ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

1261–1280 of 6,157 studies

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Chronic Overlapping Pain Conditions in people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): a sample from the Multi-site Clinical Assessment of ME/CFS (MCAM) study.

Fall, Elizabeth A, Chen, Yang, Lin, Jin-Mann S et al.·BMC neurology·2024

This study found that most people with ME/CFS (76%) also experience other chronic pain conditions, such as migraines, fibromyalgia, lower back pain, and irritable bowel syndrome. These overlapping conditions were much more common in ME/CFS patients compared to healthy people (only 17% had them). When patients had multiple pain conditions alongside their ME/CFS, their overall symptoms and quality of life were significantly worse, especially for women.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Frequency and characteristics of chronic fatigue syndrome in multiple sclerosis patients at a university hospital in Eastern Saudi Arabia.

AlAmri, Abdullah S, AlShamrani, Foziah J, AlMohish, Noor M et al.·Journal of family & community medicine·2024

This study looked at fatigue in 225 people with multiple sclerosis (MS) to see how many also had chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). About half of the MS patients experienced long-lasting fatigue lasting over 6 months. Researchers found that 7% of patients truly met the medical criteria for CFS, while 17% believed they had CFS but didn't meet the official diagnostic standards, suggesting confusion about what CFS actually is.

Diagnostics

E2 ModeratePEM unclearRegistry-Resource

Clinical and Diagnostic Features of Post-Acute COVID-19 Vaccination Syndrome (PACVS).

Mundorf, Anna Katharina, Semmler, Amelie, Heidecke, Harald et al.·Vaccines·2024

This study looked at 191 people who developed long-term illness after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, a rare condition affecting about 2 in 10,000 vaccinated people. The most common symptoms were extreme tiredness and overall malaise (affecting over 80%), along with problems like nerve pain, heart issues, and cognitive difficulties. The researchers found that many of these patients meet the criteria for ME/CFS, though some appear to have a different condition entirely.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Plasma Neurofilament Light Chain: A Potential Biomarker for Neurological Dysfunction in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Azcue, Naiara, Tijero-Merino, Beatriz, Acera, Marian et al.·Biomedicines·2024

Researchers measured a protein called neurofilament light chain (NfL) in the blood of ME/CFS patients and healthy people. They found that ME/CFS patients had higher levels of this protein, which suggests nerve damage in the brain and nervous system. The patients with higher NfL levels also had more problems with memory, thinking clearly, and with their autonomic nervous system (the part that controls heart rate and other automatic body functions).

Autonomic Nervous SystemCognitive Impairment

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

[Systems thinking, subjective findings and diagnostic "pigeonholing" in ME/CFS: A mainly qualitative public health study from a patient perspective].

Habermann-Horstmeier, Lotte, Horstmeier, Lukas Maximilian·Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)·2024

This German study asked 544 ME/CFS patients about their experiences getting diagnosed and working with doctors. Patients reported that many doctors don't recognize ME/CFS as a real disease, instead dismissing it as purely psychological. The study found that poor diagnosis experiences and lack of doctor recognition of ME/CFS as a biological multisystem illness significantly damage the relationship between patients and their healthcare providers.

Diagnostics

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Association of circulating biomarkers with illness severity measures differentiates myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and post-COVID-19 condition: a prospective pilot cohort study.

Domingo, Joan Carles, Battistini, Federica, Cordobilla, Begoña et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2024

This study compared blood markers and body responses between people with ME/CFS, people with long COVID, and healthy controls. Researchers found that people with ME/CFS had distinct patterns of inflammation and blood vessel dysfunction compared to long COVID patients, suggesting these are different conditions with different underlying problems. By measuring specific proteins in the blood and testing how the body responds to positional changes, researchers could tell the two patient groups apart.

BiomarkersImmune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

[What Medical Specialties do ME/CFS Sufferers Consult? A Public Health Study on the need for Better Medical Education and Training].

Habermann-Horstmeier, Lotte, Horstmeier, Lukas Maximilian·Gesundheitswesen (Bundesverband der Arzte des Offentlichen Gesundheitsdienstes (Germany))·2024

This German study surveyed 674 ME/CFS patients to understand how they navigate the healthcare system and how long diagnosis takes. Patients saw an average of 6-15 different doctors from various specialties before getting diagnosed, with the diagnostic journey taking up to 10 years for most people. The study found that doctors often refer patients around based on individual symptoms rather than recognizing ME/CFS as a whole condition, highlighting the urgent need for better training about ME/CFS across all medical fields.

Diagnostics

E2 ModerateCohortPEM requiredCross-Sectional

A pilot cross-sectional investigation of symptom clusters and associations with patient-reported outcomes in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Post COVID-19 Condition.

Weigel, Breanna, Eaton-Fitch, Natalie, Thapaliya, Kiran et al.·Quality of life research : an international journal of quality of life aspects of treatment, care and rehabilitation·2024

This study compared people with ME/CFS and people with Long COVID to understand how their symptoms affect quality of life and daily functioning. Researchers found that both groups experience similar symptom patterns, particularly autonomic symptoms like breathing problems, which have the biggest impact on wellbeing. The findings suggest that Long COVID and ME/CFS may be closely related conditions, and that some people recovering from COVID-19 may develop ME/CFS-like illness over time.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateCohortPEM requiredLongitudinal

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome After SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Unger, Elizabeth R, Lin, Jin-Mann S, Wisk, Lauren E et al.·JAMA network open·2024

This study followed over 4,300 people for up to 12 months to see whether COVID-19 infection caused ME/CFS-like symptoms. Researchers found that about 3-4% of people reported ME/CFS-like symptoms after their acute illness, but this rate was similar whether they had tested positive or negative for COVID-19. The results suggest that while some people do develop long-lasting symptoms after illness, COVID-19 may not be uniquely causing ME/CFS more often than other infections.

DiagnosticsLong COVID Overlap

E2 ModeratePEM unclearRegistry-Resource

Longterm course of neuropsychological symptoms and ME/CFS after SARS-CoV-2-infection: a prospective registry study.

Reuken, P A, Besteher, B, Finke, K et al.·European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience·2024

This study followed over 1,000 people who had long-lasting symptoms after COVID-19 infection. Researchers found that about 31% of patients met the diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS at their first visit, but this dropped to 19% at a second visit months later. While patients reported feeling less fatigued and having fewer concentration problems over time, many continued to experience long-lasting symptoms that significantly affected their daily lives.

Cognitive ImpairmentLong COVID Overlap

E2 ModerateCohortPEM requiredCross-Sectional

Impact of COVID-19 on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome-like illness prevalence: A cross-sectional survey.

Wood, Mariah S, Halmer, Nicole, Bertolli, Jeanne et al.·PloS one·2024

This study found that about 1.67% of adults in a large California health system have ME/CFS-like illness. While COVID-19 can trigger ME/CFS in some people, only about 14% of those with ME/CFS-like illness developed it after having COVID-19. People with ME/CFS-like illness reported significant difficulties with physical activities, work, relationships, and mental health compared to those without the condition.

E2 ModeratePEM unclearRegistry-Resource

The German Multicenter Registry for ME/CFS (MECFS-R).

Hieber, Hannah, Pricoco, Rafael, Gerrer, Katrin et al.·Journal of clinical medicine·2024

German researchers created a registry to collect detailed health information from ME/CFS patients across multiple medical centers. In their first group of 174 patients, they found that most had a viral illness before developing ME/CFS, with nearly half triggered by COVID-19. Patients reported severe fatigue and greatly reduced quality of life, with significant limitations in daily activities.

Diagnostics

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Sex and disease severity-based analysis of steroid hormones in ME/CFS.

Pipper, Cornelia, Bliem, Linda, León, Luis E et al.·Journal of endocrinological investigation·2024

Researchers measured hormone levels in the blood of ME/CFS patients and compared them to healthy people. They found that certain hormones—including cortisol-related compounds and progesterone—were different in people with ME/CFS, and the differences varied depending on whether patients had mild/moderate or severe disease and their sex. These hormone patterns might help doctors better identify and categorize ME/CFS in the future.

Biomarkers

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

What is the occupational impact of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome for adults living in Australia?

Thomas, Roshni, Hughes, Julie, Kotzur, Cheryl·The British journal of occupational therapy·2024

This study looked at how ME/CFS affects the ability of Australian adults to work and participate in daily activities. Researchers surveyed 29 people with ME/CFS about their work, hobbies, and self-care routines using a standardized assessment tool. The results showed that people with ME/CFS experienced significant reductions in activities across all areas of life and reported feeling isolated, trapped, burdened, and disconnected from their former roles.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

The Head-Up Tilt Table Test as a Measure of Autonomic Functioning among Patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Jason, Leonard A, McGarrigle, William J, Vermeulen, Ruud C W·Journal of personalized medicine·2024

This study tested 193 people with ME/CFS using a tilt table test to check if they had problems with their autonomic nervous system (the system that controls heart rate and blood pressure). About one in three participants showed signs of orthostatic intolerance—a condition where the body struggles to maintain proper blood pressure and heart rate when standing. People with these problems reported worse sleep, more severe post-exertional malaise (exhaustion after activity), and greater physical limitations.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Insomnia and sleep characteristics in post COVID-19 fatigue: A cross-sectional case-controlled study.

Rauwerda, Nynke L, Kuut, Tanja A, Braamse, Annemarie M J et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2024

This study looked at sleep problems in people with long COVID fatigue and compared them to people with ME/CFS. Researchers found that 64% of long COVID patients had clinically significant insomnia, and their sleep problems were closely linked to depression and age. While long COVID patients slept slightly less than ME/CFS patients on average, both groups struggled significantly with sleep quality and nighttime insomnia.

Sleep

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

The Cardiac Output-Cerebral Blood Flow Relationship Is Abnormal in Most Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients with a Normal Heart Rate and Blood Pressure Response During a Tilt Test.

van Campen, C Linda M C, Verheugt, Freek W A, Rowe, Peter C et al.·Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)·2024

This study looked at how blood flow to the brain changes when ME/CFS patients stand up or tilt on a table. Researchers found that in 91% of patients, the heart wasn't pumping enough blood and the brain wasn't getting enough blood flow—and these two problems were directly connected. This suggests that blood vessels in the brain may not be working properly to compensate when blood flow drops, which could explain why many ME/CFS patients feel dizzy or faint when standing.

Autonomic Nervous System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Phase-dependent trends in the prevalence of myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) related to long COVID: A criteria-based retrospective study in Japan.

Morita, Satoru, Tokumasu, Kazuki, Otsuka, Yuki et al.·PloS one·2024

This study looked at 739 patients with long COVID to understand how many developed ME/CFS and what factors were involved. Researchers found that ME/CFS affected about 8% of long COVID patients, but the rate varied depending on which COVID variant caused the initial infection—it was much higher (24%) in early COVID but dropped significantly (3%) during the Omicron wave. Brain fog complaints increased over time, even as strict ME/CFS diagnoses became less common.

Cognitive Impairment

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Do people with ME/CFS and joint hypermobility represent a disease subgroup? An analysis using registry data.

Mudie, Kathleen, Ramiller, Allison, Whittaker, Sadie et al.·Frontiers in neurology·2024

This study looked at whether ME/CFS patients with loose, flexible joints (joint hypermobility) form a distinct group with different symptoms and health impacts. Researchers surveyed 815 ME/CFS patients and found that about 16% had joint hypermobility. These patients reported worse quality of life, more pain, and more symptoms affecting their nervous system, thinking, digestion, and muscles compared to ME/CFS patients without joint hypermobility.

Autonomic Nervous System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Diverse immunological dysregulation, chronic inflammation, and impaired erythropoiesis in long COVID patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Saito, Suguru, Shahbaz, Shima, Osman, Mohammed et al.·Journal of autoimmunity·2024

This study compared blood samples from long COVID patients with ME/CFS to those who fully recovered from COVID-19. Researchers found that ME/CFS patients had unusual patterns in their immune cells and higher levels of inflammation-promoting substances in their blood. They also discovered specific immune markers that could reliably distinguish ME/CFS patients from those who recovered, suggesting these markers could potentially be used for diagnosis.

Immune System

← Previous Next 20 studies →

Or browse by topic

PEM Immune Neuro Metabolic Biomarkers Severe ME Long COVID Cognitive

Evidence Atlas

Evidence browser

Chronic Overlapping Pain Conditions in people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): a sample from the Multi-site Clinical Assessment of ME/CFS (MCAM) study.

Frequency and characteristics of chronic fatigue syndrome in multiple sclerosis patients at a university hospital in Eastern Saudi Arabia.

Clinical and Diagnostic Features of Post-Acute COVID-19 Vaccination Syndrome (PACVS).

Plasma Neurofilament Light Chain: A Potential Biomarker for Neurological Dysfunction in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

[Systems thinking, subjective findings and diagnostic "pigeonholing" in ME/CFS: A mainly qualitative public health study from a patient perspective].

Association of circulating biomarkers with illness severity measures differentiates myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and post-COVID-19 condition: a prospective pilot cohort study.

[What Medical Specialties do ME/CFS Sufferers Consult? A Public Health Study on the need for Better Medical Education and Training].

A pilot cross-sectional investigation of symptom clusters and associations with patient-reported outcomes in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Post COVID-19 Condition.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome After SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Longterm course of neuropsychological symptoms and ME/CFS after SARS-CoV-2-infection: a prospective registry study.

Impact of COVID-19 on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome-like illness prevalence: A cross-sectional survey.

The German Multicenter Registry for ME/CFS (MECFS-R).

Sex and disease severity-based analysis of steroid hormones in ME/CFS.

What is the occupational impact of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome for adults living in Australia?

The Head-Up Tilt Table Test as a Measure of Autonomic Functioning among Patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Insomnia and sleep characteristics in post COVID-19 fatigue: A cross-sectional case-controlled study.

The Cardiac Output-Cerebral Blood Flow Relationship Is Abnormal in Most Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients with a Normal Heart Rate and Blood Pressure Response During a Tilt Test.

Phase-dependent trends in the prevalence of myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) related to long COVID: A criteria-based retrospective study in Japan.

Do people with ME/CFS and joint hypermobility represent a disease subgroup? An analysis using registry data.

Diverse immunological dysregulation, chronic inflammation, and impaired erythropoiesis in long COVID patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Curated Collections

Neuroinflammation Evidence

Metabolism & Mitochondria

Biomarkers

PEM-Specific Research