ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

161–180 of 6,121 studies

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

DNA Methylation Signatures of Functional Somatic Syndromes: Systematic Review.

Fischer, Susanne, Kleinstäuber, Maria, Fiori, Laura M et al.·Psychosomatic medicine·2023

This review looked at research on DNA changes in people with ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome. Scientists found that people with these conditions have different patterns of chemical switches on their genes compared to healthy people, particularly in genes that control immune function and stress response. These differences may help explain why people with ME/CFS experience fatigue, pain, and other symptoms.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Experimental drugs in randomized controlled trials for long-COVID: what's in the pipeline? A systematic and critical review.

Yong, Shin Jie, Halim, Alice, Halim, Michael et al.·Expert opinion on investigational drugs·2023

Researchers reviewed drug treatments being tested for long-COVID in clinical trials to see which ones might actually work. They found that most experimental drugs don't look very promising, but a few stand out: rintatolimod appears most helpful for people with ME/CFS symptoms, while other drugs like LTY-100 and Treamid might help with lung problems from long-COVID. Currently, there is no proven treatment for long-COVID, so finding effective options is urgent.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearEvidence-Map

ME/CFS and Long COVID share similar symptoms and biological abnormalities: road map to the literature

Anthony L. Komaroff, W. Ian Lipkin·Frontiers in Medicine·2023

Harvard and Columbia researchers conducted a comprehensive review of biological abnormalities in ME/CFS and Long COVID. They found striking overlaps in immune dysregulation, autonomic dysfunction, metabolic disruption, and neurological features. The paper maps the literature to guide researchers working across both conditions.

Long COVID OverlapImmune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

SARS-CoV-2 Reinfections and Long COVID in the Post-Omicron Phase of the Pandemic.

Boufidou, Fotini, Medić, Snežana, Lampropoulou, Vicky et al.·International journal of molecular sciences·2023

This review examined how repeated COVID-19 infections might be connected to long COVID—the persistent symptoms some people experience after infection. The researchers found that the risk of developing long COVID and related health problems increases with each infection someone has, particularly in older adults. While vaccination appears protective, more research is needed to understand how to best prevent long COVID after reinfection.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredSystematic-Review

Posttreatment Lyme disease syndrome and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: A systematic review and comparison of pathogenesis.

Bai, Natalie A, Richardson, Christie S·Chronic diseases and translational medicine·2023

A 2023 review examined 18 studies of posttreatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS)—a chronic illness that develops in roughly 10% of people after antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease—and compared its symptoms to ME/CFS. The review found that most PTLDS studies reported at least four of the major ME/CFS symptoms, including severe fatigue lasting over 6 months, post-exertional malaise, cognitive slowing, and unrefreshing sleep. However, this is a comparison of symptom patterns across different studies, not a direct investigation of whether the two conditions share an identical cause.

Severe ME

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Diagnosis and Management of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Grach, Stephanie L, Seltzer, Jaime, Chon, Tony Y et al.·Mayo Clinic proceedings·2023

This review explains how doctors can diagnose and manage ME/CFS, a serious illness that causes extreme tiredness and other symptoms, often starting after an infection. The authors note that ME/CFS shares many similarities with long COVID, the condition some people experience after having COVID-19. They provide practical guidance to help healthcare providers recognize and treat this condition.

Long COVID Overlap

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredMeta-Analysis

DNA Methylation Changes in Blood Cells of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients.

Przybylowicz, Patrycja Kamila, Sokolowska, Katarzyna Ewa, Rola, Hubert et al.·Journal of pain research·2023

This study looked at chemical changes called 'methylation' in the blood cells of people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Researchers combined data from three previous studies and found that while the specific methylation patterns differed slightly between studies, they consistently affected genes involved in body processes that could explain symptoms like pain and exhaustion. This suggests that methylation changes may play a role in how these conditions develop.

BiomarkersImmune System

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.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredSystematic-Review

A scoping review of 'Pacing' for management of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): lessons learned for the long COVID pandemic.

Sanal-Hayes, Nilihan E M, Mclaughlin, Marie, Hayes, Lawrence D et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2023

This review looked at 17 studies about 'pacing'—a strategy where people with ME/CFS carefully manage their activity level to avoid making symptoms worse. The researchers found that studies on pacing had very different designs and results: some showed pacing helped, some showed no benefit, and a few suggested it could be harmful. The evidence so far isn't strong enough to confidently say whether pacing works best for everyone.

ME/CFS (general)

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

[Current status of animal experiment report of acupuncture intervention in chronic fatigue syndrome based on ARRIVE guidelines and GSPC list].

Cui, Jia-He, Hu, Bin, Wang, Xin-Cao et al.·Zhen ci yan jiu = Acupuncture research·2023

This study looked at 16 animal research papers that tested whether acupuncture could help with chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The researchers found that most of these studies had significant problems in how they reported their work—important details were missing or poorly described, making it hard to know if the results were trustworthy. The study recommends that future animal experiments follow better reporting standards to improve the quality and reliability of the research.

Interventions

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Female reproductive health impacts of Long COVID and associated illnesses including ME/CFS, POTS, and connective tissue disorders: a literature review.

Pollack, Beth, von Saltza, Emelia, McCorkell, Lisa et al.·Frontiers in rehabilitation sciences·2023

This review examined how Long COVID and related illnesses like ME/CFS affect women's reproductive health, including menstrual cycles, fertility, and pregnancy. The researchers found that women with these conditions experience more problems with their periods, difficulty getting pregnant, and symptom flare-ups around their menstrual cycle. The study highlights that we need much more research to understand these reproductive health issues and to help doctors better support women with these conditions.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredSystematic-Review

Biomarkers for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS): a systematic review.

Maksoud, Rebekah, Magawa, Chandi, Eaton-Fitch, Natalie et al.·BMC medicine·2023

Researchers reviewed 101 studies looking for biological markers (biomarkers) that could help diagnose ME/CFS. A biomarker is something measurable in your blood or body that shows a disease is present. While scientists found many potential biomarkers affecting the immune system, energy production, circulation, and other body functions, none have been proven reliable enough to use as a diagnostic test yet.

BiomarkersImmune 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 review examined what researchers have published about the causes and origins of three long-term conditions—fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)—by summarizing 452 existing reviews. The researchers found that most studies focus on biological factors (such as immune or nervous system changes), while far fewer explore psychological or social factors. However, many of these reviews were of low methodological quality, meaning the evidence they report may not be reliable.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredEvidence-Map

Frontiers in chronic fatigue syndrome research: An analysis of the top 100 most influential articles in the field.

Wang, Xingxin, Li, Xuhao, Dong, Tiantian et al.·Medicine·2023

This study analyzed the 100 most-cited scientific papers on ME/CFS to understand what researchers have been focusing on and what directions the field is moving toward. Researchers found that ME/CFS research is a global effort involving hundreds of institutions across many countries, with studies increasingly looking at cognitive behavioral therapy, how to diagnose ME/CFS better, and the biological basis of the condition. The analysis suggests future research will likely focus on finding biological markers, understanding immune system changes, and identifying genetic risk factors.

Biomarkers

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredReview-Narrative

Exercise Training in Non-Hospitalized Patients with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome-A Narrative Review.

Sick, Johanna, König, Daniel·Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)·2023

This review looked at seven studies involving 935 people with long-COVID symptoms who were not hospitalized during their initial infection. The studies found that exercise programs improved fitness, physical function, and reduced symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and depression. The exercise was generally well-tolerated, but the authors urge caution for people with post-exertional malaise or ME/CFS, since these conditions may respond differently to exercise.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredEditorial

The Draft Report by the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Healthcare Does Not Provide Any Evidence That Graded Exercise Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Are Safe and Effective Treatments for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Vink, Mark, Vink-Niese, Alexandra·Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)·2023

This study examined whether a German health institute's recommendation for graded exercise therapy (GET) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat ME/CFS was supported by good evidence. The researchers found serious problems with the studies being used to make this recommendation, including weak study designs, reliance on patient reports rather than objective measurements, and inclusion of people who may not have had ME/CFS. They concluded these treatments should not be recommended based on the available evidence.

ME/CFS (general)

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 unclearSystematic-Review

Identifying, synthesising and appraising existing evidence relating to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and pregnancy: a mixed-methods systematic review.

Slack, Emma, Pears, Katrina Anne, Rankin, Judith et al.·BMJ open·2023

This review looked at all available research about how ME/CFS affects pregnancy and how pregnancy affects ME/CFS. Researchers found very few good quality studies on this topic. The existing studies showed mixed results: some women's ME/CFS got worse during pregnancy, some stayed the same, and some improved. The review highlights that pregnant people with ME/CFS need personalized care and extra support, but we need much more research to give clear medical guidance.

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.

Post-Exertional MalaiseNeuroinflammation

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Effects of traditional Chinese exercise on sleep quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Liu, Haoyu, Liu, Siling, Xiong, Lu et al.·Medicine·2023

This review examined whether traditional Chinese exercises like Tai Chi and Qigong can help improve sleep quality. Researchers analyzed 20 studies and found that these exercises did help people sleep better, especially those with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue-like illness, and insomnia. However, the benefit wasn't seen in all groups studied, such as stroke patients or college students.

Sleep

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DNA Methylation Signatures of Functional Somatic Syndromes: Systematic Review.

Experimental drugs in randomized controlled trials for long-COVID: what's in the pipeline? A systematic and critical review.

ME/CFS and Long COVID share similar symptoms and biological abnormalities: road map to the literature

SARS-CoV-2 Reinfections and Long COVID in the Post-Omicron Phase of the Pandemic.

Posttreatment Lyme disease syndrome and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: A systematic review and comparison of pathogenesis.

Diagnosis and Management of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

DNA Methylation Changes in Blood Cells of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients.

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

A scoping review of 'Pacing' for management of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): lessons learned for the long COVID pandemic.

[Current status of animal experiment report of acupuncture intervention in chronic fatigue syndrome based on ARRIVE guidelines and GSPC list].

Female reproductive health impacts of Long COVID and associated illnesses including ME/CFS, POTS, and connective tissue disorders: a literature review.

Biomarkers for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS): a systematic review.

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

Frontiers in chronic fatigue syndrome research: An analysis of the top 100 most influential articles in the field.

Exercise Training in Non-Hospitalized Patients with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome-A Narrative Review.

The Draft Report by the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Healthcare Does Not Provide Any Evidence That Graded Exercise Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Are Safe and Effective Treatments for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

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

Identifying, synthesising and appraising existing evidence relating to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and pregnancy: a mixed-methods systematic review.

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

Effects of traditional Chinese exercise on sleep quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

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