Fibromyalgia in the new era of SARS-CoV-2 infection and post-COVID-19 syndrome: A scoping review

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by chronic generalized pain, joint stiffness, sleep disorders, fatigue, anxiety and depressive episodes, whose clinical manifestations begin after a physical or emotional trauma. However, few publications describe the clinical impact of COVID-19 on fibromyalgia symptoms. Objective: To map the available medical evidence on the impact of COVID-19 and PCS in patients with and without a diagnosis of fibromyalgia prior to infection. Materials and methods: Exploratory systematic review in PubMed and Scopus, considering articles in English and Spanish, with data on fibromyalgia in the population surviving SARS-CoV-2 infection. The clinical trial records of the World Health Organization databases were reviewed. Results: Twelve published articles were included retrospective studies (n = 4), cross-sectional (n = 2), cases and controls (n = 2), qualitative studies (n = 2), a prospective cohort (n = 1) and a longitudinal section study (n = 1). The total study population of the included publications was 3,060 patients. In addition, one randomized controlled clinical trial and two observational cross-sectional and case-control studies were included. The total sum of the study population was 173 participants. Conclusion: Survivors of COVID-19 with or without a previous diagnosis of fibromyalgia may present an increase in chronic pain, insomnia, joint stiffness, and deterioration in quality of life. The population with a history of fibromyalgia may be more affected by psychological stress, tissue damage to neuromuscular structures, and inflammation due to SARS-CoV-2 infection.