Treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome with Super Malic: a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, crossover pilot study.

J Rheumatol. 1995 May;22(5):953-8.

Treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome with Super Malic: a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, crossover pilot study.

Russell IJ, Michalek JE, Flechas JD, Abraham GE.

Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio 78284-7874, USA.

OBJECTIVE. To study the efficacy and safety of Super Malic, a proprietary tablet containing malic acid (200 mg) and magnesium (50 mg), in treatment of primary fibromyalgia syndrome (FM).

METHODS. Twenty-four sequential patients with primary FM were randomized to a fixed dose (3 tablets bid), placebo controlled, 4-week/course, pilot trial followed by a 6-month, open label, dose escalation (up to 6 tablets bid) trial. A 2-week, medication free, washout period was required before receiving treatment, between blinded courses, and again before starting open label treatment. The 3 primary outcome variables were measures of pain and tenderness but functional and psychological measures were also assessed.

RESULTS. No clear treatment effect attributable to Super Malic was seen in the blinded, fixed low dose trial. With dose escalation and a longer duration of treatment in the open label trial, significant reductions in the severity of all 3 primary pain/tenderness measures were obtained without limiting risks.

CONCLUSIONS. These data suggest that Super Malic is safe and may be beneficial in the treatment of patients with FM. Future placebo-controlled studies should utilize up to 6 tablets of Super Malic bid and continue therapy for at least 2 months.

PMID: 8587088 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=8587088&itool=iconabstr&itool=pubmed_DocSum

Genetics of chronic pain states

1: Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2007 Jun;21(3):535-47.

Genetics of chronic pain states.

Buskila D.

Department of Medicine H, Soroka Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheva, P.O.B 151, Israel 84101.

Chronic pain states are common in the general population. Genetic factors can explain a significant amount of the variability in the perception of pain. Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and related conditions are syndromes characterized by generalized pain sensitivity as well as a constellation of other symptoms. Family studies show a strong familial aggregation of FMS and related conditions, suggesting the importance of genetic factors in the development of these conditions. Recent evidence suggests a role for polymorphisms of genes in the serotoninergic, dopaminergic and catecholaminergic systems in the pathogenesis of FMS and related conditions. Environmental factors may trigger the development of these disorders in genetically predisposed individuals. Future large well-designed studies are needed to further clarify the role of genetic factors in FMS and related conditions. The knowledge of these gene polymorphisms may help with better subgrouping of FMS patients and in designing a more specific pharmacologic treatment approach.

PMID: 17602998 [PubMed - in process]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=pubmed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=17602998&ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum