Evaluation of Respiratory Function in Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is characterized by persistent widespread pain and affects approximately 1-3% of the general population. Fibromyalgia is a multifactorial syndrome and much research has been done and several interesting facts discovered. Still, the etiology is unknown. The autonomic nervous system may be the cause of several symptoms of this condition and a pattern of abnormal autonomous functions has been described . Besides the autonomous nerve system the respiratory system has also potential to impact various body organs mainly by altered blood gas chemistry. Deviant respiratory function in local pain condition as in cervical and lumbar spine has been reported. Respiratory function in generalized pain as in people with fibromyalgia has not been given much consideration.

This project is an observational cross sectional study with the purpose to examine respiratory function in people with fibromyalgia and compare with age-matched controls.

Respiratory function will be examined by spirometry and blood gases. Both static (vital capacity, tidal volume) and dynamic lung volumes (forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second) and the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second and forced vital capacity will be used. Spirometry will be performed in seated position. Respiratory rate will be examined in a sitting position using intensive care equipment with electrodes placed under each clavicle and over the lower ribs on the left side. After five minutes of relaxing, breathing frequency is observed during one minute. A value is noted every ten second and a mean value is calculated. Subjects are not aware of when the observation begin. An arterial blood sample will be taken to determine carbon dioxide, oxygen, saturation, bicarbonate, pH and base excess levels. Other blood samples that will be taken is magnesium in venous blood and lactate in capillary blood. Arterial and venous blood samples will be taken in supine position while capillary samples will be done in seated position. Lactate will be sampled before and directly after a six minutes walking test.

Chest mobility, postural balance, spinal mobility, pain sensitivity test and body mass index will be measured as physical or biomechanical variables. By using a tape measure chest mobility will be measured in a standing position at the xiphoid process and axillary level. Spinal mobility will be measured in a seated position between C7-T5 measuring the difference between upright position and full flexion of the spine. By using an analyzing software program called Cervico thoracic ratio 5.0, postural balance can be calculated based on the same method of measuring spinal mobility described above. Pain sensitivity test will be performed over paraspinal muscles between the level of C7-T7 with a total of 14 locations by using a pressure algometer with the subject lying prone. Measurement of the subject's weight and height will be recorded and the body mass index (BMI) will be calculated.

Heart rate variability and self administered questionnaires (Hospital and anxiety depression scale, Pain catastrophizing scale, Perceived stress scale, Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale) will be used to assess stress or emotional variables. The Rand 36-item will be used as a quality-of-life measurement. Heart rate variability will be measured during five minutes by a portable ECG device in a sitting position with electrodes placed under each clavicle and over the lower ribs on the left side. Questionnaires are encouraged to be filled in before the visit.

For physical function a standardized six minutes walking test and a chair stand test will take place for measuring endurance and strength.

All measurement will be executed at the same visit. Data about smoking habits, pain duration, analgetic drug use will be registered.