Clues to pathogenesis of fibromyalgia in patients with sickle cell disease.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between sickle cell disease (SCD) and fibromyalgia (FM).

METHODS

Nine patients with SCD for whom a rheumatology consult was requested were assessed for FM by retrospective chart review. Eleven inpatients with other forms of anemia referred for rheumatology consult were also assessed for FM.

RESULTS

Eight of 9 patients with SCD fulfilled classification criteria for FM compared to one of 11 patients without SCD (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Awareness of the high frequency of FM in SCD can improve treatment of sickle cell crisis. Some pain that is labeled as sickle cell crisis pain may be due to FM, and may improve with tender point injections.