ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

101–120 of 6,187 studies

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Functional Somatic Syndromes Are Associated With Varied Postoperative Outcomes and Increased Opioid Use After Spine Surgery: A Systematic Review.

Masood, Raisa, LeRoy, Taryn E, Moverman, Michael A et al.·Global spine journal·2024

This review looked at seven studies involving over 40,000 patients to understand how people with fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions fare after spine surgery. The main finding was that patients with fibromyalgia were more likely to use opioid painkillers for longer periods after surgery and reported less improvement in their symptoms compared to those without fibromyalgia. Very little research exists on how other conditions like ME/CFS affect spine surgery outcomes.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

L-Carnitine in the Treatment of Psychiatric and Neurological Manifestations: A Systematic Review.

Wang, Wenbo, Pan, Da, Liu, Qi et al.·Nutrients·2024

Researchers reviewed 60 studies about whether L-carnitine, a natural supplement, might help with nervous system and mental health problems. They found it showed promise for some conditions like stroke and Alzheimer's disease, but had limited effectiveness for others including chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, and ALS. This review summarizes what we currently know about L-carnitine's potential benefits and limitations across different neurological conditions.

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 ConsensusGuidelinePEM unclear

NICE guideline on ME/CFS: robust advice based on a thorough review of the evidence.

Barry, Peter Walter, Kelley, Kate, Tan, Toni et al.·Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry·2024

In 2021, NICE (the UK's health guideline organization) published official recommendations for diagnosing and treating ME/CFS based on careful review of available research. When critics raised concerns about how the evidence was interpreted, the guideline authors explained that these criticisms were based on misunderstandings of how the guideline process works. This paper defends the guideline as a balanced and thoughtful approach to managing this serious condition.

Diagnostics

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

Understanding the kynurenine pathway: A narrative review on its impact across chronic pain conditions.

Hazrati, Ebrahim, Eftekhar, Seyed Parsa, Mosaed, Reza et al.·Molecular pain·2024

This review examined how a specific pathway in the body that breaks down the amino acid tryptophan might contribute to chronic pain, including in ME/CFS patients. The review looked at research across various pain conditions and depression, finding that certain chemicals produced along this pathway can either protect or damage nerve cells. The authors suggest that targeting this pathway could lead to new, non-opioid treatments for chronic pain.

NeuroinflammationEnergy Metabolism

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 unclearReview-Narrative

Identifying microRNAs Possibly Implicated in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia: A Review.

Tsamou, Maria, Kremers, Fabiënne A C, Samaritakis, Keano A et al.·International journal of molecular sciences·2024

This review examined tiny molecules called microRNAs that may play a role in ME/CFS and fibromyalgia. Researchers looked at existing studies to identify which microRNAs appear to be abnormal in these conditions and what role they might play in causing symptoms. They found that certain microRNAs may be involved in immune system problems, energy production difficulties, and increased pain sensitivity—processes that could help explain why people with these diseases experience fatigue, pain, and other symptoms.

BiomarkersImmune 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 unclear

Blood virome research in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: challenges and opportunities.

Obraitis, Dominic, Li, Dawei·Current opinion in virology·2024

This review examines whether viruses trigger myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Scientists have found that some ME/CFS cases may start after viral infections, and blood tests can detect viral genetic material in patients. The review highlights that while viruses are a suspected cause, no single virus has been found in all ME/CFS patients, and researchers need better tools to understand these complex viral patterns.

Long COVID Overlap

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Brain-regional characteristics and neuroinflammation in ME/CFS patients from neuroimaging: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Lee, Jin-Seok, Sato, Wakiro, Son, Chang-Gue·Autoimmunity reviews·2024

Researchers combined results from 65 brain imaging studies involving over 1,500 ME/CFS patients to look for signs of inflammation in the brain. They used four different types of brain scans and found that specific brain regions—particularly the insular and thalamic regions that help process emotions and manage body functions—showed reduced activity in ME/CFS patients compared to healthy controls. These findings suggest that problems in how these brain regions communicate may help explain why ME/CFS causes fatigue and other characteristic symptoms.

Neuroinflammation

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredSystematic-Review

The persistence of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) after SARS-CoV-2 infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Dehlia, Ankush, Guthridge, Mark A·The Journal of infection·2024

Researchers looked at studies of people with Long COVID to see how many also meet the diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS. They found that about half of Long COVID patients have symptoms that match ME/CFS, including severe fatigue, sleep problems, muscle and joint pain, and post-exertional malaise (feeling much worse after physical activity). This suggests that Long COVID and ME/CFS may be very similar conditions, at least in some patients.

Severe MESleepPost-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearEvidence-Map

Healthcare system barriers impacting the care of Canadians with myalgic encephalomyelitis: A scoping review.

Hussein, Said, Eiriksson, Lauren, MacQuarrie, Maureen et al.·Journal of evaluation in clinical practice·2024

This study looked at all available Canadian research to understand why people with ME/CFS struggle to get good healthcare. The researchers found that the main problems are: doctors often don't believe ME is real, healthcare providers aren't trained to recognize it, there's a lack of good information about the disease, and sexism plays a role. The study suggests that improving doctor education and creating better care systems could help ME patients get the support they need.

Diagnostics

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 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 unclearSystematic-Review

Autoimmunity's enigmatic role: exploring the connection with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Batham, Jacob, Dwyer, Jessica, Eaton-Fitch, Natalie et al.·BMC immunology·2024

Researchers reviewed 10 studies to understand whether ME/CFS is caused by autoimmunity—a condition where the immune system attacks the body's own cells. While some signs of autoimmune activity were found in ME/CFS patients, the evidence is mixed and not strong enough to confirm that autoimmunity is the main cause. The authors conclude that ME/CFS is more complex than a straightforward autoimmune disease.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Recent Research Trends in Neuroinflammatory and Neurodegenerative Disorders.

Cohen, Jessica, Mathew, Annette, Dourvetakis, Kirk D et al.·Cells·2024

This review examines how inflammation in the brain and nervous system contributes to several chronic diseases, including ME/CFS and Gulf War Illness. The authors discuss how immune cells and inflammatory molecules can damage the brain and cause persistent symptoms. They highlight promising new laboratory techniques using human stem cells to create brain cells for testing potential treatments.

NeuroinflammationImmune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredMeta-Analysis

Efficacy and Acceptance of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Adults with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Meta-analysis.

Maas Genannt Bermpohl, Frederic, Kucharczyk-Bodenburg, Ann-Cathrin, Martin, Alexandra·International journal of behavioral medicine·2024

This review analyzed 15 studies involving over 2,000 people with ME/CFS who received cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)—a talk therapy that helps change thinking patterns and behavior. The results show that CBT helped reduce fatigue, depression, and anxiety compared to control groups, with benefits lasting at least several months after treatment ended. Most people who started CBT stayed in the program and completed their sessions, suggesting the treatment is acceptable to patients.

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 unclearReview-Narrative

Long COVID in pediatrics-epidemiology, diagnosis, and management.

Toepfner, Nicole, Brinkmann, Folke, Augustin, Silvia et al.·European journal of pediatrics·2024

This review looked at what we know about Long COVID in children and teenagers after COVID-19 infection. Most young people recover within a few months, but some experience long-lasting symptoms like fatigue, difficulty with exercise, and anxiety that can last over a year and affect daily life. The review found that a small number of these children meet the criteria for ME/CFS, but currently there are no blood tests or scans to confirm Long COVID, making it difficult to diagnose.

Post-Exertional Malaise

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Functional Somatic Syndromes Are Associated With Varied Postoperative Outcomes and Increased Opioid Use After Spine Surgery: A Systematic Review.

L-Carnitine in the Treatment of Psychiatric and Neurological Manifestations: A Systematic Review.

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

NICE guideline on ME/CFS: robust advice based on a thorough review of the evidence.

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

Understanding the kynurenine pathway: A narrative review on its impact across chronic pain conditions.

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

Identifying microRNAs Possibly Implicated in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia: A Review.

Celiac Disease-Related Conditions: Who to Test?

Blood virome research in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: challenges and opportunities.

Brain-regional characteristics and neuroinflammation in ME/CFS patients from neuroimaging: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The persistence of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) after SARS-CoV-2 infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Healthcare system barriers impacting the care of Canadians with myalgic encephalomyelitis: A scoping review.

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

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

Autoimmunity's enigmatic role: exploring the connection with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Recent Research Trends in Neuroinflammatory and Neurodegenerative Disorders.

Efficacy and Acceptance of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Adults with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Meta-analysis.

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

Long COVID in pediatrics-epidemiology, diagnosis, and management.

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