ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

2101–2120 of 6,160 studies

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Index markers of chronic fatigue syndrome with dysfunction of TCA and urea cycles.

Yamano, Emi, Sugimoto, Masahiro, Hirayama, Akiyoshi et al.·Scientific reports·2016

Researchers analyzed blood samples from ME/CFS patients and healthy people to look for chemical markers that could help diagnose the disease. They found that certain metabolites—molecules involved in energy production and waste removal—were abnormal in ME/CFS patients. Two specific chemical ratios in the blood showed promise as potential diagnostic tools, correctly identifying CFS patients about 75-80% of the time.

BiomarkersEnergy Metabolism

E2 ModerateCohortPEM requiredCross-Sectional

Epidemiological characteristics of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis in Australian patients.

Johnston, Samantha C, Staines, Donald R, Marshall-Gradisnik, Sonya M·Clinical epidemiology·2016

This study looked at 535 Australian patients with ME/CFS to understand who gets the disease and what symptoms they experience. Researchers found that ME/CFS mainly affects middle-aged women who are well-educated, and often starts after infections like the flu or gut illnesses, or during stressful periods. The most common symptoms included extreme fatigue, brain fog, poor sleep, headaches, muscle and joint pain, and sensitivity to temperature changes.

Diagnostics

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCase-Control

Association of biomarkers with health-related quality of life and history of stressors in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome patients.

Fenouillet, Emmanuel, Vigouroux, Aude, Steinberg, Jean Guillaume et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2016

This study examined blood markers and muscle function in 36 ME/CFS patients compared to 11 healthy controls to understand whether biological changes relate to symptoms and quality of life. Researchers found three key differences: problems with muscle response to exercise, increased oxidative stress (cellular damage), and changes in immune cells. These biomarkers correlated with how much ME/CFS affected patients' daily lives, especially in those whose illness started after a severe infection.

Immune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

A potential biomarker for fatigue: Oxidative stress and anti-oxidative activity.

Fukuda, Sanae, Nojima, Junzo, Motoki, Yukari et al.·Biological psychology·2016

This study looked at whether certain markers of cellular damage from harmful molecules (oxidative stress) and the body's ability to repair that damage (antioxidant capacity) could be used to identify ME/CFS patients and measure their fatigue levels. Researchers compared these markers in ME/CFS patients at rest versus healthy people during and after exercise, finding that ME/CFS patients had a different pattern of these markers compared to healthy controls.

Biomarkers

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCase-Control

Cytokine network analysis of cerebrospinal fluid in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Hornig, M, Gottschalk, G, Peterson, D L et al.·Molecular psychiatry·2016

Researchers examined fluid from around the spine (cerebrospinal fluid) in ME/CFS patients and compared it to healthy people and those with multiple sclerosis. They found that ME/CFS patients had unusual patterns of immune proteins called cytokines in this fluid, suggesting their immune system in the brain and spinal cord is activated differently. The most notable finding was higher levels of a protein called eotaxin, which typically helps recruit immune cells involved in allergic responses.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCase-Control

Mitochondrial DNA variants correlate with symptoms in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Billing-Ross, Paul, Germain, Arnaud, Ye, Kaixiong et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2016

This study examined whether differences in mitochondrial DNA (the genetic instructions inside the energy-producing parts of our cells) are linked to ME/CFS symptoms. Researchers compared DNA from 193 ME/CFS patients and 196 healthy people and found that while certain mitochondrial DNA patterns were associated with specific symptoms like neurological problems, pain, and digestive issues, they were not linked to whether someone actually develops ME/CFS. This suggests mitochondrial DNA variations may influence how severe certain symptoms are, rather than causing the disease itself.

Energy Metabolism

E2 ModerateCohortPEM requiredCross-Sectional

Case definitions integrating empiric and consensus perspectives.

Jason, Leonard A, McManimen, Stephanie, Sunnquist, Madison et al.·Fatigue : biomedicine, health & behavior·2016

This study looked at 556 ME/CFS patients from three countries to understand how doctors should diagnose this condition. The researchers found that patients fall into different groups based on their symptoms: some have chronic fatigue alone, some have fatigue with other medical reasons, and some have ME/CFS with additional symptoms like problems with exercise recovery, brain fog, and sleep issues. The groups with more specific ME/CFS symptoms were significantly more disabled than those with just general fatigue.

SleepPost-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Regulatory T, natural killer T and γδ T cells in multiple sclerosis and chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a comparison.

Ramos, Sandra, Brenu, Ekua, Broadley, Simon et al.·Asian Pacific journal of allergy and immunology·2016

This study compared immune system cells in people with ME/CFS, people with multiple sclerosis (MS), and healthy people. Researchers found that ME/CFS patients had higher levels of certain regulatory immune cells called Tregs, while MS patients had lower levels of gamma delta T cells. The findings suggest that ME/CFS and MS affect the immune system in different ways, rather than through the same mechanisms.

Immune System

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredObservational

Chronic fatigue syndrome: comparing outcomes in White British and Black and minority ethnic patients after cognitive-behavioural therapy.

Ingman, Tom, Ali, Sheila, Bhui, Kamaldeep et al.·The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science·2016

This study looked at whether cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)—a talking therapy that helps change thought patterns and behaviours—works equally well for ME/CFS patients from Black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds compared to White British patients. Both groups showed significant improvements in fatigue, physical functioning, and ability to work or socialise after CBT treatment. Importantly, BME patients improved despite starting with more negative beliefs about their condition and more avoidance behaviours.

Interventions

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM unclearLongitudinal

Enhanced psychological flexibility and improved quality of life in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Densham, Sarah, Williams, Deborah, Johnson, Anne et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2016

This study tested whether learning to accept and adapt to difficult experiences—a skill called psychological flexibility—could help ME/CFS patients improve their quality of life. Over 165 patients attended a six-week group treatment program and were measured before, immediately after, and six months later. The program helped improve both psychological flexibility and quality of life, with the benefits lasting at least six months.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Factors facilitating patient satisfaction among women with medically unexplained long-term fatigue: A relational perspective.

Lian, Olaug S, Hansen, Anne Helen·Health (London, England : 1997)·2016

This study surveyed 431 women with ME/CFS about their experiences with doctors in Norway. The researchers found that patients were most satisfied when their doctor understood their illness, saw them regularly, and referred them to specialists. The most important factor was feeling like an equal partner with their doctor rather than just being told what to do.

Diagnostics

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Experiences of general practitioner continuity among women with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a cross-sectional study.

Hansen, Anne Helen, Lian, Olaug S·BMC health services research·2016

This study asked Norwegian women with ME/CFS about their experiences with their general practitioners across three areas: whether doctors shared information with them, whether their care was well-coordinated, and whether they felt their doctor understood them personally. Most women (about two-thirds) reported positive experiences in all three areas, though information-sharing and care coordination could be improved. The study found that longer relationships with the same GP and better communication were linked to more positive experiences.

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Psychological wellbeing and quality-of-life among siblings of paediatric CFS/ME patients: A mixed-methods study.

Velleman, Sophie, Collin, Simon M, Beasant, Lucy et al.·Clinical child psychology and psychiatry·2016

This study looked at how having a brother or sister with ME/CFS affects the healthy siblings in the family. Researchers asked 34 siblings to answer questions about their mood, anxiety, and quality of life, and found that siblings had higher anxiety levels than other young people their age. When researchers talked in detail with nine of these siblings, they learned that the condition creates stress on family life, leaves siblings confused about what's happening, and can make them feel socially isolated—but good communication and family support can help.

E2 ModerateMechanismPEM unclearMechanistic

Single nucleotide polymorphisms and genotypes of transient receptor potential ion channel and acetylcholine receptor genes from isolated B lymphocytes in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome patients.

Marshall-Gradisnik, Sonya, Johnston, Samantha, Chacko, Anu et al.·The Journal of international medical research·2016

This small study looked at genetic differences in immune cells (B cells) from ME/CFS patients compared to healthy people. Researchers found that ME/CFS patients had more variations in genes controlling calcium flow and acetylcholine signaling—two processes important for immune cell communication. Some of these genetic variations were much more common in patients with ME/CFS, suggesting they might play a role in the disease.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

What is in a name? Comparing diagnostic criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome with or without fibromyalgia.

Meeus, Mira, Ickmans, Kelly, Struyf, Filip et al.·Clinical rheumatology·2016

This study compared people with ME/CFS to people with multiple sclerosis and healthy volunteers to see how sick they were and how well they could function. Researchers found that people with ME/CFS had worse physical abilities (like muscle strength and recovery), more severe symptoms, lower quality of life, and more difficulty with daily activities. They also discovered that when ME/CFS patients also had fibromyalgia (widespread pain), their overall symptom burden was much greater.

DiagnosticsCognitive Impairment

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Occupational exposure and health problems among Polish denturists: a population-based study in Łódź province.

Garus-Pakowska, Anna, Leśniewska, Agnieszka, Gaszyńska, Ewelina et al.·International dental journal·2016

This study surveyed 103 denturists (dental laboratory workers) in Poland to understand how their work affects their health. The researchers found that over 60% experienced chronic fatigue syndrome and 70% had back pain, along with skin irritation and eye problems. Poor workplace design and stress from work organization were identified as major contributing factors.

Pain and Sensitization

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

Effect of melatonin supplementation on plasma lipid hydroperoxides, homocysteine concentration and chronic fatigue syndrome in multiple sclerosis patients treated with interferons-beta and mitoxantrone.

Adamczyk-Sowa, M, Sowa, P, Adamczyk, J et al.·Journal of physiology and pharmacology : an official journal of the Polish Physiological Society·2016

This study looked at whether melatonin (a natural hormone that helps regulate sleep) could help reduce fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis. The researchers measured certain markers in the blood related to oxidative stress (cellular damage) and found that melatonin supplementation for 90 days lowered these harmful markers in all MS patient groups studied.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Chronic fatigue syndrome in women assessed with combined cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Olimulder, M A G M, Galjee, M A, Wagenaar, L J et al.·Netherlands heart journal : monthly journal of the Netherlands Society of Cardiology and the Netherlands Heart Foundation·2016

This study used advanced heart imaging (MRI scans) to examine the hearts of 12 women with ME/CFS and compared them to 36 healthy women. The researchers found that women with ME/CFS had smaller hearts and mildly weaker heart function than the healthy controls. Some ME/CFS patients also showed signs of scarring in the heart muscle, which was not seen in any of the healthy controls.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM requiredCross-Sectional

Housebound versus nonhousebound patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Pendergrast, Tricia, Brown, Abigail, Sunnquist, Madison et al.·Chronic illness·2016

This study compared ME/CFS patients who are severely ill and mostly confined to their homes with those who are less severely affected and can leave home. Researchers found that the housebound group—about 1 in 4 patients—experienced much worse physical functioning, fatigue, pain, brain fog, sleep problems, and other symptoms compared to the less severely ill group. Understanding these differences can help doctors and researchers better tailor treatments for the most severely affected patients.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Distinctive personality profiles of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome patients.

Ablin, Jacob N, Zohar, Ada H, Zaraya-Blum, Reut et al.·PeerJ·2016

This study looked at whether people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome have different personality patterns. Researchers surveyed 204 patients and found two distinct groups: one group tended to worry more, avoid situations that felt threatening, had difficulty identifying their emotions, and received less social support; the other group showed more resilience and healthier coping patterns. Importantly, these personality differences existed even though the groups had similar illness severity, suggesting that how people psychologically respond to their illness varies significantly.

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Evidence browser

Index markers of chronic fatigue syndrome with dysfunction of TCA and urea cycles.

Epidemiological characteristics of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis in Australian patients.

Association of biomarkers with health-related quality of life and history of stressors in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome patients.

A potential biomarker for fatigue: Oxidative stress and anti-oxidative activity.

Cytokine network analysis of cerebrospinal fluid in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Mitochondrial DNA variants correlate with symptoms in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Case definitions integrating empiric and consensus perspectives.

Regulatory T, natural killer T and γδ T cells in multiple sclerosis and chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a comparison.

Chronic fatigue syndrome: comparing outcomes in White British and Black and minority ethnic patients after cognitive-behavioural therapy.

Enhanced psychological flexibility and improved quality of life in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Factors facilitating patient satisfaction among women with medically unexplained long-term fatigue: A relational perspective.

Experiences of general practitioner continuity among women with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a cross-sectional study.

Psychological wellbeing and quality-of-life among siblings of paediatric CFS/ME patients: A mixed-methods study.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms and genotypes of transient receptor potential ion channel and acetylcholine receptor genes from isolated B lymphocytes in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome patients.

What is in a name? Comparing diagnostic criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome with or without fibromyalgia.

Occupational exposure and health problems among Polish denturists: a population-based study in Łódź province.

Effect of melatonin supplementation on plasma lipid hydroperoxides, homocysteine concentration and chronic fatigue syndrome in multiple sclerosis patients treated with interferons-beta and mitoxantrone.

Chronic fatigue syndrome in women assessed with combined cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Housebound versus nonhousebound patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Distinctive personality profiles of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome patients.

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