STOP-Bang Test Results of a Randomly Selected Group of Fibromyalgia Patients

Abstract

Except for diffuse musculoskeletal pain and pain at tender points, the symptoms reported by patients with Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) are similar to those of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Patients with OSAS can also present FMS. STOP-Bang test is an effective scale which was developed to identify the patients with OSAS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the probable correlation between symptom severity of FMS and STOP-Bang test. Thirty one patients were included in the study. Demographic data including gender, age, body mass index and concomitant diseases are recorded. Musculoskeletal and neurologic examination, measurement of neck circumference and limitation of cervical range of motion were performed. Also MRI findings were recorded as decreased cervical lordosis, spondylosis and discopathy. STOP-Bang test was applied. Beside this test presence of snoring and fatigue were asked again separately. Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) was applied. Results of FIQ including total score, visual analog scale for pain (VAS pain) and fatigue (VAS fatigue) were recorded. Twenty five patients (80,6%) were female and 6 patients (19,4%) were male. Neck circumference of male patients was significantly higher than the females (p<0,05). All patients were complaining of fatigue, and 61,3% reported snoring. According to the STOP-Bang test high risk of OSAS was found in 54,8% of the patients (5 males and 12 females). There was significant and positive correlation between snoring and VAS pain, VAS fatigue, FIQ score and high risk of OSAS (p<0,01). Correlations between high risk of OSAS and VAS pain, VAS fatigue and FIQ score (p<0,01) were significant, as well as the correlations between high risk of OSAS and limitation of cervical rotation, and presence of cervical discopathy and decreased cervical lordosis (p<0,05). Although it does not imply a cause and effect relationship, the association between FMS and OSAS is clear. Physicians should keep in mind the presence of OSAS among patients with FMS, especially in male patients. STOP-Bang test is an effective co-examination to predict the risk level of OSAS which is correlated with snoring. Only asking presence of snoring can substitute for STOP-Bang test to refer these patients for the examination of upper airways.