Comorbidity of lipedema and fibromyalgia; effects on disease severity, pain and health-related quality of life

Authors : Mehmet Onat Çakit, Busem Atar, Satı Zülal Ayaz, Ömer Faruk Çelik, Ayşe Güliz Gürdal, Burcu Duyur Çakit

Pages : 234-240

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Publication Date : 2023-06-28

Article Type : Research Article

Abstract :Aims: Both Fibromyalgia (FMS) and lipedema are characterized by pain in the soft tissue, and they have clinically similar aspects. The Aims of this study were to determine how many of the patients with lipedema met the diagnostic criteria for FMS, the effect of the comorbidity of lipedema and FMS on pain and quality of life, and their relationship with extremity volumes, ultrasonographically measured soft tissue thickness and lipedema disease severity. Methods: 53 women with lipedema and 32 patients with FMS without lipedema were included in the study. Symptom severity scale, widespread pain index, and FMS severity scale were calculated for the diagnosis of FMS. Pain intensity was determined by visual analog scale (VAS). The frequency of fibromyalgia was determined in the lipedema group. Lower extremity volumes of both groups were calculated by circumferential measurements and thigh and pretibial soft tissue thicknesses were measured ultrasonographically. Short form-36 quality of life scale was applied to both groups. Results: The mean age of the 53 females with lipedema was 52±11.8 years, and for the 32 females with FMS it was 51.9±10.1 years (p>0.05). The extremity volumes and soft tissue thicknesses were higher in lipedema group than FMS group p<0.001).In lipedema group, 21(39.6%) patients have fulfilled the FMS criteria. FMS severity scores of Comorbid Lipedema and FMS group were similar with FMS patients (p=0.199). Bodily pain and VAS were more severe in Comorbid Lipedema and FMS group than lipedema group without FMS and FMS group (p<0.001). Generally, Short form-36 components were better in lipedema without FMS group than Comorbid FMS and FMS group (p<0.05) Conclusion: The comorbidity of these two diseases in patients negatively affect their physical and mental functions. Investigation and treatment of comorbid FMS in lipedema patients may contribute to their quality of life and pain.
Keywords : Lipödem, Fibromiyalji, Yumuşak Doku Kalınlığı, Ultrasonografi, Yaşam Kalitesi, Ağrı