Prevalence of Fibromyalgia in Patients With Plaque Psoriasis

Fibromyalgia in Patients With Plaque Psoriasis - Assiut University Hospital

This observational study aims to determine how common fibromyalgia syndrome and central sensitization are in adults with plaque psoriasis compared to healthy individuals. Plaque psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that can affect the entire body, which may increase the risk of developing chronic pain conditions. Fibromyalgia causes widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances, while central sensitization involves the central nervous system becoming highly sensitive to pain.

Researchers will evaluate 55 adult patients diagnosed with plaque psoriasis and 55 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers at the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic at Assiut University Hospital. Participants will undergo a clinical examination to assess their psoriasis severity and will complete standardized questionnaires to evaluate pain intensity, fibromyalgia symptoms, central sensitization, and overall quality of life. The findings of this study may help doctors better understand these overlapping conditions to improve the early identification and management of pain in patients with psoriasis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult patients (≥18 years) with clinically diagnosed plaque psoriasis.
• Both males and females.
• Willing to participate and provide written informed consent.
• For controls: Apparently healthy age- and sex-matched volunteers.
• For controls: No history of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or other chronic inflammatory or rheumatic diseases.
• For controls: Willing to participate and provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with psoriatic arthritis or other inflammatory arthritis.
• Patients with other diagnosed rheumatic diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis).
• Patients with previously diagnosed major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder.
• Patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, heart failure, renal failure, or thyroid disorders.
• Current use of antidepressants, anticonvulsants, or benzodiazepines.
• History of malignancy.
• Pregnancy.