Changes were evaluated by visual inspection of graphs and single subject statistical analyses. Traditional group comparison statistics were performed for changes on the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, the Zung's Depression Scale, and pain distribution according to the ACR criteria. Quantitative analysis of trends of repeated measures across phases showed significant improvement in fibromyalgia status in T3 phases compared to baseline and placebo phases. No patient met the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia by the end of the study. Repeated administration and withdrawal of T3 corresponded to significant improvement and deterioration in fibromyalgia measures during this study.
Further testing is necessary to establish long-term safety.
In a previous study, T3 was found to be highly effective compared to placebos in the treatment of euthyroid fibromyalgia. In this replication study, the comparative effects of placebos and T3 were tested with 4 euthyroid fibromyalgia patients. Patients completed alternately two T3 phases and two placebo phases. The sequence for each patient depended on the medication with which she was randomly assigned to begin. Measurements taken repeatedly during each phase were used to determine when a patient's scores warranted a crossover.