ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

637 studies

321–340 of 637 studies

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearMeta-Analysis

Evidence of altered cardiac autonomic regulation in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Nelson, Maximillian J, Bahl, Jasvir S, Buckley, Jonathan D et al.·Medicine·2019

This study looked at how the hearts of people with ME/CFS respond differently compared to healthy people, focusing on heart rate and its patterns. Researchers reviewed 64 previous studies and found that ME/CFS patients tend to have higher resting heart rates, unusual heart rate responses to position changes, and different patterns in heart rate variability (the natural variation in time between heartbeats). These findings suggest that the nervous system that controls heart function may work differently in people with ME/CFS.

Autonomic Nervous System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Epigenetic Components of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Uncover Potential Transposable Element Activation.

Almenar-Pérez, Eloy, Ovejero, Tamara, Sánchez-Fito, Teresa et al.·Clinical therapeutics·2019

This study reviewed research on how ME/CFS may involve changes in how genes are regulated, not the genes themselves. The researchers discovered that dormant DNA sequences called transposable elements—which make up almost half of our genome and were previously thought to be 'junk DNA'—might become activated in ME/CFS patients. This activation could trigger the immune system to attack without an actual infection present.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

The Invisible Burden of Chronic Fatigue in the Community: a Narrative Review.

Fatt, Scott J, Cvejic, Erin, Lloyd, Andrew R et al.·Current rheumatology reports·2019

This review looked at research comparing three levels of tiredness: prolonged fatigue (lasting 1-6 months), chronic fatigue (lasting over 6 months), and ME/CFS (a more severe condition). The authors found that people with chronic fatigue and ME/CFS report very similar struggles with physical symptoms, emotional challenges, and difficulty with daily activities. However, researchers still don't understand why some people's fatigue gets worse and develops into ME/CFS while others' doesn't.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Identification of mental health and quality of life outcomes in primary care databases in the UK: a systematic review.

Carreira, Helena, Williams, Rachael, Strongman, Helen et al.·BMJ open·2019

Researchers reviewed 120 studies that used UK patient medical records to track mental health and quality of life problems like depression, anxiety, fatigue, and cognitive issues. They found that different studies used different definitions and coding systems to identify these conditions, making it hard to compare results across studies. The authors recommend that researchers agree on standard definitions and validated code lists so findings are more consistent and reliable.

Pain and SensitizationSleepCognitive Impairment

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Child and adolescent chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: where are we now?

Gregorowski, Anna, Simpson, Jane, Segal, Terry Y·Current opinion in pediatrics·2019

This review looked at what we currently know about ME/CFS in children and teenagers, including what might cause it, how it affects their lives, and what treatments might help. The researchers found that ME/CFS is a serious condition that varies greatly from person to person, and that we still don't fully understand what causes it or have proven treatments that work for everyone. They highlight that more research is urgently needed, especially to help the most severely affected young people.

Interventions

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Methodological Strategies for Ecological Momentary Assessment to Evaluate Mood and Stress in Adult Patients Using Mobile Phones: Systematic Review.

Yang, Yong Sook, Ryu, Gi Wook, Choi, Mona·JMIR mHealth and uHealth·2019

This review looked at research studies that used smartphones to track mood and stress in patients with various chronic illnesses, including ME/CFS. Researchers used apps or text-based systems to send prompts at random times throughout the day, asking patients to report how they were feeling in that moment. The review found that this method is practical and feasible for understanding how symptoms and emotions change during daily life.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Exercise therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Larun, Lillebeth, Brurberg, Kjetil G, Odgaard-Jensen, Jan et al.·The Cochrane database of systematic reviews·2019

This review looked at whether exercise therapy helps people with ME/CFS. Researchers found that exercise probably reduces tiredness compared to usual care, and may slightly improve physical function and sleep. However, the long-term benefits are unclear, and the evidence comparing exercise to other treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy is limited.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredMeta-Analysis

Inflammatory proteins are altered in chronic fatigue syndrome-A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Strawbridge, Rebecca, Sartor, Maria-Laura, Scott, Fraser et al.·Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews·2019

This research review looked at 42 studies measuring inflammatory proteins (substances in the blood linked to inflammation) in people with ME/CFS compared to healthy people. The researchers found that people with ME/CFS had higher levels of five specific inflammatory proteins, but twelve other proteins were similar to healthy controls. This suggests that inflammation may play a role in ME/CFS for some patients, but it's likely not the main problem for everyone with the condition.

BiomarkersImmune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredReview-Narrative

[Myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome].

Brinth, Louise, Nielsen, Henrik, Varming, Kim et al.·Ugeskrift for laeger·2019

ME/CFS is a serious condition that causes extreme tiredness affecting both mind and body, along with pain, sleep problems, difficulty thinking clearly, and a symptom called post-exertional malaise where activity makes symptoms worse. Research has found changes in patients' cells, hormones, immune systems, and how their bodies process energy, which could lead to better ways to diagnose and treat this condition.

BiomarkersEnergy MetabolismImmune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Anti-Inflammatory Diets and Fatigue.

Haß, Ulrike, Herpich, Catrin, Norman, Kristina·Nutrients·2019

This review looked at whether eating anti-inflammatory foods—like whole grains, vegetables rich in plant compounds, and omega-3 fatty acids—might help reduce fatigue in people with chronic illnesses. The researchers examined 21 human studies and found that while single nutrients alone showed mixed results, eating a balanced diet with these whole foods showed promise for improving fatigue. However, more research is still needed to confirm these findings.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

A systematic review of cytokines in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis/systemic exertion intolerance disease (CFS/ME/SEID).

Corbitt, Matthew, Eaton-Fitch, Natalie, Staines, Donald et al.·BMC neurology·2019

Researchers reviewed 15 studies that measured immune signaling molecules called cytokines in people with ME/CFS compared to healthy people. Although many studies have looked at cytokines in ME/CFS, the results were too mixed and inconsistent to show that cytokines could be used as a reliable test for the condition or to confirm a clear role in causing the disease.

BiomarkersImmune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredSystematic-Review

Chronotropic Intolerance: An Overlooked Determinant of Symptoms and Activity Limitation in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Davenport, Todd E, Lehnen, Mary, Stevens, Staci R et al.·Frontiers in pediatrics·2019

This review examines how people with ME/CFS respond to exercise differently than healthy people. Researchers found that during exercise tests, people with ME/CFS have a blunted heart rate response—their heart rate doesn't increase as much as expected for the amount of work they're doing. This abnormal response, called chronotropic intolerance, may help explain why exercise worsens symptoms in ME/CFS patients.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

The "Biology-First" Hypothesis: Functional disorders may begin and end with biology-A scoping review.

Enck, P, Mazurak, N·Neurogastroenterology and motility·2018

This study reviewed research showing that infections can trigger long-lasting functional disorders—conditions where the body doesn't work properly but standard tests appear normal. The authors propose that these disorders start from biological changes (like immune dysfunction or altered gut bacteria) caused by the infection, and that psychological factors develop as a result rather than being the root cause. This challenges the common belief that such conditions are mainly psychological or social in nature.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

WITHDRAWN: Traditional Chinese medicinal herbs for the treatment of idiopathic chronic fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Adams, Denise, Wu, Taixiang, Yang, Xunzhe et al.·The Cochrane database of systematic reviews·2018

Researchers searched for studies testing whether traditional Chinese herbal medicines could help treat ME/CFS and chronic fatigue. After reviewing over 2,400 studies across 13 databases, they found that while many studies existed, none met the strict standards needed to prove whether these herbs actually work. The main problem was that most studies, especially those from China, did not use proper scientific methods to fairly test the treatments.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Does the microbiome and virome contribute to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome?

Newberry, Fiona, Hsieh, Shen-Yuan, Wileman, Tom et al.·Clinical science (London, England : 1979)·2018

This review examines whether changes in the bacteria living in our gut and the viruses that affect those bacteria might contribute to ME/CFS. While previous studies have focused mainly on bacterial changes, this paper points out that viruses—especially those that attack bacteria—are equally important to understand. The authors explain that inconsistencies between different microbiome studies make it hard to draw clear conclusions, and call for more standardized research methods.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Cognitive behavioural therapy in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome: A narrative review on efficacy and informed consent.

Geraghty, Keith J, Blease, Charlotte·Journal of health psychology·2018

This review looked at whether cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)—a type of talk therapy focused on thoughts and behaviors—actually helps ME/CFS patients. The researchers found that CBT may help some people feel less tired in the short term, but there's little proof it works long-term or improves physical abilities. Importantly, CBT can sometimes make people feel worse if it's not done carefully, and much of any improvement might come from the therapist's skill or placebo effect rather than the therapy itself.

Interventions

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Metabolic abnormalities in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a mini-review.

Tomas, Cara, Newton, Julia·Biochemical Society transactions·2018

This review examines research showing that people with ME/CFS have problems with how their bodies use energy at a cellular level. Scientists have found several different metabolic abnormalities—issues with immune function, mitochondria (the cell's power plants), muscle acid buildup, and other energy-related problems—that could potentially be used as biomarkers (measurable signs) to diagnose the disease. However, no single test can yet reliably identify ME/CFS.

BiomarkersImmune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Cost-effectiveness of interventions for medically unexplained symptoms: A systematic review.

Wortman, Margreet S H, Lokkerbol, Joran, van der Wouden, Johannes C et al.·PloS one·2018

This study looked at 39 research projects to find out which treatments for long-lasting unexplained symptoms—including chronic fatigue syndrome—work best and offer good value for money. The researchers found that group-based treatments (where patients meet together) tend to be more cost-effective than one-on-one treatments. However, the studies they reviewed were quite different from each other, making it hard to compare results directly.

Interventions

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Effectiveness of Mindfulness- and Relaxation-Based eHealth Interventions for Patients with Medical Conditions: a Systematic Review and Synthesis.

Mikolasek, Michael, Berg, Jonas, Witt, Claudia M et al.·International journal of behavioral medicine·2018

Researchers reviewed 17 online programs that teach mindfulness and relaxation techniques to people with various medical conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome. These digital programs generally showed benefits for overall health and mood, though they didn't clearly help with stress reduction or mindfulness skills themselves. The findings suggest these programs could be a helpful addition to standard medical treatment.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Nutritional modulation of the intestinal microbiota; future opportunities for the prevention and treatment of neuroimmune and neuroinflammatory disease.

Lombardi, Vincent C, De Meirleir, Kenny L, Subramanian, Krishnamurthy et al.·The Journal of nutritional biochemistry·2018

Your gut bacteria and brain communicate constantly with each other in ways that affect your immune system and inflammation levels. This review looks at how diet and nutrition can change your gut bacteria in ways that might help prevent or treat brain-related diseases that involve immune problems. The authors suggest that maintaining healthy gut bacteria through food choices could be an important treatment strategy.

NeuroinflammationImmune System

← Previous Next 20 studies →

Or browse by topic

PEM Immune Neuro Metabolic Biomarkers Severe ME Long COVID Cognitive

Evidence Atlas

Evidence browser

Evidence of altered cardiac autonomic regulation in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Epigenetic Components of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Uncover Potential Transposable Element Activation.

The Invisible Burden of Chronic Fatigue in the Community: a Narrative Review.

Identification of mental health and quality of life outcomes in primary care databases in the UK: a systematic review.

Child and adolescent chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: where are we now?

Methodological Strategies for Ecological Momentary Assessment to Evaluate Mood and Stress in Adult Patients Using Mobile Phones: Systematic Review.

Exercise therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Inflammatory proteins are altered in chronic fatigue syndrome-A systematic review and meta-analysis.

[Myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome].

Anti-Inflammatory Diets and Fatigue.

A systematic review of cytokines in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis/systemic exertion intolerance disease (CFS/ME/SEID).

Chronotropic Intolerance: An Overlooked Determinant of Symptoms and Activity Limitation in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

The "Biology-First" Hypothesis: Functional disorders may begin and end with biology-A scoping review.

WITHDRAWN: Traditional Chinese medicinal herbs for the treatment of idiopathic chronic fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Does the microbiome and virome contribute to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome?

Cognitive behavioural therapy in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome: A narrative review on efficacy and informed consent.

Metabolic abnormalities in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a mini-review.

Cost-effectiveness of interventions for medically unexplained symptoms: A systematic review.

Effectiveness of Mindfulness- and Relaxation-Based eHealth Interventions for Patients with Medical Conditions: a Systematic Review and Synthesis.

Nutritional modulation of the intestinal microbiota; future opportunities for the prevention and treatment of neuroimmune and neuroinflammatory disease.

Curated Collections

Neuroinflammation Evidence

Metabolism & Mitochondria

Biomarkers

PEM-Specific Research