Serum levels of neuron-specific enolase in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: Correlation with cognitive functions, quality of life and psychological state.

Abstract

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a non-articular rheumatic disorder of unclear etiology, characterized by widespread body pain, fatigue and, psychological complaints. To investigate the serum levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in patients with FMS and to evaluate the relationship between cognitive function, quality of life and psychological state. Fifty-five female patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria, and 40 healthy female subjects were enrolled in the study. Life quality scale [(Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ)], psychological state (Beck Depression Scale), and cognitive dysfunction (mini mental test, clock drawing test) scales were used for patients and control subjects. Serum NSE levels were studied using the ECLIA method. No significant differences were found in the serum NSE levels between the FMS patients and the control subjects (p> 0.05). Life quality and psychological state scores were found to be higher in FMS patients relative to the control group (p< 0.001). However, no significant differences were detected in cognitive function (p> 0.05). Significant correlations were not found between the serum NSE levels and quality of life, psychological state and cognitive functions (p> 0.05). No significant difference was determined between the groups in terms of NSE levels. Further studies, including larger series, should be carried out to clarify this relationship.