Background/Purpose:  Fibromyalgia is not thought to have an immunological pathogenesis: However, few studies have been done to evaluate immunological abnormalities.   We analyzed lymphocyte subsets in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) patients and compared the results to established normal values in healthy controls.

Methods:  25 Patients (22 female and 3 male) with fibromyalgia meeting 2010 ACR criteria and followed in a rheumatology office practice had their blood analyzed by flow cytometry. Normal values for healthy controls were established by the University of Miami Immunology Laboratory where the analyses were performed.

Results:  The following immunologic tests were abnormal in fibromyalgia patients

Conclusion:  CD4+CD38+ helper Tcells were elevated in the FMS patients.  CD8+CD38+, CD8+CD95+ and CD8+CD11a were reduced in FMS compared to normal healthy levels. This suggests possible increased T helper cell function and reduced CD8 cytotoxic/suppressor T cells in this group of fibromyalgia patients.)

The immune system could play a yet undetermined role in fibromyalgia.