ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

2420 studies

341–360 of 2,420 studies

E3 PreliminaryGuidelinePEM requiredGuideline

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) in Adolescents: Practical Guidance and Management Challenges.

Rowe, Katherine·Adolescent health, medicine and therapeutics·2023

ME/CFS is a serious illness causing extreme tiredness that doesn't improve with rest, along with worsening after activity, brain fog, poor sleep, and sometimes dizziness and pain. This paper reviews what we know about treating ME/CFS in teenagers and young people, finding that currently there are no proven cure treatments, but symptom management and lifestyle adjustments help most. The study emphasizes that staying connected to school and having supportive doctors who listen made the biggest difference in how well young people managed their illness over time.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearMechanistic

Genetic risk factors for severe and fatigue dominant long COVID and commonalities with ME/CFS identified by combinatorial analysis.

Taylor, Krystyna, Pearson, Matthew, Das, Sayoni et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2023

Researchers studied the genetic differences between people with long COVID to understand why some develop severe symptoms while others mainly experience extreme fatigue. They found that certain genetic variations, especially in genes related to brain function and metabolism, may influence how the disease develops. Importantly, they discovered that some of the same genetic patterns appear in both long COVID and ME/CFS patients, suggesting these conditions may share similar underlying biological mechanisms.

Energy MetabolismImmune System

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM requiredObservational

Atopy and Elevation of IgE, IgG3, and IgG4 May Be Risk Factors for Post COVID-19 Condition in Children and Adolescents.

Körner, Robert Walter, Bansemir, Ole Yannick, Franke, Rosa et al.·Children (Basel, Switzerland)·2023

This study examined 28 children and teens who developed long-lasting symptoms after COVID-19 infection. The researchers found that most patients had allergies and unusually high levels of immune proteins called IgE, IgG3, and IgG4. About three in ten patients also met criteria for ME/CFS, experiencing severe fatigue, breathing problems, and post-exertional malaise (feeling worse after activity). Most patients gradually improved over about a year, though some took longer to recover.

Immune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Integrated 'omics analysis for the gut microbiota response to moxibustion in a rat model of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Chaoran, L I, Yan, Yang, Chuwen, Feng et al.·Journal of traditional Chinese medicine = Chung i tsa chih ying wen pan·2023

This study tested whether moxibustion (a traditional Chinese medicine technique using heat) could help treat chronic fatigue syndrome in rats. Researchers found that moxibustion improved fatigue-like symptoms and restored balance to the gut bacteria and chemical levels that were abnormal in fatigued rats. The results suggest that moxibustion may work by fixing problems in the gut microbiome (bacteria) and the metabolites (chemical byproducts) they produce.

Gut Microbiome

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM unclearMethods-Paper

Impact of Misdiagnosis in Case-Control Studies of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Malato, João, Graça, Luís, Sepúlveda, Nuno·Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)·2023

This study examined how misdiagnosis affects ME/CFS research results. The researchers found that when patients are incorrectly diagnosed with ME/CFS (or vice versa), it becomes much harder for studies to find real connections between potential causes and the disease. To get reliable results, studies need to include at least 500-1000 people per group, which is larger than many current ME/CFS studies.

Diagnostics

E3 PreliminaryCommentaryPEM not requiredEditorial

[Chronic fatigue: What investigations? And what for?].

Gramont, B, Goutte, J, Féasson, L et al.·La Revue de medecine interne·2023

When people feel tired all the time, doctors need to figure out why. This article explains how doctors should approach chronic fatigue: by asking careful questions, doing a physical exam, and using only necessary blood tests. It emphasizes that chronic fatigue often has multiple causes—physical, emotional, and life circumstances—working together, and that exercise testing and personalized activity programs are the most helpful treatments.

Diagnostics

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Towards a Better Understanding of the Complexities of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long COVID.

Tate, Warren P, Walker, Max O M, Peppercorn, Katie et al.·International journal of molecular sciences·2023

ME/CFS is a complex illness that typically starts after a viral infection, though other stressful events can also trigger it. This review explains that different patients experience different combinations of symptoms and respond differently to treatments—what helps one person may not help another. The authors discuss how the immune system may shift from a temporary response to a lasting problem, and how the brain's immune system may cause the neurological symptoms people experience.

NeuroinflammationImmune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryGuidelinePEM unclearGuideline

Forming a consensus opinion to inform long COVID support mechanisms and interventions: a modified Delphi approach.

Owen, Rebecca, Ashton, Ruth E M, Ferraro, Francesco V et al.·EClinicalMedicine·2023

Researchers gathered opinions from doctors, physiotherapists, patients with Long COVID, and scientists across multiple countries to agree on the best ways to support and treat Long COVID. Using three rounds of surveys, they found strong agreement that Long COVID needs specialized, personalized care plans that address individual symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and breathing problems, with emphasis on pacing and gradually returning to daily activities.

Cognitive Impairment

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

An Explainable Artificial Intelligence Model Proposed for the Prediction of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and the Identification of Distinctive Metabolites.

Yagin, Fatma Hilal, Alkhateeb, Abedalrhman, Raza, Ali et al.·Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)·2023

Researchers used artificial intelligence and a type of blood analysis called metabolomics to find chemical markers that could help identify ME/CFS patients. They studied 26 people with ME/CFS and 26 healthy people, testing 768 different chemicals in their blood. The AI model identified four key chemicals (C-glycosyltryptophan, oleoylcholine, cortisone, and 3-hydroxydecanoate) that were different between the two groups and could help diagnose ME/CFS with high accuracy.

Biomarkers

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Long COVID: major findings, mechanisms and recommendations.

Davis, Hannah E, McCorkell, Lisa, Vogel, Julia Moore et al.·Nature reviews. Microbiology·2023

Long COVID is a serious illness affecting at least 10% of people who had COVID-19, with an estimated 65 million people worldwide experiencing it. The condition causes over 200 different symptoms affecting many body systems, similar to ME/CFS and other post-viral illnesses. This review examines what scientists have learned about Long COVID's causes and effects, though better diagnostic tests and treatments are still urgently needed.

Long COVID OverlapPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearMechanistic

Heterogenous circulating miRNA changes in ME/CFS converge on a unified cluster of target genes: A computational analysis.

Kaczmarek, Mateusz Piotr·PloS one·2023

This study looked at tiny molecules called microRNAs in the blood of people with ME/CFS to understand what might be going wrong. While different patients had different patterns of these microRNAs, the researchers found that they all tend to affect the same core group of genes—suggesting ME/CFS may disrupt similar biological pathways across patients. These changes seem to affect muscle blood flow during exercise, the body's ability to handle low oxygen, antioxidant defenses, and mitochondrial function.

Energy Metabolism

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearObservational

Causal Effects between Gut Microbiome and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study.

He, Gang, Cao, Yu, Ma, Honghao et al.·Frontiers in microbiology·2023

This study used genetic analysis to investigate whether changes in gut bacteria might actually cause ME/CFS, rather than just being associated with it. Researchers found that two types of bacteria—Paraprevotella and Ruminococcaceae_UCG_014—appear to increase the risk of developing ME/CFS. These findings suggest that gut bacteria may play a role in how ME/CFS develops.

Gut MicrobiomeImmune System

E3 PreliminaryBehavioralPEM unclearLongitudinal

'I became more aware of my actions'-A qualitative longitudinal study of a health psychological group intervention for patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Keurulainen, Meeri, Holma, Juha, Wallenius, Elina et al.·Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy·2023

Researchers studied how a 16-week group therapy program helped 10 ME/CFS patients manage their condition better. Participants attended sessions with a psychologist and other patients dealing with the same illness, learning new ways to think about and cope with their symptoms. Most people found the program helpful and reported feeling more in control of their illness, without experiencing harm from it.

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Autoantibody Correlation Signatures in Fibromyalgia and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Association with Symptom Severity.

Ryabkova, Varvara A, Gavrilova, Natalia Y, Poletaeva, Alina A et al.·Biomedicines·2023

This study looked at immune system antibodies in people with ME/CFS, particularly those who also have fibromyalgia. Researchers measured 33 different types of natural antibodies in patients' blood and found that people with ME/CFS had unusual patterns of these antibodies, especially ones targeting GABA receptors in the brain. While the overall antibody levels didn't always differ from healthy controls, the way these antibodies related to each other was different, and certain patterns correlated with fatigue, pain, and mood symptoms.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Long COVID: mechanisms, risk factors and recovery.

Astin, Rónan, Banerjee, Amitava, Baker, Mark R et al.·Experimental physiology·2023

This review examines Long COVID—a prolonged illness affecting some people after COVID-19 infection—and compares it to similar post-viral conditions like ME/CFS. Researchers found that Long COVID involves problems with the heart and lungs, muscle function, and how the body regulates its nervous system. The review discusses various treatment approaches being tested, including exercise programs, breathing exercises, and techniques to help calm an overactive nervous system.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Potential molecular mechanisms of chronic fatigue in long haul COVID and other viral diseases.

Gottschalk, Carl Gunnar, Peterson, Daniel, Armstrong, Jan et al.·Infectious agents and cancer·2023

This review article examines how viral infections—including long COVID, EBV, and others—can trigger severe, lasting fatigue and related symptoms. The authors explore the biological mechanisms that might explain why some patients develop chronic muscle fatigue and brain fog after viral illness, and compare these processes to ME/CFS. This research suggests that multiple different viruses may cause fatigue through similar pathways in the body.

Immune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Characteristics and Treatment of Exercise Intolerance in Patients With Long COVID.

Edward, Justin A, Peruri, Adithya, Rudofker, Eric et al.·Journal of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and prevention·2023

Long COVID causes severe fatigue and difficulty exercising, affecting 25-30% of people who had COVID-19. This review suggests that carefully designed exercise programs—tailored to avoid making symptoms worse—may help Long COVID patients recover better. The authors argue that much of Long COVID comes from the body becoming deconditioned (out of shape) from inactivity, and that gentle, personalized exercise can help reduce symptoms.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Investigating Antibody Reactivity to the Intestinal Microbiome in Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): A Feasibility Study.

Seton, Katharine A, Defernez, Marianne, Telatin, Andrea et al.·International journal of molecular sciences·2023

This study explored whether ME/CFS might be caused by a leaky gut that allows bacteria to escape into the bloodstream, triggering an abnormal immune response. Researchers compared antibody levels and immune reactions to gut bacteria in severely ill ME/CFS patients and healthy household members. They found that ME/CFS patients showed reduced immune responses to their gut bacteria, which was unexpected and suggests the immune system may not be working properly in ME/CFS.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Ginsenoside Rg1 can reverse fatigue behavior in CFS rats by regulating EGFR and affecting Taurine and Mannose 6-phosphate metabolism.

Lei, Chaofang, Chen, Jiaxu, Huang, Zhen et al.·Frontiers in pharmacology·2023

This study tested whether ginsenoside Rg1, a compound from ginseng, could reduce fatigue in rats with chronic fatigue syndrome. Researchers found that the treatment reversed fatigue behavior and corrected abnormal metabolism patterns in the rats' blood, particularly affecting molecules called taurine and mannose 6-phosphate. The results suggest ginseng-derived compounds might help ME/CFS patients, though human studies would be needed to confirm this.

Energy Metabolism

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM requiredMethods-Paper

What Long COVID investigators can learn from four decades of ME/CFS research.

Jason, Leonard A, Natelson, Benjamin H, Bonilla, Hector et al.·Brain behavior and immunity integrative·2023

This article reviews 40 years of research on ME/CFS to provide guidance for scientists studying Long COVID. The authors explain how ME/CFS researchers have developed reliable ways to diagnose the illness, define symptoms, and measure severity—lessons that can help Long COVID researchers do the same. By learning from ME/CFS experience, Long COVID researchers may be able to diagnose patients earlier, understand what causes the illness, and find treatments that actually work.

Diagnostics

← Previous Next 20 studies →

Or browse by topic

PEM Immune Neuro Metabolic Biomarkers Severe ME Long COVID Cognitive

Evidence Atlas

Evidence browser

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) in Adolescents: Practical Guidance and Management Challenges.

Genetic risk factors for severe and fatigue dominant long COVID and commonalities with ME/CFS identified by combinatorial analysis.

Atopy and Elevation of IgE, IgG3, and IgG4 May Be Risk Factors for Post COVID-19 Condition in Children and Adolescents.

Integrated 'omics analysis for the gut microbiota response to moxibustion in a rat model of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Impact of Misdiagnosis in Case-Control Studies of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

[Chronic fatigue: What investigations? And what for?].

Towards a Better Understanding of the Complexities of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long COVID.

Forming a consensus opinion to inform long COVID support mechanisms and interventions: a modified Delphi approach.

An Explainable Artificial Intelligence Model Proposed for the Prediction of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and the Identification of Distinctive Metabolites.

Long COVID: major findings, mechanisms and recommendations.

Heterogenous circulating miRNA changes in ME/CFS converge on a unified cluster of target genes: A computational analysis.

Causal Effects between Gut Microbiome and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study.

'I became more aware of my actions'-A qualitative longitudinal study of a health psychological group intervention for patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Autoantibody Correlation Signatures in Fibromyalgia and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Association with Symptom Severity.

Long COVID: mechanisms, risk factors and recovery.

Potential molecular mechanisms of chronic fatigue in long haul COVID and other viral diseases.

Characteristics and Treatment of Exercise Intolerance in Patients With Long COVID.

Investigating Antibody Reactivity to the Intestinal Microbiome in Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): A Feasibility Study.

Ginsenoside Rg1 can reverse fatigue behavior in CFS rats by regulating EGFR and affecting Taurine and Mannose 6-phosphate metabolism.

What Long COVID investigators can learn from four decades of ME/CFS research.

Curated Collections

Neuroinflammation Evidence

Metabolism & Mitochondria

Biomarkers

PEM-Specific Research