New Information on Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is an arthritis-related condition that affects 3.7 million American majority women between the ages of 40 to 75. The exact cause of the widespread muscle pain felt by patients is unknown. The condition is characterized by muscle pain, tender joints, and areas of the body that are extremely sensitive to pressure.
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Genetic Markers
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Current research shows a possible link between genetic markers called human leukocyte antigens (HLAs). The presence of a gene suggests a predisposition for a person to develop fibromyalgia. There are several areas of research being conducted that can lead to a positive diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
Blood Pressure Check
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Researchers from Mexico have noted that 70 percent of fibromyalgia patients complain of pain during routine blood pressure checks when the cuff is blown up to 180 while patients with other forms of arthritis report pain 5 to 10 percent of the time. Using a blood pressure machine and patient pain threshold can help to diagnose patients who have fibromyalgia.
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Blood Test
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Researchers at the University of Utah are trying to develop a system of identifying biomarkers that will enable physicians to diagnose patients with fibromyalgia with a blood test. Husband and wife team Alan Light, Ph.D and Kathleen Light, Ph.D are using exercise to detect chemical by products made in the muscle that will identify a significant increase in sensory receptors that correlate with fatigue or pain.
Drug Therapy
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In recent years, three new drugs have been approved to help relieve the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. Pregabalin (Lyrica) was the first to be approved by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration, FDA. Lyrica helps to improve sleep and reduce pain. Sleep helps to engage muscles by refreshing musculoskeletal tissues, enabling the tissues to better heal, ultimately reducing the amount of pain the patient feels.
Milnaciptran HCI (Savella) helps with pain management and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia. Savella belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors that researchers believe help to correct abnormalities in certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
During clinical trials patients that took Duloxetine HCI (Cymbalta) on a daily basis showed a significant reduction of pain. Chemicals in the medication, serotonin and neorepinephrine, are also found naturally in the body in the brain and spinal cord, and help with regulating mood and pain perception.
Warnings
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In December 2008, three drugs used in the treatment of fibromyalgia were ordered to add warnings to the label about the added risk of increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors when using the drugs. These drugs include Pregablin (Lyrica), Gabapentin (Neurontin) and Clonazepam (Klonopin).
According to Fredrick Wolf, MD, any medications used daily in the treatment of fibromyalgia works in the short-term, but over a long period of time the medications do not seem to be as effective. Consult with your physician to determine the best treatment for you and the fight against fibromyalgia.
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