The association between overactive bladder and fibromyalgia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Background Overactive bladder is a common syndrome that significantly affects the quality of life. Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain, impacting patients' lives. The exact mechanisms of the two syndromes remain unknown, but there is an overlap between the suspected pathophysiologies. Objective To present an overview of the current research on the association between overactive bladder (OAB) and fibromyalgia. Search strategy A systematic search of four electronic databases was conducted. Search strategy Studies examining the correlation between OAB and fibromyalgia with female patients aged over 18 years were included. Data collection and analysis Two reviewers screened the studies for eligibility. Eligible studies were screened for quality. A meta‐analysis was performed for eligible studies. Main results Seven studies were included in the final review, of which six presented a positive association between the syndromes. The studies demonstrated a positive association between fibromyalgia and the severity of OAB and an adverse effect on the quality of life related to OAB. A mean effect size of 1.96 (95% confidence interval 0.85–3.06) was calculated. Conclusion OAB and fibromyalgia are both complex and multifactorial syndromes. The study presents an association between them, but additional studies on the topic should be conducted for a more precise conclusion.

Black box in overactive bladder: Central sensitization and its relationship with urinary symptom severity and quality of life

“…Previous studies have found that OAB frequently occurs together with different types of headaches 5 . Goldberg et al reported that OAB and fibromyalgia were related 14 . Araújo et al reported that women with fibromyalgia have higher OAB symptoms (urgency, frequency, etc.)…”

“…5 Goldberg et al reported that OAB and fibromyalgia were related. 14 Araújo et al reported that women with fibromyalgia have higher OAB symptoms (urgency, frequency, etc.) and detrusor overactivity compared to women without fibromyalgia.…”

“…In recent years, OAB has been found to be associated with some syndromes associated with CS, such as IBS, fibromyalgia, and idiopathic back pain. 14 Therefore, it is reported that the pathophysiological mechanisms of OAB may include dysfunction of peripheral and CNS sensory pathways, thus causing bladder hypersensitivity. 6 These results support the view that the concept of CS can explain the pathophysiology and clinical symptoms of OAB.…”

“…Interestingly, activation of the anterior cingulate cortex is also seen in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and fibromyalgia. In recent years, OAB has been found to be associated with some syndromes associated with CS, such as IBS, fibromyalgia, and idiopathic back pain 14 . Therefore, it is reported that the pathophysiological mechanisms of OAB may include dysfunction of peripheral and CNS sensory pathways, thus causing bladder hypersensitivity 6 .…”