Journal of Pain & Relief
Open Access

Abstract

Background: Our understanding of the underlying pathology of Fibromyalgia is limited. Our understanding about symptom experiences and biological correlates can guide the symptoms management interventions. Heat shock protein (HSP90AA1), one of the genes in protein homeostasis pathways, was found significantly higher among white women with FMS compared to those without FMS. This symposium will focus on FMS symptom profile and biological correlates of FMS among different ethnicities. Methods: Individuals with FMS who met the 1990 or 2010 FMS diagnostic criteria, aged 20 years or older were recruited into the study. During their single visit at a rheumatology unit, subjects completed demographics, pain, fatigue, cognitive function, pain catastrophizing, and pain beliefs questionnaires. Analysis of variance was used to compare symptoms among different ethnicity groups using SPSS version 22. Results: One hundred and sixty two patients were included in this analysis. Majority were Caucasians (n=93, 57%), 36% were African Americans, and 7% were of other ethnicities (Hispanic, Asian). Among these groups, African Americans experienced the lowest pain threshold (M =1.8 �± 1.1, p<0.001), highest pain severity (M = 7.0 �± 1.9, p < .001), highest pain interference (M=6.6 �± 2.2, p = .02), highest pain catastrophizing score (M = 26.4 �± 14.9, p < .001), and lowest belief in self-ability to control pain (M =10.1�±4.1, p=0.01). Females had higher levels (10.61�±19.9) of plasma HSP90AA1 than men (7.73�±9.1). African Americans also had highest levels of HSP90AA1 (12.02�±22.7) while other ethnicities (Asian, Hispanic) had lowest levels (5.70 �± 10.4). Conclusions: Study results supported differences in symptoms profile and biological correlates among different ethnicity groups. To better manage these symptoms, patientsâ�� ethnicity should be considered. Future studies on ethnic differences of underlying biological mechanism of symptoms are warranted.

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