ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

643 studies

81–100 of 643 studies

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

AI in Medical Questionnaires: Scoping Review.

Luo, Xuexing, Li, Yiyuan, Xu, Jing et al.·Journal of medical Internet research·2025

Researchers reviewed 14 studies about using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve medical questionnaires—the forms doctors use to diagnose conditions. They found that AI can help doctors distinguish ME/CFS from long COVID with over 92% accuracy, develop better questionnaires, and predict disease risk. However, most research is still early-stage, and more testing is needed before AI tools are ready for everyday clinical use.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS): diagnosis and management.

Fan, Jin, Jiao, Jiao, Chang, Hai-Qing et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2025

This comprehensive review examines how ME/CFS is diagnosed and treated based on current medical knowledge. The authors found that ME/CFS is caused by problems with the immune system, energy production in cells, and brain inflammation, but there are currently no definitive blood tests to confirm the disease. Treatment options include both medication approaches (targeting immune dysfunction and cell energy) and non-medication strategies like activity pacing and cognitive behavioral therapy, though doctors now recognize that exercise programs can actually harm some patients.

NeuroinflammationBiomarkersImmune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Review of the Research Progress and Future Prospects of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Feng, Chuwen, Qu, Yuanyuan, Lu, Jing et al.·Holistic nursing practice·2025

This review examines whether acupuncture—a traditional Chinese medicine practice involving thin needles placed at specific body points—might help people with ME/CFS. The researchers looked at existing studies on acupuncture for fatigue, how well it worked, whether it improved quality of life, and how it compared to standard treatments. They also explored how acupuncture might work in the body to reduce fatigue symptoms.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredMeta-Analysis

[Efficacy and safety of fonturacetam in asthenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis].

Devlikamova, F I, Safina, D R·Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova·2025

This review combined results from 11 studies testing a medication called fonturacetam (also known as Actitropil) in people with asthenia—a medical term for persistent exhaustion and lack of energy. After one month of treatment at 200 mg daily, patients reported significantly less fatigue, with improvements also seen in sleep, mood, thinking ability, and overall quality of life. About 5.5% of patients experienced mild, temporary side effects that went away within a week.

SleepCognitive Impairment

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Clinical evidence of the link between gut microbiome and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: a retrospective review.

Wang, Jing-Hua, Choi, Yujin, Lee, Jin-Seok et al.·European journal of medical research·2024

Researchers reviewed 11 studies comparing gut bacteria in ME/CFS patients to healthy people. They found that people with ME/CFS have fewer types of bacteria and different bacterial communities in their guts compared to healthy controls. Additionally, ME/CFS patients produce lower levels of certain beneficial bacterial byproducts that are normally important for health.

Gut Microbiome

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredMeta-Analysis

Does the effect of cognitive behavior therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) vary by patient characteristics? A systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis.

Kuut, T A, Buffart, L M, Braamse, A M J et al.·Psychological medicine·2024

This study combined data from 8 clinical trials involving 1,298 people with ME/CFS to see whether cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) works and who benefits most from it. Researchers found that CBT did help reduce fatigue, improve daily functioning, and increase physical activity—but the amount of benefit varied depending on patient characteristics like age, how much disability someone had, and their activity patterns. Younger patients, those with less severe disability at the start, and those with fluctuating activity patterns saw the most improvement.

Severe MEPost-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Research progress in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome through interventions targeting the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis.

Zhang, Yi-Dan, Wang, Li-Na·Frontiers in endocrinology·2024

This review examines how ME/CFS affects the body's stress-response system, called the HPA axis, which controls cortisol (a stress hormone). Research shows that people with ME/CFS tend to have lower cortisol levels, less natural variation in cortisol throughout the day, and a weaker response to stress compared to healthy people. Understanding these hormone changes may help explain why ME/CFS patients experience extreme fatigue and other symptoms, and could guide new treatments.

Endocrine Disruption

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

[Long COVID - neurological or somatoform disease?].

Tényi, Dalma, Tényi, Tamás, Janszky, József·Ideggyogyaszati szemle·2024

This study reviews research on long COVID to understand what causes its main symptoms like extreme fatigue, pain, and brain fog. Doctors are still debating whether long COVID is primarily a brain/nerve disease, a whole-body illness affecting multiple systems, or a condition where the brain becomes overly sensitive to signals. The researchers found that long COVID shares many similarities with ME/CFS and other hard-to-diagnose conditions, but no single test currently exists to confirm long COVID diagnosis.

NeuroinflammationPost-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearMeta-Analysis

Meta-analysis of natural killer cell cytotoxicity in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Baraniuk, James N, Eaton-Fitch, Natalie, Marshall-Gradisnik, Sonya·Frontiers in immunology·2024

Researchers combined results from 28 previous studies to confirm that people with ME/CFS have natural killer (NK) cells—a type of immune cell that fights infections and abnormal cells—that work at about half the strength of healthy people's NK cells. This is one of the most reliable biological differences found in ME/CFS. The analysis confirms this is a real, consistent problem in the condition.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredGuideline

Celiac Disease-Related Conditions: Who to Test?

Zingone, Fabiana, Bai, Julio C, Cellier, Christophe et al.·Gastroenterology·2024

This review looked at which patients should be tested for celiac disease, a condition where the immune system reacts to gluten in food. The authors found that celiac disease is often missed and recommend testing in people with certain autoimmune diseases, digestive problems, thyroid disease, and other specific conditions—including chronic fatigue syndrome. They suggest blood tests first, with biopsies during endoscopy if needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Diagnostics

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredReview-Narrative

Epigenetic reprograming in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: A narrative of latent viruses.

Apostolou, Eirini, Rosén, Anders·Journal of internal medicine·2024

This review examines how viruses, particularly Epstein-Barr virus, may cause lasting changes to how our cells work in ME/CFS patients. The authors found that in about 70% of ME/CFS cases, the illness begins after a viral infection, and viruses can hide in the body while triggering long-term problems with energy, thinking, and immune function. Understanding these viral-triggered changes could help explain why different patients experience ME/CFS differently and may lead to better treatments.

Immune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

[Multimodal Treatment Strategies for Homebound Patients with Severe ME/CFS: A Scoping Review].

Mayer-Huber, Sandra, Kircher, Alissa, Eberhartinger, Maria et al.·Gesundheitswesen (Bundesverband der Arzte des Offentlichen Gesundheitsdienstes (Germany))·2024

This review looked at 14 published studies about ways to treat people with severe ME/CFS who are homebound or bedbound. The researchers found that the most helpful approaches were either home visits from healthcare providers or telemedicine (video/phone appointments). The studies highlighted that treatment works best when it's flexible, tailored to each person's daily needs, and includes family members in the care plan.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

The use and effectiveness of exercise for managing postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in young adults with joint hypermobility and related conditions: A scoping review.

Peebles, Karen C, Jacobs, Charl, Makaroff, Logan et al.·Autonomic neuroscience : basic & clinical·2024

This review looked at 10 studies examining whether exercise helps people with POTS (a condition causing dizziness and fast heart rate when standing) who also have joint hypermobility, chronic fatigue, or fibromyalgia. The research found that 3 months of gradually increasing exercise—starting lying down and progressing to standing—reduced POTS symptoms and improved quality of life. However, very few studies have specifically tested exercise in people with the combination of POTS and joint hypermobility problems.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Systematic review of fatigue severity in ME/CFS patients: insights from randomized controlled trials.

Park, Jae-Woong, Park, Byung-Jin, Lee, Jin-Seok et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2024

This study looked at 60 previous clinical trials involving over 7,000 ME/CFS patients to understand how severe their fatigue really is. Researchers converted all the different fatigue measurements used in these trials into a common scale (0-100) so they could compare results. They found that ME/CFS patients experience very high fatigue levels (around 78 out of 100), affecting their thinking, physical abilities, and mood in different ways.

Diagnostics

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Ear abnormalities in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia (FM), Coronavirus-19 infectious disease (COVID) and long-COVID syndrome (PCS), sick-building syndrome (SBS), post-orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (PoTS), and autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA): A systematic review.

Skare, Thelma L, de Carvalho, Jozélio Freire, de Medeiros, Italo Roberto Torres et al.·Autoimmunity reviews·2024

This review examined hearing and balance problems (including hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, and vertigo) reported across multiple conditions including ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, and long COVID. Researchers searched medical literature from 1990 to 2024 and found that while hearing problems are common, balance problems are less frequently reported. The study suggests these symptoms may stem from immune system dysfunction affecting the inner ear.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Epigenetic changes in patients with post-acute COVID-19 symptoms (PACS) and long-COVID: A systematic review.

Shekhar Patil, Madhura, Richter, Emma, Fanning, Lara et al.·Expert reviews in molecular medicine·2024

This review examined research on how long-COVID changes the way genes are turned on and off in the body—a process called epigenetics. Researchers found that these changes may affect the immune system, nervous system, and how cells use energy. While the findings are interesting and promise better treatments in the future, current research is still limited in size and quality.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredSystematic-Review

Qigong and Tai Chi for ME/CFS: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Markwart, Michaela, Felsenstein, Donna, Mehta, Darshan H et al.·Global advances in integrative medicine and health·2024

This review looked at studies testing whether Qigong (a gentle Chinese exercise practice) might help people with ME/CFS. Researchers found 5 good-quality studies with a total of 481 people. The results suggest Qigong may help reduce symptom severity and improve both physical and emotional well-being, though more research is needed to be sure. Currently, there are no similar high-quality studies on Tai Chi for ME/CFS.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Autoimmune Autonomic Neuropathy: From Pathogenesis to Diagnosis.

Nakane, Shunya, Koike, Haruki, Hayashi, Tomohiro et al.·International journal of molecular sciences·2024

This review describes autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy (AAG), a rare condition where the immune system attacks nerve cells that control automatic body functions like heart rate and blood pressure. The authors explain how doctors can diagnose AAG and how it differs from other similar conditions, including ME/CFS and long COVID, which can have overlapping symptoms.

Autonomic Nervous SystemDiagnostics

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Evaluation of safety and effectiveness of NAD in different clinical conditions: a systematic review.

Gindri, Izabelle de Mello, Ferrari, Gustavo, Pinto, Luiz Paulo S et al.·American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism·2024

This review examined whether taking NAD+ or NADH supplements (molecules that help cells produce energy) are safe and helpful for people with different health conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome. Researchers looked at 10 clinical trials involving 489 people and found that these supplements were generally well-tolerated, with some people reporting improvements in fatigue, quality of life, and sleep. The most common side effects were mild and included muscle pain, headaches, and sleep disturbances, but nothing serious.

Sleep

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredReview-Narrative

The gastrointestinal microbiota in the development of ME/CFS: a critical view and potential perspectives.

Stallmach, Andreas, Quickert, Stefanie, Puta, Christian et al.·Frontiers in immunology·2024

This review examines whether changes in gut bacteria might play a role in ME/CFS, particularly in cases that develop after infections like COVID-19. The authors found that many ME/CFS patients do show differences in their gut bacteria compared to healthy people, and these changes might trigger immune and inflammatory problems. However, the review concludes that current research hasn't proven that gut bacteria changes actually cause ME/CFS—only that they often occur together.

Immune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

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AI in Medical Questionnaires: Scoping Review.

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS): diagnosis and management.

Review of the Research Progress and Future Prospects of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

[Efficacy and safety of fonturacetam in asthenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis].

Clinical evidence of the link between gut microbiome and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: a retrospective review.

Does the effect of cognitive behavior therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) vary by patient characteristics? A systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis.

Research progress in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome through interventions targeting the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis.

[Long COVID - neurological or somatoform disease?].

Meta-analysis of natural killer cell cytotoxicity in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Celiac Disease-Related Conditions: Who to Test?

Epigenetic reprograming in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: A narrative of latent viruses.

[Multimodal Treatment Strategies for Homebound Patients with Severe ME/CFS: A Scoping Review].

The use and effectiveness of exercise for managing postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in young adults with joint hypermobility and related conditions: A scoping review.

Systematic review of fatigue severity in ME/CFS patients: insights from randomized controlled trials.

Epigenetic changes in patients with post-acute COVID-19 symptoms (PACS) and long-COVID: A systematic review.

Qigong and Tai Chi for ME/CFS: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Autoimmune Autonomic Neuropathy: From Pathogenesis to Diagnosis.

Evaluation of safety and effectiveness of NAD in different clinical conditions: a systematic review.

The gastrointestinal microbiota in the development of ME/CFS: a critical view and potential perspectives.

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