ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

2701–2720 of 6,160 studies

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

Plasma cytokines in women with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Fletcher, Mary Ann, Zeng, Xiao Rong, Barnes, Zachary et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2009

Researchers tested blood samples from women with ME/CFS and compared them to healthy women to look for immune system differences. They measured 16 different immune substances called cytokines and found that 10 of them were abnormal in ME/CFS patients—some were higher and some were lower than in healthy controls. While these differences suggest immune activation in ME/CFS, the pattern wasn't specific enough to use as a diagnostic test on its own.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Psychomotor functioning in chronic fatigue syndrome and major depressive disorder: a comparative study.

Schrijvers, D, Van Den Eede, F, Maas, Y et al.·Journal of affective disorders·2009

This study compared how quickly people with ME/CFS and depression could complete two drawing tasks—one simple and one complex. Both patient groups worked more slowly than healthy people, but the pattern of slowness differed between the two conditions. People with depression were especially slow at simple motor tasks, while both patient groups struggled similarly with the more cognitively demanding task.

Cognitive Impairment

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

The role of coping in the relationship between depression and illness severity in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Walker, Karen, Lindner, Helen, Noonan, Michelle·Journal of allied health·2009

This study looked at how depression and coping strategies affect how severely people with ME/CFS feel their illness impacts them. Researchers surveyed 156 ME/CFS patients about their mood, how they cope with their condition, and how they perceive their illness severity. They found that how patients cope—especially seeking social support and finding positive ways to think about their situation—may be just as important as treating depression when it comes to how sick people feel.

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredCase-Control

Chronic fatigue syndrome and high allostatic load: results from a population-based case-control study in Georgia.

Maloney, Elizabeth M, Boneva, Roumiana, Nater, Urs M et al.·Psychosomatic medicine·2009

This study looked at whether people with ME/CFS have higher levels of 'allostatic load'—a measure of how much stress and wear-and-tear their bodies have accumulated over time. Researchers compared 83 people with ME/CFS, 202 people with some symptoms but not full ME/CFS, and 109 healthy controls in Georgia. They found that people with ME/CFS did have significantly higher allostatic load than healthy people, suggesting their bodies may be under greater physiological stress.

Endocrine Disruption

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Associations between pet ownership and self-reported health status in people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome.

Wells, Deborah L·Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.)·2009

Researchers asked 193 people with ME/CFS whether they owned pets and how their health was doing. About 58% owned pets, mostly dogs and cats. While pet owners reported feeling that their animals helped their mental well-being, the study found no clear statistical link between owning a pet and having better health scores overall.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

The doctor-patient relationship in chronic fatigue syndrome: survey of patient perspectives.

Van Hoof, Elke·Quality in primary care·2009

This study surveyed 177 ME/CFS patients about their experiences with their doctors. The researchers found that most general practitioners (GPs) do not feel confident diagnosing or treating ME/CFS, and patients often felt their doctors did not understand their condition. Poor communication and lack of GP knowledge about ME/CFS led many patients to feel unsupported and unheard in medical appointments.

Diagnostics

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Demographic and clinical aspects of an Italian patient population with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Carlo-Stella, N, Cuccia, M·Reumatismo·2009

This Italian study surveyed patients diagnosed with ME/CFS to understand their symptoms and backgrounds. The researchers found that Italian patients with ME/CFS experience persistent fatigue along with symptoms that resemble infectious illnesses, neurological problems, and joint/muscle issues—similar to what has been reported in other countries.

Diagnostics

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Replication of an empirical approach to delineate the heterogeneity of chronic unexplained fatigue.

Aslakson, Eric, Vollmer-Conna, Uté, Reeves, William C et al.·Population health metrics·2009

This study looked at nearly 400 women from different parts of Georgia to understand why chronic fatigue affects people so differently. Instead of treating all chronic fatigue as one disease, researchers found that people fall into five distinct groups with different symptom patterns—some with sleep and mood problems, some with weight and metabolic issues, and some without significant fatigue at all. The findings suggest that chronic fatigue is not one-size-fits-all, and doctors may need personalized approaches for different patient groups.

Sleep

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Electroencephalographic correlates of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Decker, Michael J, Tabassum, Humyra, Lin, Jin-Mann S et al.·Behavioral and brain functions : BBF·2009

This study looked at brain wave patterns during sleep in people with ME/CFS compared to healthy controls using a sleep study test. Researchers found that people with ME/CFS had abnormal brain wave activity during different sleep stages, particularly weaker delta waves during deep sleep and weaker alpha waves during REM sleep. These findings suggest that the problem in ME/CFS may not be the structure of sleep itself, but rather how the brain regulates and maintains restorative sleep.

Sleep

E2 ModerateMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Transcription profile analysis of vastus lateralis muscle from patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Pietrangelo, T, Mancinelli, R, Toniolo, L et al.·International journal of immunopathology and pharmacology·2009

Researchers examined muscle tissue from ME/CFS patients and found abnormalities in how genes are expressed—essentially, certain genetic instructions were turned up or down compared to healthy people. The biggest changes involved genes related to energy production in cells, muscle structure, and communication between nerves and muscles. These findings suggest that problems at the cellular level may explain why ME/CFS patients experience muscle weakness and fatigue.

Energy Metabolism

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Anticardiolipin antibodies in the sera of patients with diagnosed chronic fatigue syndrome.

Hokama, Yoshitsugi, Campora, Cara Empey, Hara, Cynthia et al.·Journal of clinical laboratory analysis·2009

Researchers tested blood samples from ME/CFS patients and found abnormal antibodies called anticardiolipin antibodies (ACAs) in 95% of the samples. These antibodies mistakenly attack cardiolipin, a substance found in cell membranes. The study suggests that something in the immune system may be going wrong in ME/CFS, possibly affecting how cells produce energy.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Are chronic fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome valid clinical entities across countries and health-care settings?

Hickie, Ian, Davenport, Tracey, Vernon, Suzanne D et al.·The Australian and New Zealand journal of psychiatry·2009

This large international study analyzed data from nearly 38,000 people across 21 countries to determine whether chronic fatigue and ME/CFS are real, recognizable conditions. Researchers found that people with these conditions share a consistent pattern of five main symptom types—muscle pain and fatigue, thinking difficulties, inflammation-related symptoms, sleep problems, and mood changes—regardless of where they live or which type of doctor they see. This consistency across different countries and healthcare settings provides strong evidence that chronic fatigue and ME/CFS are genuine medical conditions, not just psychiatric problems.

Diagnostics

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Sleep apnea and psychological functioning in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Libman, Eva, Creti, Laura, Baltzan, Marcel et al.·Journal of health psychology·2009

This study looked at whether sleep apnea (a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep) is common in people with ME/CFS and how it affects mood and psychological well-being. The researchers found that 68% of ME/CFS patients had sleep apnea, but those who did were not significantly more ill than those without it. Both the ME/CFS and sleep apnea groups showed more psychological difficulties than healthy controls, but the researchers suggest these emotional struggles are likely a natural response to living with a chronic illness rather than a separate psychiatric condition.

SleepDiagnostics

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredObservational

Lower ambulatory blood pressure in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Newton, Julia L, Sheth, Amish, Shin, Jane et al.·Psychosomatic medicine·2009

This study measured blood pressure patterns over 24 hours in people with ME/CFS, healthy volunteers, and people with a liver disease that also causes fatigue. The researchers found that ME/CFS patients had lower blood pressure than healthy people and their blood pressure did not drop as much during sleep as it normally should. Higher fatigue levels were linked to these abnormal blood pressure patterns.

Autonomic Nervous System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

Molecular study of receptor for advanced glycation endproduct gene promoter and identification of specific HLA haplotypes possibly involved in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Carlo-Stella, N, Bozzini, S, De Silvestri, A et al.·International journal of immunopathology and pharmacology·2009

This study looked at two genes related to inflammation in 75 Italian ME/CFS patients and compared them to 141 healthy controls. The researchers found that certain genetic variations in the RAGE gene and immune system genes called HLA were more common in ME/CFS patients, suggesting these genetic differences might increase risk for the condition. The findings suggest ME/CFS may involve inherited factors that affect how the immune system responds.

Immune System

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Illness behaviors in patients with unexplained chronic fatigue are associated with significant other responses.

Romano, Joan M, Jensen, Mark P, Schmaling, Karen B et al.·Journal of behavioral medicine·2009

This study looked at how the responses of family members and close partners affect people with chronic fatigue. Researchers found that when significant others were supportive or 'solicitous' (caring and attentive), patients tended to show more illness-related behaviors. Interestingly, when significant others responded negatively, patients reported higher levels of depression. The findings suggest that social interactions and family dynamics may play a role in how chronic fatigue affects daily functioning.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

An investigation into the cognitive deficits associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Thomas, Marie, Smith, Andrew·The open neurology journal·2009

This study tested whether people with ME/CFS have real problems with thinking and memory, not just imagine they do. The researchers gave a large group of properly diagnosed ME/CFS patients a thorough set of cognitive tests and found clear evidence of cognitive difficulties. Importantly, these problems were not caused by depression or anxiety, suggesting they are a direct part of the illness.

Cognitive Impairment

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredCase-Control

Childhood trauma and risk for chronic fatigue syndrome: association with neuroendocrine dysfunction.

Heim, Christine, Nater, Urs M, Maloney, Elizabeth et al.·Archives of general psychiatry·2009

This study found that people with ME/CFS who experienced childhood trauma (such as abuse or neglect) have significantly different stress hormone levels compared to healthy people. Specifically, those with ME/CFS and childhood trauma history showed lower cortisol (a stress hormone) levels after waking up. The research suggests that early difficult experiences may damage the body's stress-response system in ways that increase vulnerability to developing ME/CFS later in life.

Endocrine Disruption

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredObservational

Effect of supplement with lactic-acid producing bacteria on fatigue and physical activity in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Sullivan, Asa, Nord, Carl E, Evengård, Birgitta·Nutrition journal·2009

This small study tested whether specific probiotic bacteria (live microorganisms that may benefit gut health) could reduce fatigue and improve physical activity in ME/CFS patients. Fifteen patients took probiotics for 4 weeks and were monitored for changes in fatigue, physical activity, and cognitive function. While some patients reported feeling better overall, the study did not find significant improvements in fatigue or activity levels, though cognitive function did improve.

Gut MicrobiomeImmune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredLongitudinal

Chronic fatigue syndrome after infectious mononucleosis in adolescents.

Katz, Ben Z, Shiraishi, Yukiko, Mears, Cynthia J et al.·Pediatrics·2009

This study followed 301 teenagers with infectious mononucleosis (mono) to see how many developed ME/CFS afterward. Researchers checked in at 6, 12, and 24 months and found that fewer teenagers had ME/CFS as time went on: 13% at 6 months, 7% at 12 months, and 4% at 24 months. All 13 teenagers still diagnosed with ME/CFS at 24 months were female, and they had reported more severe fatigue earlier in their illness.

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Plasma cytokines in women with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Psychomotor functioning in chronic fatigue syndrome and major depressive disorder: a comparative study.

The role of coping in the relationship between depression and illness severity in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Chronic fatigue syndrome and high allostatic load: results from a population-based case-control study in Georgia.

Associations between pet ownership and self-reported health status in people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome.

The doctor-patient relationship in chronic fatigue syndrome: survey of patient perspectives.

Demographic and clinical aspects of an Italian patient population with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Replication of an empirical approach to delineate the heterogeneity of chronic unexplained fatigue.

Electroencephalographic correlates of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Transcription profile analysis of vastus lateralis muscle from patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Anticardiolipin antibodies in the sera of patients with diagnosed chronic fatigue syndrome.

Are chronic fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome valid clinical entities across countries and health-care settings?

Sleep apnea and psychological functioning in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Lower ambulatory blood pressure in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Molecular study of receptor for advanced glycation endproduct gene promoter and identification of specific HLA haplotypes possibly involved in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Illness behaviors in patients with unexplained chronic fatigue are associated with significant other responses.

An investigation into the cognitive deficits associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Childhood trauma and risk for chronic fatigue syndrome: association with neuroendocrine dysfunction.

Effect of supplement with lactic-acid producing bacteria on fatigue and physical activity in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Chronic fatigue syndrome after infectious mononucleosis in adolescents.

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