Hemogram parameters in fibromyalgia and effects of wet cupping therapy on hemogram parameters

Abstract

Objective: Wet cupping therapy (WCT) is one of the complementary and traditional therapies that are still must be scientifically interpreted. This study aimed to assess hemogram parameters that are subclinical inflammatory markers in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and observe how they were affected with WCT. Methods: The present study consisted of two groups; patient group included participants who were diagnosed with FMS and who received WCT and control group included healthy participants who received WCT within the concept of preventive medicine. Results: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) values were higher in the patient group (P = 0.029 and P = 0.003, respectively). Considering that the participants had FMS, the optimal cutoff value for PLR was ≥1.62, sensitivity was 70%, specificity was 56%, positive predictive value was 61.7%, and negative predictive value was 65.3%. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve revealed a significant sensitivity and specificity (ROC area = 0.664), (confidence interval [CI]: 0.530–0.781) (P < 0.023). The optimal cutoff value for PLR was ≥146, sensitivity was 60%, specificity was 83%, positive predictive value was 78%, and negative predictive value was 67%. ROC curve revealed a statistically significant sensitivity and specificity (ROC area = 0.726), (CI: 0.59–0.83) (P < 0.001). The optimal cutoff value for platelet was ≥284,000, sensitivity was 83%, specificity was 40%, positive predictive value was 58%, and negative predictive value was 70%. ROC curve revealed a significant sensitivity and specificity (ROC area = 0.65), (CI: 0.51–0.76) (P = 0.036). Conclusion: NLR, PLR, and thrombocyte count parameters can be useful in the process of diagnosing FMS. In addition, NLR, PLR, and MPV decreased in patients who received WCT.