Rheumatology international
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This study was planned to investigate the dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system in fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) using sympathetic skin responses (SSR) and RR interval analysis. Thirty-four FM and 22 healthy subjects were recruited for the study. They were questioned for symptoms that are characteristic for FM and medical outcome study short form-36 (SF-36) was used to determine the quality of life of the subjects. ⋯ The mean amplitude of SSR recorded from both palm and sole was not statistically different from control subjects (P>0.05). RRIV obtained from FM and the control subjects at rest and during deep breathing showed that the decrease in DR% was significant compared to normal subjects (P<0.001). As a result, we can state that sympathetic as well as parasympathetic nervous system dysfunction occurs in FM patients and this abnormality could be determined by SSR and RRIV analysis.