported that myofascial temporomandibular disorder does not run in families. No major therapeutic trials in fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or myofascial pain syndrome were reported over the past year. The effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy and behavior therapy for chronic pain in adults was emphasized. A favorable outcome of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome in children and adolescents was reported.

Buskila D. · Department of Medicine B, Soroka Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel. · Curr Opin Rheumatol. · Pubmed #10319215 No free full text.

Abstract: Fibromyalgia was almost completely absent from an urban affluent population compared with poor urban and rural communities. Seventeen percent of Gulf War veterans with soft tissue syndromes had fibromyalgia, a much higher rate than was seen in previous studies of rheumatic disease in the military population. A state of central hyperexcitability in the nociceptive system was reported in fibromyalgia. Altered functioning of the stress-response system has been further documented in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Administration of growth hormone to patients with fibromyalgia who have low levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 resulted in improvement in their symptoms and tenderness. An association between chronic fatigue syndrome and initial infections was demonstrated. A correlation between particular immunologic abnormalities and measures of disease severity was documented in chronic fatigue syndrome. Concomitant fibromyalgia in other rheumatic diseases was a major contributor to poor quality of life. A favorable outcome of fibromyalgia in children was reported; the majority of patients improved over 2 to 3 years of follow-up. Treatment of patients with fibromyalgia continues to be of limited success.

Atzeni F, Salaffi F, Bazzichi L, Gracely RH, Carignola R, Torta R, Gorla R, Marsico A, Ceccherelli F, Cazzola M, Buskila D, Spath M, Di Franco M, Biasi G, Cassisi G, Stisi S, Casale R, Altomonte L, Arioli G, Alciati A, Leardini G, Marinangeli F, Giamberardino MA, Sarzi-Puttini P, Anonymous00014. · Rheumatology Unit, L. Sacco University Hospital, Milan, Italy. · Reumatismo. · Pubmed #18852907 links to  free full text

Abstract: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a rheumatic disease characterized by musculoskeletal pain, chronic diffuse tension and/or stiffness in joints and muscles, easy fatigue, sleep and emotional disturbances, and pressure pain sensitivity in at least 11 of 18 tender points. At present, there are no instrumental tests or specific diagnostic markers for FM; in fact, many of the existing indicators are significant for research purposes only. Many differential diagnoses may be excluded by an extensive clinical examination and patient history. Considering overlap of FM with other medical conditions, the treating physicians should be vigilant: chest-X-rays and abdominal ultrasonography are the first steps of general evaluation for all the patients with suspected FM. Functional neuroimaging methods have revealed a large number of supraspinal effects in FM, a disorder mediated by mechanisms that are essentially unknown. Many treatments are used in FM patients, but evaluating their therapeutic effects in FM is difficult because the syndrome is so multifaceted. To address the identification of core outcome domains, the Initiative on IMMPACT and OMERACT workshop convened a meeting to develop consensus recommendations for chronic pain clinical trials.

Cassisi G, Sarzi-Puttini P, Alciati A, Casale R, Bazzichi L, Carignola R, Gracely RH, Salaffi F, Marinangeli F, Torta R, Giamberardino MA, Buskila D, Spath M, Cazzola M, Di Franco M, Biasi G, Stisi S, Altomonte L, Arioli G, Leardini G, Gorla R, Marsico A, Ceccherelli F, Atzeni F, Anonymous00012. · Rheumatology Branch, Specialist Outpatients' Department, Belluno, Italy. · Reumatismo. · Pubmed #18852905 links to  free full text

Abstract: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) is a common chronic pain condition that affects at least 2% of the adult population. Chronic widespread pain is the defining feature of FM, but patients may also exhibit a range of other symptoms, including sleep disturbance, fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, and mood disorders. The etiology of FM is not completely understood and the syndrome is influenced by factors such as stress, medical illness, and a variety of pain conditions. Establishing diagnosis may be difficult because of the multifaceted nature of the syndrome and overlap with other chronically painful conditions. A unifying hypothesis is that FM results from sensitization of the central nervous system; this new concept could justify the variety of characteristics of the syndrome. FM symptoms can be musculoskeletal, non-musculoskeletal, or a combination of both; and many patients will also experience a host of associated symptoms or conditions. The ACR classification criteria focus only on pain and disregard other important symptoms; but three key features, pain, fatigue and sleep disturbance, are present in virtually every patient with FM. Several other associated syndromes, including circulatory, nervous, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems are probably a part of the so called central sensitivity or sensitization syndrome. A minority subgroup of patients (30-40%) has a significant psychological disturbance. Psychological factors are an important determinant of any type of pain, and psychological comorbidity is frequent in FM. Psychiatric disorders most commonly described are mood disorders, but psychiatric illness is not a necessary factor in the etiopathogenesis of FM.