Clinical feature of fibromyalgia syndrome in Japan and novel strategy in the treatment by bioproduct (Neurotropin)

Purpose

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a controversial disorder of unknown etiology. Because of lack of laboratory and objective findings, many patients have been ignored, misdiagnosed or referred to a psychiatrist. Recently, the number of FMS patients has been increasing in Japan. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the clinical feature of FMS and to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Neurotropin (extracted from inflammatory cutaneous tissue of rabbits inoculated with vaccinia virus) for FMS associated with neck or back pain.

Methods

Subjective complaints, tender points and clinical findings were assessed and routine laboratory examination was carried out in70 FMS patients. Among them, 23 patients were treated with Neurotropin, administered orally and intravenously. Patients' assessment and the number of tender points were evaluated after the treatment.

Results

Subjective complaints were composed of fatigue, sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety and headache, as well as widespread pain. The mode of pain ranged from cutting pain to touch pain. In serious cases, patients could not even move the joints nor stand by their selves. Neurotropin treatment was effective in 16 out of 23 patients.

Further investigation will be needed to comprehend the present status of FMS in Japan and to elucidate its etiology. The effect of Neurotropin on FMS also needs to be evaluated.