ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

2782 studies

541–560 of 2,782 studies

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredLongitudinal

Impact of a mid-urethral synthetic mesh sling on long-term risk of systemic conditions in women with stress urinary incontinence: a national cohort study.

Muller, P, Gurol-Urganci, I, Thakar, R et al.·BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology·2022

This study looked at whether a surgical mesh implant used to treat urinary leakage in women increases the risk of developing systemic diseases like autoimmune conditions, fibromyalgia, or ME/CFS. Researchers compared nearly 89,000 women who received mesh surgery to about 3,400 women who had surgery without mesh, following them for up to 10 years. The study found no evidence that mesh surgery increased the risk of these systemic conditions.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCase-Control

Revisiting IgG Antibody Reactivity to Epstein-Barr Virus in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Its Potential Application to Disease Diagnosis.

Sepúlveda, Nuno, Malato, João, Sotzny, Franziska et al.·Frontiers in medicine·2022

This study looked at antibody responses to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a common virus linked to ME/CFS onset in some patients. Researchers analyzed blood samples from 92 ME/CFS patients and 50 healthy people, testing reactions to over 3,000 EBV proteins. They found that in patients whose ME/CFS started after a suspected EBV infection, two specific viral proteins triggered stronger antibody responses than in healthy controls. These antibody patterns could correctly identify about 83% of infected patients and 72% of healthy people, suggesting they might become useful diagnostic markers.

BiomarkersImmune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Small-Fiber Polyneuropathy Is Prevalent in Patients With Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome.

Wolff, Dylan T, Xu, Raymond, Overholt, Tyler et al.·Urogynecology (Philadelphia, Pa.)·2022

Researchers found that about one-third of people with bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) have small-fiber polyneuropathy (SFPN), a condition where tiny nerves in the skin are damaged or reduced. Notably, people with SFPN were significantly more likely to also have chronic fatigue syndrome (31% vs 10.6%). This suggests these two painful conditions may share a common nerve-related mechanism.

E2 ModerateDiagnosticPEM unclearMethods-Paper

Comparing Operationalized Approaches for Substantial Reduction of Functioning in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

Wiedbusch, Elzbieta, Jason, Leonard A·Archives of community medicine·2022

This study looked at five different ways to measure how much ME/CFS reduces a person's ability to function in daily life—something that is a key part of diagnosis. Using a large international group of over 2,300 patients and 359 healthy controls, researchers found that all five methods worked reasonably well, but a simple single-question approach was the best at identifying who actually had ME/CFS. This suggests doctors could use an easier, faster method to assess this important symptom.

Diagnostics

E2 ModeratePEM unclearRegistry-Resource

The Facilitation of Clinical and Therapeutic Discoveries in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Related Diseases: Protocol for the You + ME Registry Research Platform.

Ramiller, Allison, Mudie, Kathleen, Seibert, Elle et al.·JMIR research protocols·2022

Researchers created a registry called 'You + ME' to collect health information from thousands of people with ME/CFS, long COVID, and healthy volunteers over time. By gathering this large amount of data in one place, researchers hope to better understand why people get sick differently and develop new treatments. As of September 2021, over 4,200 people had joined, with most participants finding the registry helpful and likely to recommend it to others.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Differences in Symptoms among Black and White Patients with ME/CFS.

Jason, Leonard A, Torres, Chelsea·Journal of clinical medicine·2022

This study looked at whether ME/CFS symptoms differ between Black and White patients. Researchers compared 19 Black patients with ME/CFS to White patients with ME/CFS and healthy people without the condition. They found that ME/CFS patients had notably different symptoms compared to healthy controls, but Black and White ME/CFS patients reported very similar symptom patterns.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Dysregulated autoantibodies targeting vaso- and immunoregulatory receptors in Post COVID Syndrome correlate with symptom severity.

Sotzny, Franziska, Filgueiras, Igor Salerno, Kedor, Claudia et al.·Frontiers in immunology·2022

This study looked at whether certain antibodies in the blood—proteins the immune system makes that sometimes attack the body's own tissues—might explain why some people with long COVID develop ME/CFS symptoms like severe fatigue and blood flow problems. Researchers compared antibody levels in 80 patients with long COVID (40 with ME/CFS) against healthy people and found that patients had different patterns of these antibodies, particularly ones affecting blood vessels and the nervous system. The severity of fatigue and blood pressure/temperature regulation problems seemed connected to lower levels of a specific antibody (ADRB2), suggesting the immune system's dysregulation may play a role in these symptoms.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Post-COVID-19 Syndrome: Retinal Microcirculation as a Potential Marker for Chronic Fatigue.

Schlick, Sarah, Lucio, Marianna, Wallukat, Gerd et al.·International journal of molecular sciences·2022

Researchers studied whether tiny blood vessels in the eye could be a measurable sign of fatigue in people with long COVID. Using a special imaging technique to look at blood vessels in the retina (back of the eye), they found that people with long COVID—especially women—had reduced blood flow in these tiny vessels compared to healthy people. Those with long COVID who reported severe fatigue had even lower blood vessel density than those with milder fatigue, suggesting the eye scan might objectively confirm what patients report feeling.

Biomarkers

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Pathway Phenotypes Underpinning Depression, Anxiety, and Chronic Fatigue Symptoms Due to Acute Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Precision Nomothetic Psychiatry Analysis.

Smesam, Hasan Najah, Qazmooz, Hasan Abbas, Khayoon, Sinan Qayes et al.·Journal of personalized medicine·2022

This study looked at 118 people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA, an autoimmune disease affecting joints) and 50 healthy people to understand why RA patients often experience depression, anxiety, and fatigue. Researchers measured immune system markers and psychological symptoms, finding that about 70% of these mental and fatigue symptoms could be explained by the same immune system problems that cause RA itself.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

The Presentation of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Is Not Influenced by the Presence or Absence of Joint Hypermobility.

Vogel, Sarah K, Primavera, Isabelle R, Marden, Colleen L et al.·The Journal of pediatrics·2022

This study looked at whether people with ME/CFS who have unusually flexible joints (joint hypermobility) experience the illness differently than those without this feature. Researchers compared 55 patients and found no meaningful differences between the two groups in terms of when symptoms started, how severe they were, or how much the condition affected their daily lives. Even though joint hypermobility may increase the risk of developing ME/CFS, having it does not appear to change how the illness presents or progresses.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Systemic antibody responses against human microbiota flagellins are overrepresented in chronic fatigue syndrome patients.

Vogl, Thomas, Kalka, Iris N, Klompus, Shelley et al.·Science advances·2022

Researchers found that people with severe ME/CFS have different immune responses against bacteria in their gut compared to healthy people. Specifically, their blood contains more antibodies (immune proteins) that target flagella, which are whip-like structures used by certain gut bacteria to move. This immune signature was so distinctive that a computer algorithm could use it to help identify ME/CFS patients.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Autoimmune gene expression profiling of fingerstick whole blood in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Wang, Zheng, Waldman, Michelle F, Basavanhally, Tara J et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2022

Researchers tested blood samples from 166 ME/CFS patients and 83 healthy people to look for immune system clues that might explain the disease. They found that six specific genes related to immune function were more active in patients with severe, bedridden ME/CFS compared to those with milder disease. The study suggests these genes could potentially be used as biomarkers to identify how severe someone's ME/CFS is and might point toward new treatments.

BiomarkersImmune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Long-term sequelae of COVID-19 (myalgic encephalomyelitis): An international cross-sectional study.

Shaheen, Nour, Shaheen, Ahmed·Medicine·2022

This study examined how COVID-19 affects people's health long after the initial infection, including whether some people develop ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis) as a result. Researchers planned to survey 20,000 people worldwide about their ongoing symptoms weeks to months after COVID-19 infection, using detailed questionnaires to capture a wide range of both common and unusual long-term effects. The goal was to understand who develops long-term problems and whether COVID-19 can trigger ME/CFS in previously healthy people.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCase-Control

Psychogenic Pseudosyncope: Real or Imaginary? Results from a Case-Control Study in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Patients.

van Campen, C Linda M C, Visser, Frans C·Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)·2022

Some ME/CFS patients experience frequent fainting or near-fainting spells and have been told these are psychological in origin. This study compared brain blood flow in ME/CFS patients with these spells to ME/CFS patients without them during a tilt test (where you're gradually tilted upright). The group with fainting spells showed a much larger drop in blood flow to the brain, suggesting their symptoms have a physical cause rather than a psychiatric one.

Autonomic Nervous System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearObservational

Epipharyngeal Abrasive Therapy (EAT) Has Potential as a Novel Method for Long COVID Treatment.

Imai, Kazuaki, Yamano, Takafumi, Nishi, Soichiro et al.·Viruses·2022

This study tested a Japanese treatment called epipharyngeal abrasive therapy (EAT) on 58 long COVID patients. The treatment involves applying zinc chloride to the back of the throat to reduce inflammation. Patients received weekly treatments for one month, and three common symptoms—fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating—improved significantly after treatment.

Cognitive Impairment

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearObservational

Key Features of a Multi-Disciplinary Hospital-Based Rehabilitation Program for Children and Adolescents with Moderate to Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ME/CFS.

Hiremath, Sonya, Doukrou, Montserrat, Flannery, Halina et al.·International journal of environmental research and public health·2022

This study looked at 27 children and teenagers with moderate to severe ME/CFS who stayed in a hospital and received coordinated care from multiple medical professionals. Most patients (85%) showed improvement in at least one important area of their lives, such as being able to move around better, return to school, sleep better, or enjoy social activities. These results suggest that hospital-based rehabilitation programs can help young people with severe ME/CFS improve their quality of life.

Sleep

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearObservational

Oxaloacetate Treatment For Mental And Physical Fatigue In Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long-COVID fatigue patients: a non-randomized controlled clinical trial.

Cash, Alan, Kaufman, David Lyons·Journal of translational medicine·2022

This study tested whether a supplement called oxaloacetate could help reduce fatigue in ME/CFS and Long COVID patients. Over 6 weeks, patients taking oxaloacetate showed significant improvements in both mental and physical fatigue—with ME/CFS patients improving by 22–33% depending on dose, and Long COVID patients improving by up to 47%—compared to expected placebo improvements of about 6%.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredObservational

Neurological Involvement in COVID-19 Among Non-Hospitalized Adolescents and Young Adults.

Havdal, Lise Beier, Berven, Lise Lund, Selvakumar, Joel et al.·Frontiers in neurology·2022

This study looked at young people (ages 12-25) who had COVID-19 but were not hospitalized, comparing them to people who didn't have COVID-19. Researchers found that COVID-19 patients reported more fatigue and post-exertional malaise (PEM)—a worsening of symptoms after physical activity—and had slightly elevated markers of brain injury in their blood. However, their thinking and memory abilities tested normally, and the blood markers didn't directly correlate with their symptoms.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateCohortPEM requiredCross-Sectional

Volumetric differences in hippocampal subfields and associations with clinical measures in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Thapaliya, Kiran, Staines, Donald, Marshall-Gradisnik, Sonya et al.·Journal of neuroscience research·2022

Researchers used brain imaging to examine a part of the brain called the hippocampus, which is important for memory and thinking. They found that people with ME/CFS who met stricter diagnostic criteria had some structural differences in specific regions of their hippocampus compared to healthy people, and these differences were connected to how severe their fatigue and pain were. This finding supports the idea that ME/CFS involves real physical changes in the brain that may explain memory and cognitive problems patients experience.

Cognitive Impairment

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

A comparison of health-related factors between patients diagnosed with ME/CFS and patients with a related symptom picture but no ME/CFS diagnosis: a cross-sectional exploratory study.

Bernhoff, Gabriella, Rasmussen-Barr, Eva, Bunketorp Käll, Lina·Journal of translational medicine·2022

This study compared 205 people diagnosed with ME/CFS to 57 people with similar symptoms who were not diagnosed with ME/CFS. The researchers found that those with an ME/CFS diagnosis reported greater difficulties with physical and mental effort, more pain, and worse overall health than the undiagnosed group. Interestingly, both groups reported similar levels of anxiety, depression, and weekly physical activity, suggesting that what makes ME/CFS distinct may be specifically how the body reacts to exertion rather than activity levels alone.

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Evidence browser

Impact of a mid-urethral synthetic mesh sling on long-term risk of systemic conditions in women with stress urinary incontinence: a national cohort study.

Revisiting IgG Antibody Reactivity to Epstein-Barr Virus in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Its Potential Application to Disease Diagnosis.

Small-Fiber Polyneuropathy Is Prevalent in Patients With Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome.

Comparing Operationalized Approaches for Substantial Reduction of Functioning in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

The Facilitation of Clinical and Therapeutic Discoveries in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Related Diseases: Protocol for the You + ME Registry Research Platform.

Differences in Symptoms among Black and White Patients with ME/CFS.

Dysregulated autoantibodies targeting vaso- and immunoregulatory receptors in Post COVID Syndrome correlate with symptom severity.

Post-COVID-19 Syndrome: Retinal Microcirculation as a Potential Marker for Chronic Fatigue.

Pathway Phenotypes Underpinning Depression, Anxiety, and Chronic Fatigue Symptoms Due to Acute Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Precision Nomothetic Psychiatry Analysis.

The Presentation of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Is Not Influenced by the Presence or Absence of Joint Hypermobility.

Systemic antibody responses against human microbiota flagellins are overrepresented in chronic fatigue syndrome patients.

Autoimmune gene expression profiling of fingerstick whole blood in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Long-term sequelae of COVID-19 (myalgic encephalomyelitis): An international cross-sectional study.

Psychogenic Pseudosyncope: Real or Imaginary? Results from a Case-Control Study in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Patients.

Epipharyngeal Abrasive Therapy (EAT) Has Potential as a Novel Method for Long COVID Treatment.

Key Features of a Multi-Disciplinary Hospital-Based Rehabilitation Program for Children and Adolescents with Moderate to Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ME/CFS.

Oxaloacetate Treatment For Mental And Physical Fatigue In Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long-COVID fatigue patients: a non-randomized controlled clinical trial.

Neurological Involvement in COVID-19 Among Non-Hospitalized Adolescents and Young Adults.

Volumetric differences in hippocampal subfields and associations with clinical measures in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

A comparison of health-related factors between patients diagnosed with ME/CFS and patients with a related symptom picture but no ME/CFS diagnosis: a cross-sectional exploratory study.

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