ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

1421–1440 of 6,209 studies

E2 ModerateCohortPEM requiredCross-Sectional

Post-exertional malaise among people with long COVID compared to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

Vernon, Suzanne D, Hartle, Megan, Sullivan, Karen et al.·Work (Reading, Mass.)·2023

This study looked at whether people with Long COVID experience post-exertional malaise (PEM)—a hallmark symptom of ME/CFS where symptoms get worse after physical or mental activity. Researchers surveyed 80 Long COVID patients and compared their experiences to 151 ME/CFS patients. Nearly all Long COVID patients reported having PEM, but the way they experienced it differed significantly from ME/CFS patients in terms of what triggered it, which symptoms appeared, and how to recover.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateCohortPEM requiredCross-Sectional

Focus on post-exertional malaise when approaching ME/CFS in specialist healthcare improves satisfaction and reduces deterioration.

Wormgoor, Marjon E A, Rodenburg, Sanne C·Frontiers in neurology·2023

This study looked at whether ME/CFS specialists in Norway were paying attention to post-exertional malaise (PEM)—the worsening of symptoms after physical or mental effort, which is a key feature of ME/CFS. They surveyed nearly 900 patients about their experiences in specialist clinics and hospitals. The results showed that when doctors focused on PEM and helped patients avoid overexertion, patients felt better, were more satisfied with their care, and were less likely to get worse after treatment.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredObservational

Deficient butyrate-producing capacity in the gut microbiome is associated with bacterial network disturbances and fatigue symptoms in ME/CFS.

Guo, Cheng, Che, Xiaoyu, Briese, Thomas et al.·Cell host & microbe·2023

Researchers studied gut bacteria in people with ME/CFS and found that they have fewer healthy bacteria that produce a substance called butyrate, which normally helps protect the gut and reduce inflammation. The bacteria that are missing—Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Eubacterium rectale—are known to be beneficial in healthy people. Importantly, people with more of these bacteria had less severe fatigue, suggesting a connection between gut bacteria health and ME/CFS symptoms.

Severe ME

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Mood Symptoms and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Due to Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Are Associated with Immune Activation and Aberrations in the Erythron.

Almulla, Abbas F, Abdul Jaleel, Al-Karrar Kais, Abo Algon, Ali Abbas et al.·Brain sciences·2023

This study looked at 63 people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and 30 healthy controls to understand why MS patients experience chronic fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Researchers found that about half of the MS patients had signs of immune system overactivation and problems with red blood cell levels. These immune and blood abnormalities were linked to their fatigue and mood symptoms.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

In Schizophrenia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome- and Fibromyalgia-Like Symptoms are Driven by Breakdown of the Paracellular Pathway with Increased Zonulin and Immune Activation-Associated Neurotoxicity.

Maes, Michael, Andrés-Rodríguez, Laura, Vojdani, Aristo et al.·CNS & neurological disorders drug targets·2023

This study looked at people with schizophrenia who also experience fatigue and pain symptoms similar to ME/CFS and fibromyalgia. Researchers found that these symptoms may be caused by a breakdown in the intestinal barrier (the paracellular pathway), which allows harmful substances into the bloodstream and triggers immune system activation. This immune activation then produces neurotoxic byproducts that may cause the fatigue and pain symptoms.

NeuroinflammationImmune System

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Two symptoms can accurately identify post-exertional malaise in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Davenport, Todd E, Chu, Lily, Stevens, Staci R et al.·Work (Reading, Mass.)·2023

This study found that asking patients about just two specific symptoms can accurately identify post-exertional malaise (PEM), the key feature of ME/CFS. Researchers had people with ME/CFS and healthy controls exercise twice, 24 hours apart, and report their symptoms at different times. The most reliable symptoms for identifying PEM were cognitive problems (brain fog), worsening function, and loss of positive feelings or mood.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

COVID-19: Post-recovery Manifestations.

Shaikh, Safia, Siddiqi, Zunaira, Ukachukwu, Crystal et al.·Cureus·2023

This study asked nearly 200 people recovering from COVID-19 about their symptoms. Most patients (85%) reported ongoing problems after infection, with fatigue being the most common complaint (59%). Other frequent problems included reduced physical stamina (49%), shortness of breath (33%), and anxiety (24%). The symptoms resembled those seen in ME/CFS, though the study did not confirm a direct connection.

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 not requiredCross-Sectional

A Quick and Practical Approach to Secure a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosis: The Novel Functional Limitation Index.

Corbalán, Juan Antonio, Feltes, Gisela, Silva, Daniela et al.·Journal of clinical medicine·2023

Researchers developed a simple test called the Functional Limitation Index (FLI) to help doctors diagnose ME/CFS more quickly and objectively. The test uses measurements from exercise testing and breathing tests to identify how much a person's physical function is impaired. In their study, the FLI successfully distinguished ME/CFS patients from healthy people and athletes with high accuracy.

Diagnostics

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

The association between the number of symptoms and the severity of Post-COVID-Fatigue after SARS-CoV-2 infection treated in an outpatient setting.

Schmidbauer, Lena, Kirchberger, Inge, Goßlau, Yvonne et al.·Journal of neurology·2023

This study looked at 425 people who had mild-to-moderate COVID-19 treated as outpatients and followed them for about 8 months afterward. Researchers found that 37% of these people developed long-lasting fatigue (Post-COVID-Fatigue), and those who had more symptoms during their initial infection and ongoing symptoms were more likely to experience severe fatigue. The more symptoms someone had, the worse their fatigue tended to be.

Cognitive Impairment

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Comparison of a 20 degree and 70 degree tilt test in adolescent myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) patients.

van Campen, C Linda M C, Rowe, Peter C, Visser, Frans C·Frontiers in pediatrics·2023

This study tested whether a gentler tilt test could detect blood flow problems in teenagers with ME/CFS, since the standard aggressive tilt test sometimes causes fainting in young patients. Researchers found that a mild 20-degree tilt reduced blood flow to the brain almost as much as the standard 70-degree tilt, but caused far fewer problems like fainting. This suggests doctors might be able to use a gentler test to diagnose blood flow issues in young ME/CFS patients.

Autonomic Nervous System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Developing a Blood Cell-Based Diagnostic Test for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Using Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells.

Xu, Jiabao, Lodge, Tiffany, Kingdon, Caroline et al.·Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)·2023

Researchers used a new technology called Raman spectroscopy combined with artificial intelligence to analyze blood cells from ME/CFS patients and healthy people. The test was able to correctly identify ME/CFS patients about 91% of the time and could even distinguish between mild, moderate, and severe cases with 84% accuracy. This could eventually help doctors diagnose ME/CFS with a simple blood test instead of relying only on patient symptoms.

Diagnostics

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearObservational

Observational Study of Repeat Immunoadsorption (RIA) in Post-COVID ME/CFS Patients with Elevated ß2-Adrenergic Receptor Autoantibodies-An Interim Report.

Stein, Elisa, Heindrich, Cornelia, Wittke, Kirsten et al.·Journal of clinical medicine·2023

This study tested a blood-cleaning procedure called immunoadsorption in 10 patients with ME/CFS that developed after COVID-19. The treatment removes harmful antibodies from the blood that may be attacking the body's nerve receptors. Seven patients showed meaningful improvement in physical function within four weeks, suggesting this approach may help some people with post-COVID ME/CFS.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearObservational

Low-dose naltrexone use for the management of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19.

Bonilla, Hector, Tian, Lu, Marconi, Vincent C et al.·International immunopharmacology·2023

This study looked at whether a medication called low-dose naltrexone (LDN) might help people with long COVID symptoms. Researchers reviewed 59 patients who took LDN and found that those who used it reported fewer overall symptoms, felt less fatigue and brain fog, experienced better sleep, and had improved ability to do daily activities. While these early results are encouraging, the study was not designed like a typical clinical trial, so more rigorous testing is needed to know if LDN truly works.

Immune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateDiagnosticPEM not requiredMethods-Paper

Paediatric short fatigue questionnaire, a 4-item fatigue questionnaire for children.

Nap-van der Vlist, Merel M, Vroegindeweij, Anouk, Hoefnagels, Johanna W et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2023

Researchers created and tested a short 4-question fatigue questionnaire (pSFQ) designed specifically for teenagers ages 12-18 to quickly and accurately measure severe fatigue. They tested it on over 900 young people—both healthy teens and those with ME/CFS or other chronic illnesses—and found it works reliably and can identify severe fatigue with 94% accuracy while being 50% shorter than the original longer questionnaire.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM required

Brainstem volume changes in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and long COVID patients.

Thapaliya, Kiran, Marshall-Gradisnik, Sonya, Barth, Markus et al.·Frontiers in neuroscience·2023

Researchers used advanced MRI scans to examine a part of the brain called the brainstem in patients with ME/CFS and long COVID, comparing them to healthy people. They found that both patient groups had larger volumes in certain brainstem areas compared to healthy controls. The size of specific brainstem regions also correlated with symptom severity, particularly pain and breathing difficulties.

Pain and Sensitization

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

The Prevalence, Severity, and Impact of Post-COVID Persistent Fatigue, Post-Exertional Malaise, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Nehme, Mayssam, Chappuis, Francois, Kaiser, Laurent et al.·Journal of general internal medicine·2023

This study looked at how common long-lasting fatigue is in people who had COVID-19, and whether some of them developed ME/CFS (a serious fatigue illness). Researchers surveyed a large group of people to understand how severe their exhaustion was and how much it affected their daily lives. The findings help show how many COVID survivors experience ongoing tiredness that resembles ME/CFS.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Fatigue after COVID-19 in non-hospitalized patients according to sex.

Mazurkiewicz, Iwona, Chatys-Bogacka, Zaneta, Slowik, Joanna et al.·Brain and behavior·2023

This study looked at whether men and women experience post-COVID fatigue differently after a mild COVID-19 infection. Researchers asked 303 people (mostly women) about fatigue symptoms before COVID-19 and at different time points afterward. Women reported more persistent tiredness that didn't improve with rest, sleep problems, and sore throats compared to men, especially in the weeks right after infection.

Sleep

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

A Causal-Pathway Phenotype of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome due to Hemodialysis in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease.

Asad, Halah Nori, Al-Hakeim, Hussein Kadhem, Moustafa, Shatha Rouf et al.·CNS & neurological disorders drug targets·2023

This study looked at patients with severe kidney disease who need dialysis (a machine that cleans their blood) and found they often experience extreme fatigue and other symptoms similar to ME/CFS, such as muscle pain, sleep problems, and brain fog. Researchers measured various substances in the blood and found that fatigue was linked to anemia (low blood iron), poor nutrition, and certain protein imbalances caused by the dialysis treatment itself. The more dialysis sessions patients needed, the worse their fatigue tended to be.

Biomarkers

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredLongitudinal

Increased risk of chronic fatigue syndrome following infection: a 17-year population-based cohort study.

Chang, Hsun, Kuo, Chien-Feng, Yu, Teng-Shun et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2023

This large study from Taiwan tracked nearly 400,000 people over 17 years to see if getting an infection increased their chances of developing ME/CFS. Researchers found that people who had certain infections—including chickenpox, tuberculosis, flu, and common bacterial infections—were about 1.5 times more likely to develop ME/CFS compared to people without these infections. Interestingly, people who took certain antibiotics had lower rates of ME/CFS, suggesting that some infections may trigger ME/CFS in some people.

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Evidence browser

Post-exertional malaise among people with long COVID compared to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

Focus on post-exertional malaise when approaching ME/CFS in specialist healthcare improves satisfaction and reduces deterioration.

Deficient butyrate-producing capacity in the gut microbiome is associated with bacterial network disturbances and fatigue symptoms in ME/CFS.

Mood Symptoms and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Due to Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Are Associated with Immune Activation and Aberrations in the Erythron.

In Schizophrenia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome- and Fibromyalgia-Like Symptoms are Driven by Breakdown of the Paracellular Pathway with Increased Zonulin and Immune Activation-Associated Neurotoxicity.

Two symptoms can accurately identify post-exertional malaise in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

COVID-19: Post-recovery Manifestations.

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

A Quick and Practical Approach to Secure a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosis: The Novel Functional Limitation Index.

The association between the number of symptoms and the severity of Post-COVID-Fatigue after SARS-CoV-2 infection treated in an outpatient setting.

Comparison of a 20 degree and 70 degree tilt test in adolescent myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) patients.

Developing a Blood Cell-Based Diagnostic Test for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Using Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells.

Observational Study of Repeat Immunoadsorption (RIA) in Post-COVID ME/CFS Patients with Elevated ß2-Adrenergic Receptor Autoantibodies-An Interim Report.

Low-dose naltrexone use for the management of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19.

Paediatric short fatigue questionnaire, a 4-item fatigue questionnaire for children.

Brainstem volume changes in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and long COVID patients.

The Prevalence, Severity, and Impact of Post-COVID Persistent Fatigue, Post-Exertional Malaise, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Fatigue after COVID-19 in non-hospitalized patients according to sex.

A Causal-Pathway Phenotype of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome due to Hemodialysis in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease.

Increased risk of chronic fatigue syndrome following infection: a 17-year population-based cohort study.

Curated Collections

Neuroinflammation Evidence

Metabolism & Mitochondria

Biomarkers

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