INTRODUCTION: Fibromyalgia is a prevalent syndrome of widespread pain and multiple tender points, with no inflammatory, dystrophic or degenerative changes, probably related to abnormal central modulation of pain processing. Irritable bowel syndrome is considered a dysfunctional syndrome of visceral pain and/or alteration on gastrointestinal motility, also related to the same central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome in patients with fibromyalgia and to establish their clinical characteristics. PATIENTS AND METHODS:Two hundred consecutive patients with fibromyalgia syndrome were studied. RESULTS: These, 134 (67%) had irritable bowel syndrome. The most common presentation was the constipation subtype (121 =90.2%). The majority of patients had high scores of anxiety and/or depression. Conclusion: No differences were noted among patients with fibromyalgia without irritable bowel syndrome, and those with both conditions.
fibromyalgia syndrome; irritable bowel syndrome; musculoskeletal pain
