ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

141–160 of 6,187 studies

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 unclearReview-Narrative

Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 in Children.

Rao, Suchitra, Gross, Rachel S, Mohandas, Sindhu et al.·Pediatrics·2024

Some children who have COVID-19 experience symptoms that last for weeks or months after the initial infection—a condition called long COVID. This review summarizes what we currently know about long COVID in children, including how common it is, what symptoms children experience, and what might cause it. The authors also describe major research efforts being funded to better understand long COVID in young people and find effective treatments.

Post-Exertional Malaise

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 unclear

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome from current evidence to new diagnostic perspectives through skeletal muscle and metabolic disturbances.

Pietrangelo, Tiziana, Cagnin, Stefano, Bondi, Danilo et al.·Acta physiologica (Oxford, England)·2024

This review examines what we know about ME/CFS by focusing on problems in muscles and how the body uses energy. Researchers looked at existing research to understand why ME/CFS causes severe tiredness and muscle problems. The authors suggest that studying muscle tissue more closely might help doctors diagnose ME/CFS better and develop new treatments.

Diagnostics

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Microglia and Sleep Disorders.

Picard, Katherine, Dolhan, Kira, Watters, Jyoti J et al.·Advances in neurobiology·2024

This review examines how microglia—immune cells in the brain and spinal cord—affect sleep and sleep disorders. The authors discuss how sleep problems and lack of sleep can harm brain health and potentially lead to diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. They specifically look at how microglia may be involved in ME/CFS and other sleep disorders, and what happens to these immune cells when people don't get enough sleep.

NeuroinflammationImmune System

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 not requiredReview-Narrative

Research progress on pathogenesis of chronic fatigue syndrome and treatment of traditional Chinese and Western medicine.

Liu, Tingting, Sun, Weibo, Guo, Shuhao et al.·Autonomic neuroscience : basic & clinical·2024

This review examines what scientists currently understand about ME/CFS—a debilitating condition characterized by extreme fatigue that doesn't improve with rest, along with other symptoms like muscle pain, sore throat, and sleep problems. The authors looked at research on possible causes (like viral infections, stress, and immune system problems) and discussed how both conventional medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches might help treat the condition.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

The impact of gut microbiome and diet on post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Reyes, Zabrina, Stovall, Mary Catherine, Punyamurthula, Sanjana et al.·Journal of the neurological sciences·2024

This study looked at how gut bacteria and diet might affect people who develop Long COVID (symptoms that continue months after a COVID-19 infection). Researchers reviewed existing studies to see if changes in gut bacteria linked to worse COVID illness could be improved by eating foods rich in fiber and antioxidants, like those in the Mediterranean Diet. The idea is that a healthier gut might help prevent or reduce Long COVID symptoms.

Gut MicrobiomeImmune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Exploring the Effects of Qigong, Tai Chi, and Yoga on Fatigue, Mental Health, and Sleep Quality in Chronic Fatigue and Post-COVID Syndromes: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

Fricke-Comellas, Hermann, Heredia-Rizo, Alberto Marcos, Casuso-Holgado, María Jesús et al.·Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)·2024

This review looked at 13 studies testing whether qigong, tai chi, and yoga help reduce fatigue in people with ME/CFS and long COVID. Overall, these gentle movement practices appeared to help reduce fatigue and improve mood and sleep compared to doing nothing. However, the studies had various quality issues that make it hard to know how much we can trust these results.

Sleep

E0 ConsensusGuidelinePEM requiredGuideline

[Tiredness/Fatigue-S3 guideline update].

Kornder, Nele, Baum, Erika, Maisel, Peter et al.·ZFA. Zeitschrift fur Allgemeinmedizin·2023

This guideline helps family doctors diagnose and treat fatigue by providing a systematic approach. When fatigue has no clear cause, doctors should ask about sleep, mood, medications, and life stressors, and perform basic blood tests. The guideline emphasizes that fatigue often has multiple causes working together, and recommends checking specifically for post-exertional malaise (PEM)—a key feature of ME/CFS—so patients can receive appropriate specialized care.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

The microbiome in post-acute infection syndrome (PAIS).

Guo, Cheng, Yi, Boyang, Wu, Jianyong et al.·Computational and structural biotechnology journal·2023

This review examined how the bacteria and other microorganisms living in our bodies—particularly in the gut and mouth—may be altered in patients with prolonged illnesses following infections, including ME/CFS and long COVID. The researchers looked at existing studies to understand whether changes in these microbial communities might contribute to why some people develop long-lasting symptoms after being sick. They explored possible explanations for how these microbial changes could trigger or worsen symptoms in post-infection syndromes.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Surveying the Metabolic and Dysfunctional Profiles of T Cells and NK Cells in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Maya, Jessica·International journal of molecular sciences·2023

This review examined research on how immune cells (T cells and NK cells) work differently in ME/CFS patients compared to healthy people. The authors found evidence that these immune cells may be exhausted or damaged, similar to what happens in chronic viral infections. Understanding why these immune cells aren't functioning properly could help explain ME/CFS symptoms and guide development of better treatments.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Aetiological Understanding of Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Classificatory Analogues: A Systematic Umbrella Review.

Kleinstäuber, Maria, Schröder, Andreas, Daehler, Sarah et al.·Clinical psychology in Europe·2023

This study reviewed hundreds of scientific articles about ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome to understand what researchers think causes these conditions. The researchers found that most studies focus on biological factors like immune system problems, while far fewer examine psychological or social causes. The review suggests that the best understanding comes from looking at multiple factors together—biological, psychological, and social—rather than just one type of cause.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Cognitive dysfunction in post-COVID-19 condition: Mechanisms, management, and rehabilitation.

Möller, Marika, Borg, Kristian, Janson, Christer et al.·Journal of internal medicine·2023

Many people experience brain fog and memory problems long after COVID-19 infection, affecting thinking, attention, and processing speed. This review found that 17–28% of people have these cognitive problems more than 3 months after infection, and some experience them for years. Treatment approaches include cognitive training, memory aids, lifestyle adjustments, and education about managing these symptoms.

NeuroinflammationPost-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredReview-Narrative

Exercise Pathophysiology in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2: More in Common Than Not?

Joseph, Phillip, Singh, Inderjit, Oliveira, Rudolf et al.·Chest·2023

This review compares how the body responds to exercise in people with long COVID (PASC) and ME/CFS, two conditions that share similar symptoms like extreme tiredness and worsening symptoms after activity. Researchers found that both conditions show similar abnormalities in heart function, blood flow, and breathing during exercise that go beyond simple deconditioning or being out of shape. These shared patterns suggest both conditions may involve similar underlying biological problems, which could help doctors develop better tests and treatments.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredReview-Narrative

Fatigue in Adults: Evaluation and Management.

Latimer, Kelly M, Gunther, Althea, Kopec, Michael·American family physician·2023

Fatigue is a very common reason people visit their doctors, and it can significantly impact daily life and work safety. This guideline explains that fatigue can come from different causes—normal tiredness that improves with rest and better habits, fatigue from other medical conditions, or chronic fatigue like ME/CFS. ME/CFS is a serious, long-lasting illness with no proven cure that causes a symptom called postexertional malaise, where activity makes symptoms worse, so patients need to carefully manage their energy levels.

Long COVID OverlapPost-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredSystematic-Review

Comparison of serum acylcarnitine levels in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and healthy controls: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Jinushi, Ryuhei, Masuda, Sakue, Tanisaka, Yuki et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2023

This review combined results from seven studies comparing a chemical in the blood called acylcarnitine between people with ME/CFS and healthy people. Researchers found that people with ME/CFS have significantly lower levels of this chemical. These lower levels might one day help doctors diagnose ME/CFS, though more research is needed before it can be used as a reliable test.

BiomarkersEnergy Metabolism

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Effectiveness of Pain Neuroscience Education in Patients with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and Central Sensitization: A Systematic Review.

Lepri, Beatrice, Romani, Daniele, Storari, Lorenzo et al.·International journal of environmental research and public health·2023

This review looked at 15 studies testing whether pain neuroscience education—teaching patients how pain works in the nervous system—helps people with chronic muscle and joint pain, including those with conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. The research found that this type of education does appear to reduce pain and improve disability and mood, especially when delivered one-on-one and combined with other treatments like physical therapy.

Pain and Sensitization

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Antimicrobial therapies for chronic pain (part 2): the prevention and treatment of chronic pain.

Wang, Eric J, Dolomisiewicz, Edward, Karri, Jay et al.·The Korean journal of pain·2023

This review examined whether antibiotics and similar antimicrobial medications might help reduce chronic pain in certain conditions, including ME/CFS. The researchers found that some of these medications appear to reduce pain in conditions where dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria) or hidden infections may play a role. However, the evidence is still observational rather than definitively proving cause-and-effect relationships.

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Evidence browser

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

Recent Research Trends in Neuroinflammatory and Neurodegenerative Disorders.

Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 in Children.

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

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome from current evidence to new diagnostic perspectives through skeletal muscle and metabolic disturbances.

Microglia and Sleep Disorders.

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

Research progress on pathogenesis of chronic fatigue syndrome and treatment of traditional Chinese and Western medicine.

The impact of gut microbiome and diet on post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Exploring the Effects of Qigong, Tai Chi, and Yoga on Fatigue, Mental Health, and Sleep Quality in Chronic Fatigue and Post-COVID Syndromes: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

[Tiredness/Fatigue-S3 guideline update].

The microbiome in post-acute infection syndrome (PAIS).

Surveying the Metabolic and Dysfunctional Profiles of T Cells and NK Cells in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Aetiological Understanding of Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Classificatory Analogues: A Systematic Umbrella Review.

Cognitive dysfunction in post-COVID-19 condition: Mechanisms, management, and rehabilitation.

Exercise Pathophysiology in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2: More in Common Than Not?

Fatigue in Adults: Evaluation and Management.

Comparison of serum acylcarnitine levels in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and healthy controls: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Effectiveness of Pain Neuroscience Education in Patients with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and Central Sensitization: A Systematic Review.

Antimicrobial therapies for chronic pain (part 2): the prevention and treatment of chronic pain.

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