Helicobacter pylori in Egyptian patients with fibromyalgia syndrome

Helicobacter pylori infection has been associated with digestive and rheumatic diseases. Aim of the work: to investigate the prevalence of H. pylori in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), to determine the relationship between these two diseases.Patients and methodsThe present study was a cross-sectional descriptive study, 100 female patients with primary FMS, and 100 healthy females to serve as control group were included. Serum samples were tested for the presence of anti-H. pylori antibodies by using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique.ResultsThe prevalence of H. Pylori IgG antibody of the patients was significantly higher than the control group (68 PFMS, 32 controls p < 0.001). Also there were 50 PFMS cases and 24 controls of positive IgA antibody (p < 0.001). Patients who were H. pylori IgG antibody positive when compared to patients who were H. pylori negative, more frequently have post-exertion pain (p = 0.0307), morning stiffness (p = 0.0177), confusion (p = 0.0139), depression (p = 0.0015), mood disturbance (p = 0.0093), anxiety (p = 0.0388), tension headache (p = 0.0088), sleep disturbance (p = 0.0046), and changes in appetite (p = 0.0301). Duration of FMS in patients who were H. pylori positive was 9.8 ± 1.8 years while in patients who were H. pylori negative it was 8 ± 2 years (p < 0.001). Patients who were H. pylori positive when compared to patients who were H. pylori negative, had a higher visual analog scale (VAS) of fatigue (p < 0.001), VAS of global severity (p = 0.0017), VAS of anxiety (p < 0.001), higher fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ) (p < 0.001), and more tender points count (p < 0.001).ConclusionSignificant increase existing in IgG and IgA antibody titer against H. pylori in FMS compared to control groups.