Fibromyalgia involves muscle pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues, but its diagnosis is challenging due to a lack of reliable blood markers. This review and meta-analysis examined serum levels of peptides in patients. Results showed significantly higher of specific peptides in patients compared to controls, suggesting further diagnostic measures for fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia affects up to 12 million U.S. adults but is under-researched compared to other rheumatologic diseases. A review of major journals (2014-2024) found significantly fewer fibromyalgia articles compared to other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. This highlights a need for more research into fibromyalgia and suggests potential publication bias.

Fibromyalgia patients face challenges in proving eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD) due to the need for specific signs and functional impairments. A study found that 30.12% of FM patients received SSD, compared to over 50% for those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA). Functional status was a key predictor of SSD approval.