ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

1681–1700 of 6,188 studies

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 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

The impact of COVID-19 stress on pain and fatigue in people with and without a central sensitivity syndrome.

Koppert, Tim Y, Jacobs, Johannes W G, Lumley, Mark A et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2021

This study looked at whether pandemic-related stress made pain and fatigue worse in people with central sensitivity syndromes (conditions like ME/CFS and fibromyalgia) compared to those without these conditions. Researchers surveyed Dutch participants before COVID-19 (2018) and during the pandemic peak (2020), measuring stress levels, symptom severity, and psychological flexibility (the ability to adapt to difficult emotions). Surprisingly, the study found that while stress and symptom severity were generally linked, having a central sensitivity syndrome did not make people more vulnerable to stress-related symptom worsening.

Pain and Sensitization

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 not requiredCase-Control

Rome IV Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders and Health Impairment in Subjects With Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders or Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

Lam, Ching Y, Palsson, Olafur S, Whitehead, William E et al.·Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association·2021

This study compared stomach and digestive problems in people with hypermobility disorders (including hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) to a general population. Nearly all people with these hypermobility conditions (98%) had one or more functional gastrointestinal disorder, compared to less than half of the comparison group. People with hypermobility disorders also experienced many other widespread body symptoms and used healthcare services much more frequently.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearObservational

Factors related to educational adaptations and social life at school experienced by young people with CFS/ME: a qualitative study.

Similä, Wenche Ann, Nøst, Torunn Hatlen, Helland, Ingrid B et al.·BMJ open·2021

This study asked 18 young people with ME/CFS (ages 13-21) about their experiences at school and in their daily lives. Students said they struggled because teachers and school staff didn't understand their illness, didn't receive enough help adjusting their schoolwork, and felt isolated from their peers. Many also found it hard to recognize their own limits and avoid doing too much. The young people suggested that better education about ME/CFS for teachers, flexible schooling options, and more opportunities to connect with classmates would help them significantly.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredObservational

Infections in temporal proximity to HPV vaccination and adverse effects following vaccination in Denmark: A nationwide register-based cohort study and case-crossover analysis.

Krogsgaard, Lene Wulff, Petersen, Irene, Plana-Ripoll, Oleguer et al.·PLoS medicine·2021

This study examined whether having an infection around the time of HPV vaccination increases the risk of developing illness symptoms afterward in Danish women. Researchers found that women who had a treated infection within one month before or after their first HPV vaccine dose were more likely to later seek care at specialized centers for suspected vaccine side effects. The symptoms reported were similar to those seen in chronic fatigue syndrome.

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredLongitudinal

The association between exposure to domestic abuse in women and the development of syndromes indicating central nervous system sensitization: A retrospective cohort study using UK primary care records.

Chandan, Joht Singh, Keerthy, Deepiksana, Gokhale, Krishna Margadhamane et al.·European journal of pain (London, England)·2021

This study looked at whether women who experienced domestic abuse were more likely to develop conditions involving chronic pain and nervous system sensitivity, such as fibromyalgia and ME/CFS. Researchers compared health records of over 22,000 women who had experienced abuse with nearly 45,000 women who had not. They found that abuse survivors had significantly higher rates of several pain-related conditions, suggesting that trauma may trigger or worsen these syndromes.

Pain and Sensitization

E2 ModeratePEM unclearRegistry-Resource

Prevalence and characteristics of self-reported hypothyroidism and its association with nonorgan-specific manifestations in US sarcoidosis patients: a nationwide registry study.

Alzghoul, Bashar N, Amer, Farah N, Barb, Diana et al.·ERJ open research·2021

This study looked at how common thyroid problems are in sarcoidosis patients and how they relate to other symptoms. Researchers found that about 1 in 7 sarcoidosis patients reported having an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), and these patients were more likely to experience fatigue, depression, sleep problems, and difficulty with physical activities. The study suggests that checking for thyroid problems might help doctors better manage sarcoidosis symptoms.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

The antinuclear antibody dense fine speckled pattern and possible clinical associations: An indication of a proinflammatory microenvironment.

Lundgren, Mia C, Sapkota, Smarika, Peterson, Daniel J et al.·Journal of immunological methods·2021

This study looked at 425 patients who tested positive for a specific antibody pattern called ANA-DFS on a common autoimmune screening test. The researchers wanted to understand what conditions this pattern is associated with. They found that while some patients had known autoimmune diseases, many others had chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, skin problems, or allergic conditions, suggesting this antibody pattern may indicate a generally inflamed immune system rather than one specific disease.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredLongitudinal

Lasting Immunological Imprint of Primary Epstein-Barr Virus Infection With Associations to Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation and Fatigue.

Fevang, Børre, Wyller, Vegard Bruun Bratholm, Mollnes, Tom Eirik et al.·Frontiers in immunology·2021

This study tracked 200 teenagers with mononucleosis (caused by Epstein-Barr virus) for 6 months to understand why some developed chronic fatigue. Researchers found that teenagers who developed chronic fatigue showed persistent signs of immune system activation and inflammation, particularly elevated levels of RANTES (a signaling protein) and other inflammatory markers, both at the start of illness and 6 months later.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredObservational

Undetected Jawbone Marrow Defects as Inflammatory and Degenerative Signaling Pathways: Chemokine RANTES/CCL5 as a Possible Link Between the Jawbone and Systemic Interactions?

Lechner, Johann, Schmidt, Marlene, von Baehr, Volker et al.·Journal of inflammation research·2021

This study examined jawbone abnormalities in 301 patients with various chronic illnesses, including ME/CFS. Researchers found that patients with bone loss in the jawbone had elevated levels of a chemical messenger called RANTES/CCL5, which promotes inflammation. These findings were consistent across all disease groups studied, suggesting that jawbone problems may contribute to systemic inflammation in multiple conditions.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearObservational

Patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Greatly Improved Fatigue Symptoms When Treated with Oxygen-Ozone Autohemotherapy.

Tirelli, Umberto, Franzini, Marianno, Valdenassi, Luigi et al.·Journal of clinical medicine·2021

This study tested whether a treatment called oxygen-ozone autohemotherapy (a procedure where blood is drawn, treated with ozone gas, and returned to the body) could help ME/CFS patients with fatigue. Among 200 patients treated, most experienced significant improvements in their fatigue levels within 30 days, with nearly half reporting the best possible improvement on a fatigue scale. No serious side effects were reported.

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 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 not requiredLongitudinal

Inflammation-type dysbiosis of the oral microbiome associates with the duration of COVID-19 symptoms and long COVID.

Haran, John P, Bradley, Evan, Zeamer, Abigail L et al.·JCI insight·2021

This study looked at bacteria in the mouth of people with COVID-19 to understand why some people develop long COVID. Researchers found that people with long COVID had higher levels of inflammation-causing bacteria, particularly types called Prevotella and Veillonella. Interestingly, the oral bacteria patterns in long COVID patients resembled those seen in chronic fatigue syndrome patients, suggesting the microbiome may play a role in prolonged illness.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredLongitudinal

How peptic ulcer disease could potentially lead to the lifelong, debilitating effects of chronic fatigue syndrome: an insight.

Kuo, Chien-Feng, Shi, Leiyu, Lin, Cheng-Li et al.·Scientific reports·2021

This study looked at whether people who have had peptic ulcers (stomach ulcers often caused by H. pylori bacteria) are at higher risk of developing ME/CFS. Researchers compared hospital records from Taiwan for people with and without peptic ulcers over many years. They found that people with a history of peptic ulcers were about twice as likely to develop ME/CFS, with higher risk in women and older adults.

Immune System

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Exploring anhedonia in adolescents with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): A mixed-methods study.

Smith, Lucie, Crawley, Esther, Riley, Madeleine et al.·Clinical child psychology and psychiatry·2021

This study looked at whether teenagers with ME/CFS lose the ability to enjoy activities they once loved. Researchers surveyed 164 young people and found that 42% experienced some loss of enjoyment, with 15% experiencing significant loss. Many of these teenagers said their condition either stopped them from doing activities or made it hard to enjoy them, even when they did participate.

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 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredObservational

Post-Covid-19 Syndrome: Improvements in Health-Related Quality of Life Following Psychology-Led Interdisciplinary Virtual Rehabilitation.

Harenwall, Sari, Heywood-Everett, Suzanne, Henderson, Rebecca et al.·Journal of primary care & community health·2021

Researchers created a 7-week online rehabilitation program for people recovering from long COVID, led by psychologists and a team of other health professionals. The program covered topics like managing fatigue, improving sleep, nutrition, stress management, and activity pacing. Among 76 participants who completed the program and filled out quality-of-life surveys, people reported significant improvements in their ability to move around, care for themselves, do daily activities, and manage pain and mood.

Sleep

E2 ModerateCohortPEM requiredObservational

Predicting post-exertional malaise in Gulf War Illness based on acute exercise responses.

Boruch, Alexander E, Lindheimer, Jacob B, Klein-Adams, Jacquelyn C et al.·Life sciences·2021

This study looked at how Gulf War Veterans' bodies responded during exercise and whether those responses could predict post-exertional malaise (PEM)—the worsening of symptoms after physical activity. Veterans with Gulf War Illness had more severe symptom flare-ups after exercising compared to healthy veterans, but the researchers found that common exercise measurements like breathing patterns and muscle pain didn't reliably predict who would experience worse PEM.

Post-Exertional Malaise

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Evidence Atlas

Evidence browser

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

The impact of COVID-19 stress on pain and fatigue in people with and without a central sensitivity syndrome.

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

Rome IV Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders and Health Impairment in Subjects With Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders or Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

Factors related to educational adaptations and social life at school experienced by young people with CFS/ME: a qualitative study.

Infections in temporal proximity to HPV vaccination and adverse effects following vaccination in Denmark: A nationwide register-based cohort study and case-crossover analysis.

The association between exposure to domestic abuse in women and the development of syndromes indicating central nervous system sensitization: A retrospective cohort study using UK primary care records.

Prevalence and characteristics of self-reported hypothyroidism and its association with nonorgan-specific manifestations in US sarcoidosis patients: a nationwide registry study.

The antinuclear antibody dense fine speckled pattern and possible clinical associations: An indication of a proinflammatory microenvironment.

Lasting Immunological Imprint of Primary Epstein-Barr Virus Infection With Associations to Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation and Fatigue.

Undetected Jawbone Marrow Defects as Inflammatory and Degenerative Signaling Pathways: Chemokine RANTES/CCL5 as a Possible Link Between the Jawbone and Systemic Interactions?

Patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Greatly Improved Fatigue Symptoms When Treated with Oxygen-Ozone Autohemotherapy.

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

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

Inflammation-type dysbiosis of the oral microbiome associates with the duration of COVID-19 symptoms and long COVID.

How peptic ulcer disease could potentially lead to the lifelong, debilitating effects of chronic fatigue syndrome: an insight.

Exploring anhedonia in adolescents with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): A mixed-methods 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].

Post-Covid-19 Syndrome: Improvements in Health-Related Quality of Life Following Psychology-Led Interdisciplinary Virtual Rehabilitation.

Predicting post-exertional malaise in Gulf War Illness based on acute exercise responses.

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Neuroinflammation Evidence

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