ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

2420 studies

561–580 of 2,420 studies

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM requiredReview-Narrative

COVID-19 and post-infectious myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: a narrative review.

Poenaru, Sonia, Abdallah, Sara J, Corrales-Medina, Vicente et al.·Therapeutic advances in infectious disease·2021

Some people who recover from COVID-19 continue experiencing prolonged symptoms like fatigue, difficulty breathing, and brain fog for months afterward. These lingering symptoms are remarkably similar to ME/CFS, a chronic illness characterized by severe fatigue that worsens with activity. While COVID-19 could potentially trigger ME/CFS in some people, researchers currently don't have enough evidence to confirm this connection.

Severe MEPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Study on the Relationship between the miRNA-centered ceRNA Regulatory Network and Fatigue.

Yang, Xingzhe, Li, Feng, Ma, Jie et al.·Journal of molecular neuroscience : MN·2021

This review examines how tiny molecules called miRNAs (and related molecules like lncRNAs and circRNAs) may control genes involved in fatigue. These molecules work together in a network to influence energy production, immune function, and brain signaling—all key factors in chronic fatigue. The authors argue that understanding this genetic control network could help explain why people develop fatigue and potentially lead to better ways to diagnose and treat it.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearObservational

Insights From Invasive Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing of Patients With Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Joseph, Phillip, Arevalo, Carlo, Oliveira, Rudolf K F et al.·Chest·2021

This study used specialized heart and lung testing during exercise to understand why people with ME/CFS struggle with physical activity. Researchers found that ME/CFS patients had two different problems during exercise: some had reduced blood flow returning to the heart, while others couldn't efficiently extract oxygen from their blood. About 31% of patients also showed evidence of small nerve fiber damage in their skin biopsies.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryPEM unclear

How do women suffering from multiple chemical sensitivity experience the medical encounter? a qualitative study in Spain.

Briones-Vozmediano, Erica, Espinar-Ruiz, Eva·Disability and rehabilitation·2021

This study interviewed 22 Spanish women with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) to understand their experiences with doctors and the healthcare system. The women reported two major problems: they cannot avoid exposure to chemicals in their environment, and they struggle to find effective treatment. Many also felt that healthcare providers didn't believe their illness was real or took their symptoms seriously.

Diagnostics

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearObservational

Tolerability and Efficacy of s.c. IgG Self-Treatment in ME/CFS Patients with IgG/IgG Subclass Deficiency: A Proof-of-Concept Study.

Scheibenbogen, Carmen, Sotzny, Franziska, Hartwig, Jelka et al.·Journal of clinical medicine·2021

This study tested whether injecting immunoglobulin G (IgG), a type of protective protein from the immune system, could help ME/CFS patients who have low levels of this protein and get frequent infections. Seventeen patients received monthly injections under the skin for 12 months. About half the patients who completed the treatment felt noticeably better, with less fatigue and improved ability to function in daily life, though some patients had to stop due to side effects.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryPEM unclear

My experience of chronic fatigue syndrome.

BMJ paediatrics open·2021

This article is a personal account of one person's experience living with ME/CFS, published in a medical journal. It describes the journey of managing this condition and how it has affected daily life. While personal stories are valuable for understanding what patients go through, they are not the same as research that tests treatments or identifies causes.

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

[Chronic fatigue syndrom: modern aspects of diagnosis and treatment].

Vorobyova, Yu D, Danilov, A B·Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova·2021

This article reviews how ME/CFS develops by looking at both genes and environmental factors that trigger the illness. The authors explain known genetic problems found in ME/CFS patients, what can start the disease, and how these factors combine to cause the symptoms people experience. They also describe a systematic approach to diagnosing and treating ME/CFS.

Diagnostics

E3 PreliminaryCommentaryPEM unclearEditorial

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: When Suffering Is Multiplied.

Komaroff, Anthony L·Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)·2021

ME/CFS is a real illness with measurable biological problems in the body, even though standard blood tests often appear normal. Over the past 20 years, advanced research tools have found objective abnormalities in people with ME/CFS. Unfortunately, many doctors aren't aware of this evidence, which can lead them to dismiss patients' symptoms and wrongly suggest there's nothing physically wrong—adding emotional harm on top of the already serious illness.

Biomarkers

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Role of mitochondria, oxidative stress and the response to antioxidants in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: A possible approach to SARS-CoV-2 'long-haulers'?

Wood, Emily, Hall, Katherine H, Tate, Warren·Chronic diseases and translational medicine·2021

This study reviews research on how mitochondria (the energy-producing centers in our cells) and oxidative stress (cellular damage from harmful molecules) may contribute to ME/CFS and long COVID symptoms. The authors examine whether antioxidant treatments could help restore energy production and reduce fatigue in these conditions. They highlight that many COVID-19 long-haulers develop symptoms that look very similar to ME/CFS, suggesting they may share underlying biological causes.

Energy Metabolism

E3 PreliminaryGuidelinePEM requiredGuideline

Caring for the Patient with Severe or Very Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Montoya, Jose G, Dowell, Theresa G, Mooney, Amy E et al.·Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)·2021

This guide focuses on caring for people with severe ME/CFS who struggle to leave their homes or beds. The authors explain that these patients often can't visit doctors' offices and doctors frequently don't have good information about how to help them. The guide provides practical recommendations for diagnosis, assessment, and treatment options, including using telemedicine and working closely with patients and caregivers to provide better care.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearCase-Control

Young and exhausted.

Oleksak, Filip, Durdik, Peter, Jakusova, Lubica et al.·Advances in respiratory medicine·2021

This case report describes a young patient who was diagnosed with ME/CFS (extreme exhaustion lasting at least six months) but actually had a different, treatable heart and lung condition. The doctors used a special exercise test called cardiopulmonary exercise testing to discover the real cause. This story reminds us that it's important to carefully check for other medical conditions before diagnosing someone with ME/CFS, especially in children and young people.

Diagnostics

E3 PreliminaryCommentaryPEM unclearEditorial

Identifying and Managing Suicidality in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Chu, Lily, Elliott, Meghan, Stein, Eleanor et al.·Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)·2021

People with ME/CFS face a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and suicide than the general population. This article provides doctors with practical guidance on how to identify and help patients who may be struggling with these thoughts. The authors explain that ME/CFS makes this challenge harder because there are no proven treatments, symptoms are severe, and many healthcare providers don't fully understand the disease.

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Altered endothelial dysfunction-related miRs in plasma from ME/CFS patients.

Blauensteiner, J, Bertinat, R, León, L E et al.·Scientific reports·2021

This study looked at tiny molecules called microRNAs in the blood of ME/CFS patients to understand what might be going wrong with their blood vessels. The researchers found that five specific microRNAs were higher in ME/CFS patients compared to healthy people, and these molecules are known to affect how blood vessels function. This discovery suggests that blood vessel problems might be part of what causes ME/CFS symptoms.

BiomarkersImmune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Does muscular or mental fatigue have an influence on the nociceptive flexion reflex? A randomized cross-over study in healthy people.

Dhondt, Evy, Danneels, Lieven, Rijckaert, Johan et al.·European journal of pain (London, England)·2021

This study tested whether being physically or mentally tired changes how the body's spinal cord responds to pain signals. Researchers measured a reflex that happens in the spinal cord when stimulated with electrical pulses to a nerve in the leg, both before and after participants either rested, did tiring leg exercises, or completed a difficult mental task. They found that low-to-moderate levels of fatigue—whether physical or mental—did not change this spinal reflex, suggesting the body's pain-dampening systems stay stable even when tired.

Pain and Sensitization

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclear

Comorbidity of chronic fatigue syndrome, postural tachycardia syndrome, and narcolepsy with 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) mutation in an adolescent: a case report.

Liao, Ying, Qi, Jian-Guang, Yan, Hui et al.·Chinese medical journal·2021

This case report describes one adolescent patient who had three conditions at the same time: ME/CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome), postural tachycardia syndrome (a condition where heart rate increases abnormally when standing), and narcolepsy (excessive daytime sleepiness). The doctors discovered this patient had a genetic variation in the MTHFR gene, which is involved in processing folate and other important molecules in the body. The authors suggest this genetic variation might help explain why this patient developed all three conditions together.

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearCase-Control

Idiopathic combined adrenocorticotropin and growth hormone deficiency mimicking chronic fatigue syndrome.

Tokumasu, Kazuki, Ochi, Kanako, Otsuka, Fumio·BMJ case reports·2021

This case describes a 42-year-old man who was told he had chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia, but was actually missing two important hormones: cortisol and growth hormone. When doctors tested his pituitary gland (which makes these hormones), they found deficiencies that weren't caught before. After starting treatment with these hormones, his severe tiredness, muscle pain, and depression all improved significantly.

Diagnostics

E3 PreliminaryPEM unclear

Epistemic in/justice in patient participation. A discourse analysis of the Dutch ME/CFS Health Council advisory process.

de Boer, Marjolein Lotte·Sociology of health & illness·2021

This study looked at how ME/CFS patients were involved in advising the Dutch Health Council between 2013-2018. The researchers found that patient representatives mainly shared medical/scientific knowledge about ME/CFS as a physical illness, avoiding discussion of psychological factors. While this approach helped patients be taken more seriously, it may have actually limited what kinds of knowledge and experiences patients could contribute, and it might reinforce incomplete understandings of the disease.

Diagnostics

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM requiredObservational

Reduced Endothelial Function in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome-Results From Open-Label Cyclophosphamide Intervention Study.

Sørland, Kari, Sandvik, Miriam Kristine, Rekeland, Ingrid Gurvin et al.·Frontiers in medicine·2021

This study found that blood vessels in people with ME/CFS don't work as well as they do in healthy people. The researchers measured how blood vessels widen and respond to changes in blood flow, and found these responses were reduced in ME/CFS patients. Interestingly, when patients received a strong immune-suppressing drug called cyclophosphamide, improvements in symptoms didn't match up with improvements in blood vessel function.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearMechanistic

Acute Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Receptor Type 2 Agonism Results in Sustained Symptom Improvement in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Pereira, Gerard, Gillies, Hunter, Chanda, Sanjay et al.·Frontiers in systems neuroscience·2021

Researchers tested a new drug called CT38s that targets a receptor in the brain called CRFR2, which they believe may be overactive in ME/CFS. Fourteen ME/CFS patients received a single infusion of this drug, and most experienced symptom improvement that lasted at least 28 days. Side effects were mild and similar to typical ME/CFS symptoms, suggesting the drug was working on systems related to the disease.

Endocrine Disruption

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

In-Depth Analysis of the Plasma Proteome in ME/CFS Exposes Disrupted Ephrin-Eph and Immune System Signaling.

Germain, Arnaud, Levine, Susan M, Hanson, Maureen R·Proteomes·2021

Researchers measured 4,790 different proteins in the blood of 20 ME/CFS patients and 20 healthy people to look for differences that might explain the disease. They found that 19 proteins were significantly different between the two groups, particularly involving pathways related to immune function and cell communication. Using these protein patterns, they were able to distinguish ME/CFS patients from healthy controls with high accuracy, suggesting proteins in blood could potentially help diagnose ME/CFS.

Immune System

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Evidence browser

COVID-19 and post-infectious myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: a narrative review.

Study on the Relationship between the miRNA-centered ceRNA Regulatory Network and Fatigue.

Insights From Invasive Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing of Patients With Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

How do women suffering from multiple chemical sensitivity experience the medical encounter? a qualitative study in Spain.

Tolerability and Efficacy of s.c. IgG Self-Treatment in ME/CFS Patients with IgG/IgG Subclass Deficiency: A Proof-of-Concept Study.

My experience of chronic fatigue syndrome.

[Chronic fatigue syndrom: modern aspects of diagnosis and treatment].

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: When Suffering Is Multiplied.

Role of mitochondria, oxidative stress and the response to antioxidants in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: A possible approach to SARS-CoV-2 'long-haulers'?

Caring for the Patient with Severe or Very Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Young and exhausted.

Identifying and Managing Suicidality in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Altered endothelial dysfunction-related miRs in plasma from ME/CFS patients.

Does muscular or mental fatigue have an influence on the nociceptive flexion reflex? A randomized cross-over study in healthy people.

Comorbidity of chronic fatigue syndrome, postural tachycardia syndrome, and narcolepsy with 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) mutation in an adolescent: a case report.

Idiopathic combined adrenocorticotropin and growth hormone deficiency mimicking chronic fatigue syndrome.

Epistemic in/justice in patient participation. A discourse analysis of the Dutch ME/CFS Health Council advisory process.

Reduced Endothelial Function in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome-Results From Open-Label Cyclophosphamide Intervention Study.

Acute Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Receptor Type 2 Agonism Results in Sustained Symptom Improvement in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

In-Depth Analysis of the Plasma Proteome in ME/CFS Exposes Disrupted Ephrin-Eph and Immune System Signaling.

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