A significant effect on depressive symptoms was not found .
The improvements for pain could be maintained at follow-up with smaller effects .
Introduction In the present systematic review and meta- analysis , we assessed the effectiveness of different forms of balneotherapy ( BT ) and hydrotherapy ( HT ) in the management of fibromyalgia syndrome ( FMS ) .
Cost-effectiveness of Spa treatment for fibromyalgia: general health improvement is not for free.
OBJECTIVES To estimate the cost-effectiveness of an adjuvant treatment course of spa treatment compared with usual care only in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome ( FM ) . METHODS 134 patients with FM , selected from a rheumatology outpatient department and from members of the Dutch FM patient association were r and omly assigned to a 2(1/2 ) week spa treatment course in Tunisia or to usual care only . Results are expressed as quality -adjusted life years ( QALYs ) for a 6-month as well as a 12-month time horizon . Utilities were derived form the Short Form 6D ( SF-6D ) scores and the visual analogue scale ( VAS ) rating general health . Costs were reported from societal perspective . Mean incremental cost per patient and the incremental cost utility ratio ( ICER ) were calculated ; 95 % confidence intervals ( CIs ) were estimated using double-sided bootstrapping . RESULTS The data of 128 ( 55 spa and 73 controls ) of the 134 patients ( 96 % ) could be used for analysis . Improvement in general health was found in the spa group until 6 months of follow-up by both the SF-6D ( AUC 0.32 vs 0.30 , P < 0.05 ) and the VAS ( AUC 0.23 vs 0.19 , P < 0.01 ) . After 1yr no significant between-group differences were found . Mean incremental cost of spa treatment was 1311 Euro per patient ( 95 % CI 369 - 2439 ) , equalling the cost of the intervention ( thalassotherapy including airfare and lodging ) , or 885 Euro per patient based on a more realistic cost estimate . CONCLUSIONS The temporary improvement in quality of life due to an adjuvant treatment course of spa therapy for patients with FM is associated with limited incremental costs per patient
A significant effect on depressive symptoms was not found .
The improvements for pain could be maintained at follow-up with smaller effects .
Introduction In the present systematic review and meta- analysis , we assessed the effectiveness of different forms of balneotherapy ( BT ) and hydrotherapy ( HT ) in the management of fibromyalgia syndrome ( FMS ) .