Joint Hypermobility Syndrome and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (HyPOTS)

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the association between joint hypermobility syndrome associated with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (HyPOTS) and fibromyalgia. Methods: A chart review of patients followed at two outpatient Rheumatology facilities within one hospital system were analyzed. Thirty-seven patients (3 male, 34 female) diagnosed with HyPOTS and fibromyalgia were reviewed. Results: HyPOTS is a chronically disabling musculoskeletal disorder presenting clinically as widespread musculoskeletal pain and/or fatigue with joint hypermobility. However, HyPOTS may be inadvertently diagnosed as chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia. In fact, the group of fibromyalgia patients evaluated at a rheumatology outpatient clinic were found to meet the clinical criteria for HyPOTS. Conclusions: Patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome may benefit from a further evaluation for HyPOTS. Thus, if HyPOTS is properly defined, a wide range of therapeutic options for these patients become available in order to improve their physical manifestations and quality of life.