ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

1581–1600 of 6,188 studies

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

A comparison of health-related factors between patients diagnosed with ME/CFS and patients with a related symptom picture but no ME/CFS diagnosis: a cross-sectional exploratory study.

Bernhoff, Gabriella, Rasmussen-Barr, Eva, Bunketorp Käll, Lina·Journal of translational medicine·2022

This study compared 205 people diagnosed with ME/CFS to 57 people with similar symptoms who were not diagnosed with ME/CFS. The researchers found that those with an ME/CFS diagnosis reported greater difficulties with physical and mental effort, more pain, and worse overall health than the undiagnosed group. Interestingly, both groups reported similar levels of anxiety, depression, and weekly physical activity, suggesting that what makes ME/CFS distinct may be specifically how the body reacts to exertion rather than activity levels alone.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredObservational

Clinical characteristics of patients with unexplainable hypothalamic disorder diagnosed by the corticotropin-releasing hormone challenge test: a retrospective study.

Hataya, Yuji, Okubo, Marie, Hakata, Takuro et al.·BMC endocrine disorders·2022

Researchers used a special hormone test (CRH challenge test) to study a group of young women with chronic fatigue who had unusual patterns in their stress hormone system. They found that these patients had a mild form of adrenal insufficiency—their bodies weren't producing quite enough cortisol—but giving them cortisol supplements only helped some of them feel less fatigued. This suggests that their fatigue might involve more than just low cortisol levels.

Endocrine Disruption

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredObservational

Combination of whole body cryotherapy with static stretching exercises reduces fatigue and improves functioning of the autonomic nervous system in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Kujawski, Sławomir, Słomko, Joanna, Godlewska, Beata R et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2022

This study tested whether combining cold therapy (whole body cryotherapy) with stretching exercises could help people with ME/CFS. Over 2 weeks, 32 people with ME/CFS and 18 healthy people did 10 sessions of stretching and cold exposure. People with ME/CFS experienced less fatigue and some improvements in thinking speed after the treatment, and the cold therapy was well-tolerated with no serious safety concerns.

Autonomic Nervous System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Association of SARS-CoV-2 Seropositivity With Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and/or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Among Children and Adolescents in Germany.

Sorg, Anna-Lisa, Becht, Selina, Jank, Marietta et al.·JAMA network open·2022

This study looked at whether children and teenagers who had been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 were more likely to develop ME/CFS symptoms like severe fatigue and muscle pain. Researchers tested 634 young people in Germany and found that those who had been infected with COVID-19 showed only slightly higher rates of ME/CFS symptoms compared to those who hadn't been infected. The increase was small enough that other factors—like stress from lockdowns—might explain the symptoms just as well.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearObservational

Activity monitoring and patient-reported outcome measures in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients.

Rekeland, Ingrid G, Sørland, Kari, Bruland, Ove et al.·PloS one·2022

This study tracked 27 ME/CFS patients for six months using Fitbit activity monitors and questionnaires to understand how symptoms vary day-to-day and whether activity data matches what patients report. Researchers found that people with milder disease had larger swings in their activity levels week-to-week, while those with severe disease stayed consistently low. Activity monitoring proved feasible and useful as a tool alongside patient surveys.

E2 ModerateDiagnosticPEM unclearMethods-Paper

Comparing Operationalized Approaches for Substantial Reduction of Functioning in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

Wiedbusch, Elzbieta, Jason, Leonard A·Archives of community medicine·2022

This study looked at five different ways to measure how much ME/CFS reduces a person's ability to function in daily life—something that is a key part of diagnosis. Using a large international group of over 2,300 patients and 359 healthy controls, researchers found that all five methods worked reasonably well, but a simple single-question approach was the best at identifying who actually had ME/CFS. This suggests doctors could use an easier, faster method to assess this important symptom.

Diagnostics

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredCase-Control

Treatments of chronic fatigue syndrome and its debilitating comorbidities: a 12-year population-based study.

Leong, Kam-Hang, Yip, Hei-Tung, Kuo, Chien-Feng et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2022

This study looked at over 12,000 people in Taiwan with ME/CFS and compared them to an equal number of similar people without the condition. Researchers found that people with ME/CFS are much more likely to also have depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and certain other illnesses like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. The study also found that doctors commonly prescribed antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, pain relievers, and recommended exercise and therapy—treatments that earlier research suggested might help with ME/CFS symptoms.

Interventions

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Biomarkers in the diagnostic algorithm of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Gravelsina, Sabine, Vilmane, Anda, Svirskis, Simons et al.·Frontiers in immunology·2022

This study looked for biological markers (measurable signs in the blood) that could help doctors diagnose ME/CFS more easily. Researchers tested 134 ME/CFS patients and 33 healthy people for a virus called HHV-6 and specific antibodies that attack nerve receptors. They found that ME/CFS patients had higher levels of certain antibodies compared to healthy controls, and patients with more virus in their blood tended to have more severe symptoms.

BiomarkersImmune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Evaluating Routine Blood Tests According to Clinical Symptoms and Diagnostic Criteria in Individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Baklund, Ingrid H, Dammen, Toril, Moum, Torbjørn Åge et al.·Journal of clinical medicine·2021

Researchers compared blood test results from 149 ME/CFS patients with 264 healthy people to look for differences. They found that ME/CFS patients had higher levels of inflammation markers and certain blood cells, along with lower potassium and muscle enzyme levels. These differences suggest that ME/CFS may involve both inflammation and possible muscle or metabolic problems.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

High Prevalence of Perineural Cysts in Patients with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Hulens, Mieke, Bruyninckx, Frans, Dankaerts, Wim et al.·Pain medicine (Malden, Mass.)·2021

Researchers found that small fluid-filled sacs called perineural cysts (Tarlov cysts) near nerve roots in the spine were present in 39% of patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia or ME/CFS—three times more common than in the general population. These cysts may irritate nerves and could potentially explain why some patients with these conditions experience widespread pain and fatigue. This finding suggests that fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, and symptomatic Tarlov cysts might share a similar underlying cause related to spinal fluid pressure.

Pain and Sensitization

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Are Circulating Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 and N-Terminal Prohormone of Brain Natriuretic Peptide Promising Novel Biomarkers in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Domingo, Joan Carles, Cordobilla, Begoña, Ferrer, Roser et al.·Antioxidants & redox signaling·2021

This study looked for new blood markers that could help identify ME/CFS by measuring two proteins called FGF21 and NT-proBNP in patients and healthy people. The researchers found that ME/CFS patients had significantly higher levels of both proteins and showed signs of increased inflammation and oxidative stress (cellular damage). These findings suggest these proteins might be useful tools for diagnosing ME/CFS or developing new treatments.

BiomarkersImmune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredLongitudinal

Patient Reported Outcome Measures of Health-Related Quality of Life and Asthenia after Thyroidectomy.

Luddy, Mary Kate, Vetter, Rachel, Shank, Jessica et al.·The Journal of surgical research·2021

Some patients who have their entire thyroid removed experience lasting tiredness and fatigue after surgery, a condition called asthenia. This study followed 182 patients before and after thyroid surgery to measure their quality of life and fatigue levels over one year. Patients who had their entire thyroid removed were much more likely to develop asthenia (42%) compared to those who had only half removed (4%), especially if they had thyroid cancer.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Comparative Survey of People with ME/CFS in Italy, Latvia, and the UK: A Report on Behalf of the Socioeconomics Working Group of the European ME/CFS Research Network (EUROMENE).

Brenna, Elenka, Araja, Diana, Pheby, Derek F H·Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)·2021

Researchers surveyed people with ME/CFS in Italy, Latvia, and the UK to understand how the disease affects their lives and finances. They found that ME/CFS has a serious impact on income and quality of life across all three countries, and that graded exercise therapy (a treatment commonly used in the UK) did not work for patients. The study also revealed differences in how doctors diagnose and treat ME/CFS depending on which country people live in.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCase-Control

Central sensitisation in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia; a case control study.

Bourke, Julius H, Wodehouse, Theresa, Clark, Lucy V et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2021

This study tested whether ME/CFS and fibromyalgia involve a condition called 'central sensitisation,' where the nervous system becomes overly sensitive to pain signals. Researchers compared pain sensitivity in 19 ME/CFS patients, 19 fibromyalgia patients, and 20 healthy people using physical tests. They found that 84% of ME/CFS patients and 95% of fibromyalgia patients showed signs of central sensitisation, while none of the healthy controls did.

Pain and Sensitization

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

[Features of the use of synthetic analogues of thyroid hormones: а 2020 THESIS* questionnaire survey of members of the Belarusian Public Medical Association of Endocrinology and Metabolism].

Shepelkevich, A P, Dydyshka, Yu V, Yurenya, E V et al.·Problemy endokrinologii·2021

This survey asked 146 Belarusian doctors how they treat thyroid problems. Most doctors use levothyroxine (LT4) as the first treatment for low thyroid function. Some doctors said they might add a second thyroid hormone (LT3) for patients who keep feeling tired and unwell even after their blood tests show normal thyroid levels. The doctors noted that when patients have normal thyroid tests but ongoing symptoms, the cause is often stress, other health problems, or unrealistic expectations rather than actual thyroid disease.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredObservational

Evolving phenotypes of non-hospitalized patients that indicate long COVID.

Estiri, Hossein, Strasser, Zachary H, Brat, Gabriel A et al.·BMC medicine·2021

This study looked at medical records from over 96,000 people to identify which health problems are more common in people who had COVID-19 compared to those who didn't. Researchers found that certain symptoms and conditions—including loss of taste and smell, hair loss, chest pain, extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, pneumonia, and new-onset diabetes—appear more frequently in COVID-19 survivors months after infection. Younger people under 65 developed more of these long-term problems than older adults.

Cognitive Impairment

E2 ModerateCohortPEM requiredLongitudinal

COVID-19 Symptoms Over Time: Comparing Long-Haulers to ME/CFS.

Jason, Leonard A, Islam, Mohammed, Conroy, Karl et al.·Fatigue : biomedicine, health & behavior·2021

This study compared how symptoms change over time in people with long COVID versus people with ME/CFS. Researchers asked 278 long-haulers to describe their current symptoms and symptoms from about 5 months earlier, and compared them to 502 ME/CFS patients. They found that long-haulers generally improved over time, with better sleep and less post-exertional malaise, but their brain fog and memory problems actually got worse. Long-haulers started off more symptomatic than ME/CFS patients but became less symptomatic over time, though orthostatic symptoms (dizziness when standing) remained similar in both groups.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateCohortPEM requiredCross-Sectional

Comparing Idiopathic Chronic Fatigue and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) in Males: Response to Two-Day Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Protocol.

van Campen, C Linda M C, Visser, Frans C·Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)·2021

This study compared how men with ME/CFS respond to exercise testing on two consecutive days versus men with chronic fatigue that doesn't meet ME/CFS criteria. When ME/CFS patients exercised on the second day, they performed worse and couldn't reach the same levels they achieved on day one. Men with chronic fatigue (but not ME/CFS) actually improved on day two, similar to healthy people.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearObservational

Warning Signals of Post-Exertional Malaise in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Retrospective Analysis of 197 Patients.

Ghali, Alaa, Lacout, Carole, Ghali, Maria et al.·Journal of clinical medicine·2021

This study looked at whether certain new or unusual symptoms might warn ME/CFS patients that a post-exertional malaise (PEM) flare is coming. Researchers reviewed medical records from 197 ME/CFS patients and found that about 14% experienced mood changes or other new symptoms before their baseline symptoms got worse. Interestingly, these patients had less intense PEM flares than those without warning symptoms, suggesting these early signals might help patients prepare or prevent more severe crashes.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

[Individuals with sub-health status have obviously unbalanced structure of the intestinal flora: analysis of 150 nursing staff members].

Zhang, X, Cai, W, Liao, S et al.·Nan fang yi ke da xue xue bao = Journal of Southern Medical University·2021

This study compared the gut bacteria of 75 nursing staff members with sub-health status (feeling unwell without a specific diagnosis) to 75 healthy staff members. Researchers found that people with sub-health status had a different balance of gut bacteria compared to healthy people, with greater diversity in bacterial types but an overall imbalance in their gut microbial community.

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A comparison of health-related factors between patients diagnosed with ME/CFS and patients with a related symptom picture but no ME/CFS diagnosis: a cross-sectional exploratory study.

Clinical characteristics of patients with unexplainable hypothalamic disorder diagnosed by the corticotropin-releasing hormone challenge test: a retrospective study.

Combination of whole body cryotherapy with static stretching exercises reduces fatigue and improves functioning of the autonomic nervous system in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Association of SARS-CoV-2 Seropositivity With Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and/or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Among Children and Adolescents in Germany.

Activity monitoring and patient-reported outcome measures in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients.

Comparing Operationalized Approaches for Substantial Reduction of Functioning in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

Treatments of chronic fatigue syndrome and its debilitating comorbidities: a 12-year population-based study.

Biomarkers in the diagnostic algorithm of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Evaluating Routine Blood Tests According to Clinical Symptoms and Diagnostic Criteria in Individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

High Prevalence of Perineural Cysts in Patients with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Are Circulating Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 and N-Terminal Prohormone of Brain Natriuretic Peptide Promising Novel Biomarkers in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Patient Reported Outcome Measures of Health-Related Quality of Life and Asthenia after Thyroidectomy.

Comparative Survey of People with ME/CFS in Italy, Latvia, and the UK: A Report on Behalf of the Socioeconomics Working Group of the European ME/CFS Research Network (EUROMENE).

Central sensitisation in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia; a case control study.

[Features of the use of synthetic analogues of thyroid hormones: а 2020 THESIS* questionnaire survey of members of the Belarusian Public Medical Association of Endocrinology and Metabolism].

Evolving phenotypes of non-hospitalized patients that indicate long COVID.

COVID-19 Symptoms Over Time: Comparing Long-Haulers to ME/CFS.

Comparing Idiopathic Chronic Fatigue and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) in Males: Response to Two-Day Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Protocol.

Warning Signals of Post-Exertional Malaise in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Retrospective Analysis of 197 Patients.

[Individuals with sub-health status have obviously unbalanced structure of the intestinal flora: analysis of 150 nursing staff members].

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