Biochemical abnormalities in fibromyalgia syndrome

Objectives: To describe new findings regarding metabolic and nociceptive processes in fibromyalgia [FS] patients. Findings: The earlier observation of elevated substance P in the cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] of FS patients has been confirmed with the documentation of levels which approach correlation with the painful symptoms. Newly recognized biochemical abnormalities include elevated CFS kynurenine, low serum serotonin, and low red cell NADP, NADH, and ATP. Conclusions: These findings support the hypothesis that FS is a metabolic disorder with demonstrable biochemical abnormalities potentially capable of explaining the clinical symptoms. It is hoped that the recognition of these abnormalities will facilitate the development of more specific and more effective therapies.