The Relationship between Fibromyalgia and the Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome

Abstract

Fibromyalgia (FM) patients often report a high frequency of non-musculoskeletal symptoms, including those suggestive of multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) syndrome. The objective of this pilot study was to determine the prevalence of MCS in FM patients from a university-based rheumatology practice. Self-report questionnaires were administered to determine the presence of MCS, utilizing the criteria from a recent study of the immunologic profile of patients with this disorder. Patients also responded "yes" or "no" to the presence of 48 FM-related symptoms. Thirty-three of 60 patients with FM met the criteria for MCS. Eleven of these patients also fulfilled more restrictive criteria, requiring a "higher degree" of chemical sensitivity. The symptoms and substances most frequently cited were similar to those reported in other studies of MCS. FM patients with and without MCS did not differ in other symptomatology. MCS may represent an additional symptom complex within the spectrum of FM.

Epidemiology of fibromyalgia

“…Likewise, 70% of patients with FM and 30% of those with MCS met the criteria for CFS [55]. In another study, 33 of 60 patients with FM met criteria for MCS [56]. Clauw et al [57] reported that interstitial cystitis (IC) and FM have significant overlap symptomatology and that patients with IC display diffusely increased pain, which also is seen in FM.…”

Overlapping Conditions Among Patients With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Temporomandibular Disorder

“…Previous studies have indicated that 55% of patients with FM reported symptoms consistent with multiple chemical sensitivities and 30% of patients with multiple chemical sensitivities met the Centers for Disease Control criteria for CFS. 2,8 To our knowledge, there are no data available on the overlap between TMD and multiple chemical sensitivities.…”

Chemical Intolerance in Primary Care Settings: Prevalence, Comorbidity, and Outcomes

“…Comorbid diagnoses include heart problems, 16 bronchitis, 16 asthma, 16 pneumonia, 16 rhinitis, 5,6 sinusitis, 5 hypothyroidism and other autoimmune diseases, 5,17 irritable bowel syndrome, 5 migraine, 5 fi bromyalgia, 10,[18][19][20] and chronic fatigue syndrome. 10,[18][19][20] Family histories in persons having high scores for chemical intolerance show an increased prevalence of heart disease, diabetes mellitus, asthma, and rhinitis, 16 as well as alcohol and drug abuse. 21,22 Other studies report associations with panic disorder, 23,24 major depression, 13,14,25 and childhood hyperactivity.…”