[Recommendations for treatment of fibromyalgia : Where will we stand in 10 years?] / Leitlinien und EULAR-Empfehlungen für die Behandlung der Fibromyalgie : Wo stehen wir in 10 Jahren?

This article elucidates changes in the recommended diagnostics and therapy of fibromyalgia (FM). The recommendations from major internationally recognized guidelines are compared with the newest recommendations of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) that in contrast to the guidelines surprisingly recommend physical exercise after patient education for all FM patients. The differences between the guidelines and the EULAR recommendations are critically discussed in particular because although the literature referred to in the guidelines was similar, the analysis led to different recommendations. Finally, we try to predict how patients will be treated 10 years from now, for which knowledge from the guidelines and the initial approaches that diagnosed heterogeneity in FM are included. Empirically based questions will drive mechanism-based approaches as opposed to simply reacting to symptoms, in order to meet the challenge of an individual, mechanism-oriented treatment.

[Treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome with gamma-hydroxybutyrate : A randomized controlled study]. / Die Behandlung des Fibromyalgiesyndroms mit Gamma-Hydroxybuttersäure : Eine randomisierte, kontrollierte Studie.

BACKGROUND: The etiology of fibromyalgia syndrome is not yet fully understood. Current hypotheses suggest a potential role of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in influencing endocrinological abnormalities in patients with fibromyalgia. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate whether low dose GHB as a growth-hormone releasing substance reduces pain intensity and improves depressive mood, physical impairment and sleep quality in outpatients with fibromyalgia. Additionally, adverse events were recorded. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The pilot study was conducted in the outpatient clinic for pain at the clinic for anesthesiology and surgical intensive care of the Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin. In the study 25 female patients with fibromyalgia according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology were randomized into 2 groups. Over 15 weeks patients of the intervention group received 25 mg/kg body weight oral GHB before going to bed and were compared with a placebo control group. In addition, all patients participated in operant behavioral pain treatment in a group setting. Dependent variables were pain intensity, depressive mood, physical impairment and quality of sleep. RESULTS: There were no group differences in the course of pain intensity (p = 0.61), depressive mood (p = 0.16), physical impairment (p = 0.25) and quality of sleep (p = 0.44); however, all symptoms improved across the groups from pretherapy to posttherapy. Low dose GHB did not increase growth hormone blood concentrations. The number of adverse events that were reported more than two times was similar in both groups. DISCUSSION: Administration of low dose GHB did not yield clinical improvements in female outpatients with fibromyalgia. General improvement in the course of treatment may have resulted from operant behavioral pain therapy. Future studies on GHB should control hypothetical risk factors for identification of non-responders.

Differential psychophysiological effects of operant and cognitive behavioural treatments in women with fibromyalgia.

BACKGROUND: Determination of psychophysiological effects of operant behavioural (OBT) and cognitive behavioural treatment (CBT) for fibromyalgia patients. METHODS: One hundred and fifteen female patients randomized to OBT (N = 43), CBT (N = 42), or whole-body infrared heat (IH) (N = 30) were compared before and after group treatment as well as at 6- and 12-month follow-ups using intent-to-treat analysis (12 drop-outs). Thirty matched pain-free controls (CON) served as reference group for the initial psychophysiological analysis. Surface electromyogram (EMG), blood pressure, heart rate (HR) and skin conductance levels (SCL) were continuously recorded during adaptation, baseline, social conflict, mental arithmetic and relaxation tasks. RESULTS: At baseline, fibromyalgia patients showed higher SCL and HR, lower diastolic blood pressure and EMG in comparison to controls. OBT and CBT compared to IH significantly reduced pain intensity [OBT: effect size (ES) = 1.21 CI: 0.71-1.71, CBT: ES = 1.23, CI: 0.72-1.74]. OBT increased diastolic blood pressure [ES = 1.13, CI: 0.63-1.63 and CBT reduced SCL (ES) = -0.66, CI: -1.14-0.18] 12 months after treatment. Both CBT and OBT significantly increased EMG levels (OBT: ES = 0.97, CI: 0.48-1.46, CBT: ES = 1.17, CI: 0.67-1.68). In contrast, the IH group did not show any significant changes in the psychophysiological parameters. CONCLUSION: Increased diastolic blood pressure and decreased pain after OBT suggest a reactivation of baroreflex-mechanisms in fibromyalgia and a normalization of the blood pressure and pain functional relationship. Reduced SCL following CBT may indicate reduced general arousal levels. Increased muscle tension after CBT and OBT suggest a normalization of physical parameters. The reduction in pain seems to be mediated by different psychophysiological processes, providing support for mechanism-based treatments might be indicated for CBT and OBT. WHAT DOES THIS STUDY ADD?: Differential physiological stress responses followed different psychological interventions. While OBT influenced blood pressure by restoring blood pressure-pain interaction, CBT reduced stress-related sudomotor activity. These results implicate specific mediating mechanisms in fibromyalgia suggesting a basis for matching based on specific patient psychophysiological features.

Cognitive-behavioral and operant-behavioral therapy for people with fibromyalgia.

The current article reviews the cognitive-behavioral (CB) and operant-behavioral perspectives on chronic pain and suggests an answer to the question why changes in behaviors, attitudes, and emotions are associated with decreases in pain severity and impact discussing potential psychobiological mechanisms that may underlie cognitive and behavioral techniques. The impact of learning such as classical and operant conditioning in behaviors and physical responses including baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), as well as the influence of cognitions on pain perception and impact will be presented to explain general efficacy of cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) and operant-behavioral therapy (OBT) in the treatment of people with fibromyalgia (FM) describing some of the limitations of published outcome studies. We discuss advances in moderation and mediation of treatment outcomes. Lastly, we will discuss the need for research that takes into account evidence-based medicine, methods that address treatment responders and non-responders, individual trajectories, how we might advance and refine CBT and OBT, and strategies related to relapse prevention, maintenance, and adherence-enhancement taking advantage of evolving, technological methods of service delivery. We provide recommendations of how to move forward in approaching studies of CBT and OBT efficacy as a function of better understanding of patient characteristics and contextual factors. We advocate for the potential of the CB perspective and principle of learning for all health care providers regardless of discipline or training and will give examples for making more effective the patient-rheumatologist-relationship by using the principles discussed.

[Etiology and pathophysiology of fibromyalgia syndrome]. / Ätiologie und Pathophysiologie des Fibromyalgiesyndroms.

BACKGROUND: The scheduled update to the German S3 guidelines on fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) by the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies ("Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften", AWMF; registration number 041/004) was planned starting in March 2011. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The development of the guidelines was coordinated by the German Interdisciplinary Association for Pain Therapy ("Deutsche Interdisziplinären Vereinigung für Schmerztherapie", DIVS), 9 scientific medical societies and 2 patient self-help organizations. Eight working groups with a total of 50 members were evenly balanced in terms of gender, medical field, potential conflicts of interest and hierarchical position in the medical and scientific fields. Literature searches were performed using the Medline, PsycInfo, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases (until December 2010). The grading of the strength of the evidence followed the scheme of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. RESULTS: Current data do not identify distinct etiologic or pathophysiological factors mediating development of FMS. The development of FMS is associated with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (EL2b), with gene polymorphisms of the 5-hydroxytryptamine (HT)(2) receptor (EL3a), lifestyle factors (smoking, obesity, lack of physical activity; EL2b), physical and sexual abuse in childhood and adulthood (EL3a). CONCLUSION: FMS is most likely the result of various pathogenetic factors and pathophysiological mechanisms. The English full-text version of this article is available at SpringerLink (under "Supplemental").

Functional states of mandibular movements and synovial pumps of the temporomandibular joint. Is it possible to provide a biomechanically correct replacement for the TMJ?

Due to its complexity, there is currently an incomplete understanding of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function, especially in relation to the morphological interplay of the condyle and the disc as well as the disc, the Os temporale and the lateral pterygoid muscle. This also holds true for synovial flow and synovial pumps, the existence of which we postulate and for which we present a theory of their mechanism. In view of the complexity of mandibular movements and the morphology and function of the TMJ, we need to know how precisely a reconstruction of the TMJ, if necessary, must be adapted to nature. An analysis of the morphology of the functional states of the mandible, as well as the synovial pump system, should at least provide a basis for moulding reconstructions.

Cognitive-behavioral mechanisms in a pain-avoidance and a pain-persistence treatment for high-risk fibromyalgia patients.

OBJECTIVE: The heterogeneity of cognitive-behavioral patterns in patients with fibromyalgia (FM) has been proposed to underlie the variability in treatment outcomes. It has previously been shown that pain-avoidance and pain-persistence treatments tailored to the patient's pattern are effective in improving physical and psychological functioning and overall impact in high-risk patients with heightened psychological distress. In the present study, the cognitive-behavioral effects of these treatments were evaluated to provide insight into the main proposed mechanisms, specifically pain-avoidance behaviors and activity pacing in the pain-avoidance and pain-persistence treatments, respectively. METHODS: High-risk FM patients were classified into 2 groups, pain avoidance and pain persistence, and randomized in groups to the relevant treatment or waiting-list control condition. The pain-avoidance and pain-persistence treatments both comprised 16 twice-weekly sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy and exercise training. Cognitive--behavioral factors assessed at pre- and posttreatment and 6 months of followup were evaluated using linear mixed models. RESULTS: A significant treatment effect was found for pain-avoidance behavior in the pain-avoidance treatment and for activity pacing in the pain-persistence treatment, showing improvements in the treatment condition relative to the controls. Furthermore, the effect on functioning was mediated by changes in pain-avoidance behavior in the pain-avoidance treatment and by changes in activity pacing in the pain-persistence treatment. Both treatments also showed significant improvements in other relevant cognitive-behavioral factors. CONCLUSION: Both the pain-avoidance and pain-persistence treatments are effective in improving cognitive-behavioral factors in high-risk FM patients. Pain-avoidance behavior and activity pacing might be important mediating mechanisms for beneficial outcomes in pain-avoidance and pain-persistence treatments, respectively.

[Etiology and pathophysiology of fibromyalgia syndrome and chronic widespread pain]. / Atiopathogenese und pathophysiologie des fibromyalgiesyndroms und chronischer schmerzen in mehreren körperregionen.

OBJECTIVE: To write a systematic review on the etiology and pathophysiology of the fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and of chronic widespread pain (CWP). METHODS: An interdisciplinary level-3 guideline (i.e. systematic literature search and assessment, logic analysis, formal consensus procedure) for the diagnosis and therapy of FMS was created in cooperation with 10 medical and psychological societies and 2 patient self-help organizations. A literature search was performed covering all available review articles on the etiology and pathophysiology of FMS and CWP using the Cochrane Collaboration Reviews (1993-12/2006), Medline (1980-2006), PsychInfo (1966-12/2006), and Scopus (1980-12/2006). For the assignment of evidence classes the system of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine was applied. Consensus was achieved by a multi-step nominal group procedure. RESULTS: FMS aggregates in families (evidence level 2c). Physical and psychological stress at the workplace are risk factors for the development of CWP and FMS. Affective disorders are risk factors for the development and maintenance of FMS. Operant learning mechanisms and sensitization are risk factors for the chronification of FMS (evidence levels 2b). Several factors are associated with the pathophysiology of FMS, but the causal relationship is unclear. This includes alterations of central pain pathways, hyporeactivity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, increased systemic pro-inflammatory and reduced anti-inflammatory cytokine profiles and disturbances in the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems. CONCLUSIONS: FMS is the common final product of various etiological factors and pathophysiological mechanisms.

[Psychotherapy in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome]. / Psychotherapie bei Patienten mit Fibromyalgiesyndrom.

BACKGROUND: A guideline for the treatment and diagnostic procedures in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) was developed in cooperation with 10 German medical and psychological associations and 2 patient self-help groups. METHODS: A systematic literature search including all controlled studies of evaluated multicomponent therapy was performed in the Cochrane Collaboration Reviews (1993-12/2006), Medline (1980-12/2006), PsychInfo (1966-12/2006) and Scopus (1980-12/ 2006). Levels of evidence were assigned according to the classification system of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. Grading of the strengths of recommendations was done according to the German program for disease management guidelines. Standardized procedures to reach a consensus on recommendations were used. RESULTS: Cognitive and operant behavioral therapy is strongly recommended (grade A). Guided imagery/hypnotherapy and written emotional disclosure are recommended (grade B). CONCLUSIONS: Psychotherapeutic programs tailored to FMS subgroups should be developed and tested.

The influence of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist tropisetron on pain in fibromyalgia: a functional magnetic resonance imaging pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Central pain processing is altered in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The serotonin metabolism, especially the 5-HT3 receptor, seems to play an important role. METHODS: We investigated the effect of the local injection of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist tropisetron on the perception and central processing of pain in FMS patients using painful mechanical stimulation and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) within the framework of a pre-/posttreatment double-blind design. RESULTS: In the contralateral primary somatosensory cortex, contralateral posterior insula, and anterior cingulate cortex, we found that the activation was significantly reduced after treatment. On average, patients rated the stimulation-induced pain intensity as stronger in the session after treatment compared to before treatment, although the individual data revealed a heterogeneous pattern. All patients showed sensitisation during the painful stimulation, which was not influenced by the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Both the sensory-discriminative and motivational-affective components of pain as measured by fMRI were altered by tropisetron.

[Neuroendocrine changes and maladaptations in fibromyalgia. Etiopathogenetic findings]. / Neuroendokrine Veränderungen und Maladaptationen bei Fibromyalgie. Befunde zur Atiopathogenese.

This contribution presents the psychosocial, psychopathological, psycho- and elektrophysiological as well as endocrine results in the aetiopathogenesis of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Three subgroups could be differentiated based on psychosocial learning processes. They differ in pain intensity and interference, affective distress, activity and spouse responses. They influence pain behavior and CNS activity in the sense of operant conditioning. The relationship between dysregulated pain modulation in the CNS and endocrine dysregulation of the HPA-axis, which seems to be relevant for the autonome hyporeaction of muscle and blood pressure, are discussed. The "dynamic processing model for FMS" is presented.

[Arrangement of neuromuscular movement cycles of free mandibular movements following Le Fort I-operations]. / Anordnung neuro-muskulärer Bewegungszyklen freier Unterkeiferbewegungen nach Le-Fort-I-Operationen.

In orthognathic surgery the Le Fort I osteotomy changes the structure of motion of the mandible. This structure and its changes could reliably and quantitatively be described if it was evaluated by a projection of the mandibular movement upon a couple's movement in a gearing system. The comparison of Le Fort I cases with orthodontically treated class-I-cases shows significant differences.