ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

1361–1380 of 6,188 studies

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Increased gut permeability and bacterial translocation are associated with fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: implications for disease-related biomarker discovery.

Martín, Franz, Blanco-Suárez, Manuel, Zambrano, Paola et al.·Frontiers in immunology·2023

This study found that people with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia may have a 'leaky gut'—where the intestinal barrier doesn't work as well as it should. Researchers measured several substances in the blood that indicate gut barrier problems and inflammation, and found higher levels in both patient groups compared to healthy people. These findings suggest that gut dysfunction might play a role in these conditions and could eventually help doctors identify and understand these diseases better.

Immune System

E2 ModerateDiagnosticPEM requiredCross-Sectional

Evaluating case diagnostic criteria for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS): toward an empirical case definition.

Conroy, Karl E, Islam, Mohammed F, Jason, Leonard A·Disability and rehabilitation·2023

This study looked at how doctors diagnose ME/CFS by analyzing symptoms reported by over 2,300 patients from around the world. Researchers used statistical methods to identify which symptoms tend to occur together, then compared their findings to three existing diagnostic guidelines. They found that the symptoms cluster into seven main groups, with post-exertional malaise (worsening after activity), cognitive problems, and sleep issues being particularly important.

SleepPost-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredObservational

The multi-generational familial aggregation of interstitial cystitis, other chronic nociplastic pain disorders, depression, and panic disorder.

Allen-Brady, Kristina, Fyer, Abby J, Weissman, Myrna·Psychological medicine·2023

This study found that interstitial cystitis (a chronic bladder pain condition) and several other conditions—including ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, depression, and panic disorder—tend to run in families. Researchers looked at medical records and family trees of over a century of people in Utah to see if relatives of patients with these conditions had higher rates of the same or related conditions. They discovered that these six conditions share something in common genetically, meaning a family history of any one of them may increase the risk of developing others.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not required

Health outcomes of sensory hypersensitivities in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and multiple sclerosis.

Maeda, Kensei I, Islam, Mohammed F, Conroy, Karl E et al.·Psychology, health & medicine·2023

This study looked at how common sensitivity to light and sound are in people with ME/CFS compared to people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Researchers surveyed over 2,200 people and found that people with ME/CFS experience these sensitivities much more often than people with MS. People who had both light and sound sensitivity reported feeling worse overall than those without these sensitivities.

Diagnostics

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearObservational

Physical Activity Effects on Muscle Fatigue in Sport in Active Adults with Long COVID-19: An Observational Study.

Coscia, Francesco, Mancinelli, Rosa, Gigliotti, Paola Virginia et al.·Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)·2023

This study looked at how physical activity affected fatigue and other symptoms in people with Long COVID-19. Researchers compared people who stayed active with those who were sedentary and tracked their symptoms over 6 to 12 months. They found that people who remained physically active experienced a larger drop in fatigue over time compared to those who were inactive, though both groups still had muscle weakness and sleep problems.

SleepCognitive Impairment

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

A comparison of pain, fatigue, and function between post-COVID-19 condition, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome: a survey study.

Haider, Saman, Janowski, Adam J, Lesnak, Joseph B et al.·Pain·2023

This study surveyed 707 people with post-COVID-19, fibromyalgia, and/or ME/CFS to compare their symptoms. Researchers found that all three conditions share similar patterns of pain, fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, and depression that impact daily life. People with post-COVID-19 reported somewhat less severe pain and fatigue than those with fibromyalgia or ME/CFS, but those with multiple diagnoses had worse symptoms overall.

Pain and SensitizationCognitive Impairment

E2 ModerateCohortPEM requiredLongitudinal

Long-term symptom severity and clinical biomarkers in post-COVID-19/chronic fatigue syndrome: results from a prospective observational cohort.

Legler, Franziska, Meyer-Arndt, Lil, Mödl, Lukas et al.·EClinicalMedicine·2023

This study followed 106 people with long-term fatigue after COVID-19 for up to 20 months to see how they recovered over time. Researchers found that some patients met the diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS and had persistent, severe symptoms including fatigue and post-exertional malaise (worsening after activity), while others improved more substantially. Lower muscle strength at the start of illness was linked to ongoing symptoms, especially in those with ME/CFS.

BiomarkersImmune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateCohortPEM requiredLongitudinal

One-year follow-up of young people with ME/CFS following infectious mononucleosis by Epstein-Barr virus.

Pricoco, Rafael, Meidel, Paulina, Hofberger, Tim et al.·Frontiers in pediatrics·2023

This study followed 25 young people (12 teenagers and 13 young adults) who developed ME/CFS after having infectious mononucleosis caused by Epstein-Barr virus. Researchers checked on their symptoms and quality of life at the start, 6 months, and 12 months later. Teenagers showed better improvement over the year, with more than half no longer meeting ME/CFS criteria, while young adults continued to have severe symptoms with little improvement.

Severe MEBiomarkersPost-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearObservational

Utility of Serum Ferritin for Predicting Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Patients with Long COVID.

Yamamoto, Yukichika, Otsuka, Yuki, Tokumasu, Kazuki et al.·Journal of clinical medicine·2023

This study looked at 234 people with long COVID to understand why some developed ME/CFS (a severe fatigue condition) while others didn't. Researchers found that people who developed ME/CFS had significantly higher levels of ferritin, a protein that stores iron, in their blood compared to those with long COVID fatigue alone or no fatigue. The finding was especially strong in women, suggesting that a simple blood test measuring ferritin might help predict who is at risk of developing ME/CFS after COVID-19.

Biomarkers

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

High Perceived Stress and Low Self-Efficacy are Associated with Functional Somatic Disorders: The DanFunD Study.

Petersen, Marie Weinreich, Carstensen, Tina Birgitte Wisbech, Frostholm, Lisbeth et al.·Clinical epidemiology·2023

This study of over 9,600 Danish people examined whether stress and confidence in one's abilities are connected to functional somatic disorders—conditions like chronic fatigue, widespread pain, and irritable bowel syndrome where symptoms are real but don't have a clear physical cause. The researchers found that people with these conditions tend to feel more stressed and have lower confidence in their abilities compared to healthy people, though their stress levels were not necessarily higher than people with serious physical diseases.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM requiredCase-Control

Consequences of sarcolemma fatigue on maximal muscle strength production in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Retornaz, Frédérique, Stavris, Chloé, Jammes, Yves·Clinical biomechanics (Bristol, Avon)·2023

This study looked at whether problems with how muscle cells communicate during and after exercise might explain why people with ME/CFS have weak muscles. Researchers compared two groups of ME/CFS patients—those whose muscles showed electrical signal problems after exercise and those who didn't. They found that patients with these electrical problems had weaker grip strength both before and after exercise, and their symptoms got worse after physical activity.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Post-COVID sequelae effect in chronic fatigue syndrome: SARS-CoV-2 triggers latent adenovirus in the oral mucosa.

Hannestad, Ulf, Apostolou, Eirini, Sjögren, Per et al.·Frontiers in medicine·2023

This study found that people with ME/CFS who caught COVID-19 showed signs of a dormant virus (adenovirus) waking up in their mouth and throat. The researchers compared saliva samples from ME/CFS patients and healthy people, and only the ME/CFS patients showed this reactivation after COVID-19 infection. This suggests that ME/CFS patients may have a weakened immune system that cannot keep these latent viruses under control when faced with a new infection like COVID-19.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM requiredCross-Sectional

An international survey of experiences and attitudes towards pacing using a heart rate monitor for people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Clague-Baker, Nicola, Davenport, Todd E, Madi, Mohammad et al.·Work (Reading, Mass.)·2023

This study asked 488 people with ME about their experiences using heart rate monitors to help manage their activity levels. Heart rate monitors can help you stay within a safe activity zone that doesn't trigger post-exertional malaise (the worsening of symptoms after activity). Most people in the study found that heart rate monitors helped them understand their condition better, reduce symptom severity, and even gradually increase what they could do—including returning to some work. However, people also reported challenges, so more research and better training for doctors is needed.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearObservational

Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) in Pediatrics: Factors That Impact Symptom Severity and Referral to Treatment.

Soprano, Catherine M, Ngo, Ryan, Konys, Casey A et al.·Children (Basel, Switzerland)·2023

This study looked at how long COVID (called PASC) affects children and teenagers, comparing their experiences to adults. The researchers reviewed medical records to understand what symptoms young people had and whether they were referred to specialized treatment programs. The main finding was that young people with long COVID tend to have less severe symptoms than adults, though many young patients were not referred for treatment even when they needed it.

Long COVID Overlap

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredObservational

Proteomics and cytokine analyses distinguish myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome cases from controls.

Giloteaux, Ludovic, Li, Jiayin, Hornig, Mady et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2023

Researchers studied tiny particles called extracellular vesicles found in the blood of ME/CFS patients and compared them to healthy controls. They found that ME/CFS patients had more of these particles and they contained different levels of immune chemicals, particularly one called IL2. Using computer algorithms to analyze 20 different blood proteins, they could correctly identify ME/CFS patients about 86% of the time, suggesting that blood tests might one day help diagnose this condition.

BiomarkersImmune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

The Conners Continuous Performance Test CPT3™: Is it a reliable marker to predict neurocognitive dysfunction in Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome?

Fernández-Quirós, Judith, Lacasa-Cazcarra, Marcos, Alegre-Martín, Jose et al.·Frontiers in psychology·2023

This study tested whether a computer-based attention test called CPT3™ can reliably detect thinking and concentration problems in ME/CFS patients. Researchers compared 158 ME/CFS patients with 67 healthy people and found that ME/CFS patients performed significantly worse on measures of attention, focus, and reaction speed. The test successfully identified differences between the two groups, suggesting it could be a useful tool for doctors to help diagnose or monitor ME/CFS.

Cognitive Impairment

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearObservational

Cognitive impairment in post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 and short duration myalgic encephalomyelitis patients is mediated by orthostatic hemodynamic changes.

Day, Heather, Yellman, Brayden, Hammer, Sarah et al.·Frontiers in neuroscience·2023

This study examined why people with ME/CFS and long COVID experience 'brain fog' and memory problems. Researchers tested how well people could think and remember before and after standing up quickly (which can make blood pressure drop). They found that people with these illnesses had more trouble thinking clearly after the standing test, and this was linked to unusual changes in their heart rate and blood pressure. The findings suggest that problems with blood flow to the brain during physical stress may be contributing to cognitive difficulties.

Autonomic Nervous SystemCognitive Impairment

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearLongitudinal

Fatigue presentation, severity, and related outcomes in a prospective cohort following post-COVID-19 hospitalization in British Columbia, Canada.

Magel, Tianna, Meagher, Emily, Boulter, Travis et al.·Frontiers in medicine·2023

This study followed 88 people who were hospitalized with COVID-19 to see how many experienced long-lasting fatigue afterward. Two-thirds of patients had fatigue at 3 months, though this improved somewhat by 6 months, with about 60% still experiencing it. People who had more existing health conditions before COVID-19 were more likely to develop fatigue, suggesting that previous health status may influence recovery.

Long COVID Overlap

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Adults with ME/CFS report surprisingly high rates of youth symptoms: A qualitative analysis of patient blog commentary.

Johnson, Madeline, Torres, Chelsea, Watts-Rich, Halli et al.·Work (Reading, Mass.)·2023

This study asked adults with ME/CFS about whether they experienced symptoms during childhood. Researchers analyzed comments from patients on a popular blog forum and found that about 43% of adults reported having ME/CFS before age 18. The study identified common themes in patients' stories, including mental health struggles, family history of illness, feeling misunderstood by others, and difficulties at school.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Severe and Very Severe Myalgic Encephalopathy/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ME/CFS in Norway: Symptom Burden and Access to Care.

Sommerfelt, Kristian, Schei, Trude, Angelsen, Arild·Journal of clinical medicine·2023

This Norwegian study surveyed 491 patients with severe ME/CFS and their family caregivers to understand how the disease affects their daily lives and what support they receive. The researchers found that the most severely ill patients are often completely bedridden, unable to speak, and experience severe symptom flare-ups from even minimal activity or sensory stimulation. Many patients and caregivers reported that healthcare services were inadequate or sometimes made symptoms worse, though some found help from occupational therapists and family doctors useful.

Post-Exertional Malaise

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Evidence browser

Increased gut permeability and bacterial translocation are associated with fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: implications for disease-related biomarker discovery.

Evaluating case diagnostic criteria for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS): toward an empirical case definition.

The multi-generational familial aggregation of interstitial cystitis, other chronic nociplastic pain disorders, depression, and panic disorder.

Health outcomes of sensory hypersensitivities in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and multiple sclerosis.

Physical Activity Effects on Muscle Fatigue in Sport in Active Adults with Long COVID-19: An Observational Study.

A comparison of pain, fatigue, and function between post-COVID-19 condition, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome: a survey study.

Long-term symptom severity and clinical biomarkers in post-COVID-19/chronic fatigue syndrome: results from a prospective observational cohort.

One-year follow-up of young people with ME/CFS following infectious mononucleosis by Epstein-Barr virus.

Utility of Serum Ferritin for Predicting Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Patients with Long COVID.

High Perceived Stress and Low Self-Efficacy are Associated with Functional Somatic Disorders: The DanFunD Study.

Consequences of sarcolemma fatigue on maximal muscle strength production in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Post-COVID sequelae effect in chronic fatigue syndrome: SARS-CoV-2 triggers latent adenovirus in the oral mucosa.

An international survey of experiences and attitudes towards pacing using a heart rate monitor for people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) in Pediatrics: Factors That Impact Symptom Severity and Referral to Treatment.

Proteomics and cytokine analyses distinguish myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome cases from controls.

The Conners Continuous Performance Test CPT3™: Is it a reliable marker to predict neurocognitive dysfunction in Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome?

Cognitive impairment in post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 and short duration myalgic encephalomyelitis patients is mediated by orthostatic hemodynamic changes.

Fatigue presentation, severity, and related outcomes in a prospective cohort following post-COVID-19 hospitalization in British Columbia, Canada.

Adults with ME/CFS report surprisingly high rates of youth symptoms: A qualitative analysis of patient blog commentary.

Severe and Very Severe Myalgic Encephalopathy/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ME/CFS in Norway: Symptom Burden and Access to Care.

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