ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

2795 studies

801–820 of 2,795 studies

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredObservational

Feedback on underperformance in patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The impact on subsequent neuropsychological test performance.

Roor, Jeroen J, Knoop, Hans, Dandachi-FitzGerald, Brechje et al.·Applied neuropsychology. Adult·2020

This study looked at whether telling ME/CFS patients about their poor performance on memory tests could help them do better on brain function tests afterward. Researchers gave one group of patients feedback about underperformance while another group got no feedback. The group that received feedback showed meaningful improvement in processing speed (how quickly the brain handles information), suggesting that simple feedback might help doctors get a more accurate picture of a patient's actual cognitive abilities.

Cognitive Impairment

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Metabolic Dysfunction in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Not Due to Anti-mitochondrial Antibodies.

Nilsson, Isabell, Palmer, Jeremy, Apostolou, Eirini et al.·Frontiers in medicine·2020

Researchers tested whether ME/CFS patients have immune system antibodies that attack their mitochondria (the energy-producing parts of cells), similar to what happens in a different disease called primary biliary cholangitis. They found that ME/CFS patients almost never have these specific antibodies, while patients with the other disease have them consistently. This suggests that the energy problems seen in ME/CFS are caused by something other than the immune system attacking mitochondria.

Energy Metabolism

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Identification of actin network proteins, talin-1 and filamin-A, in circulating extracellular vesicles as blood biomarkers for human myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Eguchi, Akiko, Fukuda, Sanae, Kuratsune, Hirohiko et al.·Brain, behavior, and immunity·2020

This study found that people with ME/CFS have higher levels of tiny particles called extracellular vesicles in their blood, which contain specific proteins (talin-1 and filamin-A) that appear to be unique markers of the disease. By measuring these particles and proteins in a simple blood test, researchers were able to correctly identify ME/CFS patients about 90-94% of the time, suggesting this could become a useful diagnostic tool.

BiomarkersImmune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Paradigm shift to disequilibrium in the genesis of orthostatic intolerance in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Miwa, Kunihisa, Inoue, Yukichi·International Journal of Cardiology. Hypertension·2020

This study looked at why people with ME/CFS struggle to stand up without feeling dizzy or unsteady. Researchers tested 72 patients and found that balance problems while standing (disequilibrium) were much more common in those who couldn't complete a 10-minute standing test than previously thought. The study suggests that poor balance, rather than just heart rate problems, may be a main reason why standing is so difficult for many ME/CFS patients.

Autonomic Nervous System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

Processing of Laser-Evoked Potentials in Patients with Chronic Whiplash-Associated Disorders, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Healthy Controls: A Case-Control Study.

Goudman, Lisa, Daenen, Liesbeth, Mouraux, Andre et al.·Pain medicine (Malden, Mass.)·2020

Researchers used a specialized brain test called laser-evoked potentials (LEPs) to measure how the nervous system responds to heat pain in ME/CFS patients, whiplash patients, and healthy people. The test involved brief laser pulses applied to the hand and foot while recording brain activity. The study found that ME/CFS patients' nervous systems responded to pain in basically the same way as healthy people, which suggests their pain-sensing pathways are working normally.

Pain and Sensitization

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Assessing functioning in adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome: psychometric properties and factor structure of the School and Social Adjustment Scale and the Physical Functioning Subscale of the SF36.

Loades, M E, Vitoratou, S, Rimes, K A et al.·Behavioural and cognitive psychotherapy·2020

This study tested two short questionnaires to measure how much ME/CFS affects young people's daily activities—both at school and socially, and their physical abilities. The researchers found that both questionnaires work well, are reliable, and accurately capture the impact of the illness. These tools could help doctors and researchers better track how adolescents with ME/CFS are functioning over time.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearObservational

Paediatric patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome value understanding and help to move on with their lives.

Rowe, Katherine·Acta paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)·2020

This study followed 784 young people (ages 6-18) with ME/CFS over 14 years at a specialized clinic in Melbourne. The patients received help with symptom management and personalized lifestyle plans adjusted to their severity of illness and individual circumstances. Most patients who responded said the management approach helped them regain control of their lives and stay socially connected and engaged in school.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

The presence of overlapping quality of life symptoms in primary antibody deficiency (PAD) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

Bansal, Rhea A, Tadros, Susan, Bansal, Amolak S·Allergy, asthma, and clinical immunology : official journal of the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·2020

This study looked at whether people with primary antibody deficiency (PAD)—a condition where the immune system doesn't make enough protective proteins—also experience ME/CFS-like symptoms. Researchers sent questionnaires to over 680 PAD patients and found that about 16% of those who responded had symptoms matching ME/CFS criteria, which is much higher than the general population. The study also found that sleep problems, fatigue, anxiety, and low mood were very common in PAD patients.

Sleep

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredObservational

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Chronic Pain Conditions in Men: A Twin Study.

Gasperi, Marianna, Panizzon, Matthew, Goldberg, Jack et al.·Psychosomatic medicine·2020

This study looked at whether trauma-related stress (PTSD) and chronic pain conditions share common causes in twins. Using data from nearly 5,000 male twins, researchers found that both genetics and life experiences contribute to why people with PTSD often also develop chronic pain. The study suggests these two problems frequently occur together because they share some of the same underlying risk factors.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredObservational

Breathing pattern disorders (dysfunctional breathing) characteristics and outcomes of children and young people attending a secondary care respiratory clinic.

Newson, Timothy P, Elias, Annie·Pediatric pulmonology·2020

This study looked at 18 young people (ages 11-16) who had breathing pattern disorders—abnormal ways of breathing that caused problems like chest tightness, difficulty breathing during exercise, or feeling like their throat was closing. Most of these young people also had asthma, anxiety, or other conditions. When properly diagnosed and treated by a speech therapist, most improved significantly and felt more confident managing their symptoms, though it often took months to get the right diagnosis.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Clinically accessible tools for documenting the impact of orthostatic intolerance on symptoms and function in ME/CFS.

Lee, Jihyun, Wall, Pelle, Kimler, Chris et al.·Work (Reading, Mass.)·2020

This study looked at how much time ME/CFS patients can spend upright (standing or walking around) each day and how this relates to dizziness and other symptoms caused by orthostatic intolerance—a condition where symptoms get worse when standing or being active. Researchers compared 25 women with ME/CFS to 25 healthy women and found that ME/CFS patients spend far fewer hours upright and experience much worse symptoms that interfere with daily life. The study suggests that measuring upright hours and asking patients about orthostatic symptoms could be helpful tools for doctors diagnosing and managing ME/CFS.

Autonomic Nervous System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

MCP-1 is increased in patients with CFS and FM, whilst several other immune markers are significantly lower than healthy controls.

Groven, Nina, Fors, Egil Andreas, Stunes, Astrid Kamilla et al.·Brain, behavior, & immunity - health·2020

This study looked at immune system markers in the blood of people with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia compared to healthy people. Researchers found that one immune marker called MCP-1 was higher in patients, while many other immune markers were actually lower than in healthy controls. This suggests the immune system may work differently in these conditions, though the exact meaning of these differences is still unclear.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Confirmatory factor analysis of a myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome stigma scale.

Terman, Julia M, Awsumb, Jessica M, Cotler, Joseph et al.·Journal of health psychology·2020

This study measured how much stigma (negative judgments and social shame) people with ME/CFS experience. Over 550 people with ME/CFS from around the world filled out a survey designed to assess stigma, feelings of isolation, and concerns about disclosing their illness. The researchers found that people with ME/CFS reported high levels of stigma and struggled with whether to tell others about their condition.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Evidence of widespread metabolite abnormalities in Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: assessment with whole-brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Mueller, Christina, Lin, Joanne C, Sheriff, Sulaiman et al.·Brain imaging and behavior·2020

Researchers used advanced brain imaging to measure chemical substances in the brains of ME/CFS patients and compared them to healthy people. They found several differences in brain chemistry and temperature in ME/CFS patients, particularly in areas involved in processing pain and regulating energy. These changes suggest that inflammation in the brain may contribute to ME/CFS symptoms.

Neuroinflammation

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Patterns of daytime physical activity in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

King, E, Beynon, M, Chalder, T et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2020

Researchers studied how 579 ME/CFS patients moved and exercised during their daily lives using activity monitors. They found that patients fell into four different activity patterns: some stayed quite inactive, some stayed fairly active, some had a 'boom and bust' pattern (very active then very inactive), and some had mixed patterns. Each group showed different health characteristics—inactive patients had more physical disability, active patients had more anxiety, and boom-and-bust patients had more sleep problems.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Mapping of pathological change in chronic fatigue syndrome using the ratio of T1- and T2-weighted MRI scans.

Thapaliya, Kiran, Marshall-Gradisnik, Sonya, Staines, Don et al.·NeuroImage. Clinical·2020

Researchers used a special type of brain imaging (MRI scans) to look for physical changes in the brains of people with ME/CFS compared to healthy people. They found that people with ME/CFS had higher levels of myelin (the protective covering around nerve fibers) and/or iron in specific brain regions, particularly in areas deep in the brain and in white matter tracts. These changes were linked to ME/CFS symptoms like cognitive problems, heart rate variability, breathing patterns, and physical well-being.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredObservational

Hospital Records of Pain, Fatigue, or Circulatory Symptoms in Girls Exposed to Human Papillomavirus Vaccination: Cohort, Self-Controlled Case Series, and Population Time Trend Studies.

Thomsen, Reimar Wernich, Öztürk, Buket, Pedersen, Lars et al.·American journal of epidemiology·2020

This large Danish study looked at whether the HPV vaccine (which prevents cervical cancer) was linked to symptoms like pain, fatigue, or heart problems in girls. Researchers compared vaccinated and unvaccinated girls over 14 years and found no increase in hospital visits for these symptoms in vaccinated girls. The symptoms they tracked increased over time in both vaccinated and unvaccinated children, suggesting other factors were responsible.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Patients with ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and chronic pain report similar level of sickness behavior as individuals injected with bacterial endotoxin at peak inflammation.

Jonsjö, Martin A, Åström, Jenny, Jones, Michael P et al.·Brain, behavior, & immunity - health·2020

This study compared how 'sick' people with ME/CFS and chronic pain feel compared to other groups. Researchers found that ME/CFS and chronic pain patients reported feeling as sick as healthy people who were given a bacterial toxin to trigger temporary inflammation. These high levels of sickness feelings were similar across both conditions and higher than what primary care patients reported, suggesting that the persistent sickness sensation in ME/CFS and chronic pain may involve similar biological mechanisms related to inflammation and how the brain processes illness signals.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Health-related quality of life in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: an Australian cross-sectional study.

Eaton-Fitch, N, Johnston, S C, Zalewski, P et al.·Quality of life research : an international journal of quality of life aspects of treatment, care and rehabilitation·2020

This Australian study of 480 people with ME/CFS found that the condition severely impacts quality of life across all major areas—physical functioning, emotional well-being, pain, and energy levels. People with ME/CFS scored much lower on quality of life measures compared to the general population, with the lowest scores for physical activities and fatigue. The study identified specific symptoms like cognitive difficulties, sleep problems, and cardiovascular issues that are most strongly linked to reduced quality of life.

Pain and SensitizationSleepCognitive Impairment

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Reductions in Cerebral Blood Flow Can Be Provoked by Sitting in Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients.

Campen, C Linda Mc van, Rowe, Peter C, Visser, Frans C·Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)·2020

This study tested whether a simple sitting test could detect blood flow problems in the brains of severely ill ME/CFS patients. Researchers found that 90% of severe ME/CFS patients had significant drops in brain blood flow when sitting upright—dropping by about 24.5%—while healthy people's brain blood flow barely changed. This sitting test was easier to tolerate than standard tilt tests and could be useful for diagnosing blood flow problems in the most severely affected patients.

Autonomic Nervous System

← Previous Next 20 studies →

Or browse by topic

PEM Immune Neuro Metabolic Biomarkers Severe ME Long COVID Cognitive

Evidence Atlas

Evidence browser

Feedback on underperformance in patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The impact on subsequent neuropsychological test performance.

Metabolic Dysfunction in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Not Due to Anti-mitochondrial Antibodies.

Identification of actin network proteins, talin-1 and filamin-A, in circulating extracellular vesicles as blood biomarkers for human myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Paradigm shift to disequilibrium in the genesis of orthostatic intolerance in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Processing of Laser-Evoked Potentials in Patients with Chronic Whiplash-Associated Disorders, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Healthy Controls: A Case-Control Study.

Assessing functioning in adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome: psychometric properties and factor structure of the School and Social Adjustment Scale and the Physical Functioning Subscale of the SF36.

Paediatric patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome value understanding and help to move on with their lives.

The presence of overlapping quality of life symptoms in primary antibody deficiency (PAD) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Chronic Pain Conditions in Men: A Twin Study.

Breathing pattern disorders (dysfunctional breathing) characteristics and outcomes of children and young people attending a secondary care respiratory clinic.

Clinically accessible tools for documenting the impact of orthostatic intolerance on symptoms and function in ME/CFS.

MCP-1 is increased in patients with CFS and FM, whilst several other immune markers are significantly lower than healthy controls.

Confirmatory factor analysis of a myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome stigma scale.

Evidence of widespread metabolite abnormalities in Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: assessment with whole-brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Patterns of daytime physical activity in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Mapping of pathological change in chronic fatigue syndrome using the ratio of T1- and T2-weighted MRI scans.

Hospital Records of Pain, Fatigue, or Circulatory Symptoms in Girls Exposed to Human Papillomavirus Vaccination: Cohort, Self-Controlled Case Series, and Population Time Trend Studies.

Patients with ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and chronic pain report similar level of sickness behavior as individuals injected with bacterial endotoxin at peak inflammation.

Health-related quality of life in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: an Australian cross-sectional study.

Reductions in Cerebral Blood Flow Can Be Provoked by Sitting in Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients.

Curated Collections

Neuroinflammation Evidence

Metabolism & Mitochondria

Biomarkers

PEM-Specific Research