ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

301–320 of 6,187 studies

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

A systematic review of mitochondrial abnormalities in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome/systemic exertion intolerance disease.

Holden, Sean, Maksoud, Rebekah, Eaton-Fitch, Natalie et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2020

This review looked at 19 studies examining whether the power-generating structures in our cells (called mitochondria) work differently in people with ME/CFS compared to healthy people. While many studies found some differences in how these cellular power plants function, the results were inconsistent across different research groups, making it hard to draw clear conclusions about whether mitochondrial problems actually cause ME/CFS.

Biomarkers

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Advances in Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Zhang, Xiaoyan, Wang, Miao, Zhou, Shigao·Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM·2020

This review looked at research on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome over a five-year period. Researchers found that many clinical studies showed TCM may help improve CFS symptoms, but the results are still not completely clear. The review examined different TCM approaches including syndrome-based treatment, external therapies, and combinations with other treatments.

Interventions

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Management of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis in a pediatric population: A scoping review.

Collard, Sarah S, Murphy, Jane·Journal of child health care : for professionals working with children in the hospital and community·2020

This review examined research on how to help children and teens with ME/CFS feel better through nutrition, exercise, and psychological support. The researchers found that exercise programs and a combination of treatments (including therapy, exercise, nutrition advice, and family support) helped reduce fatigue and improve school attendance. However, very few studies have looked at ME/CFS in younger children, so more research is needed.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredSystematic-Review

Review of case definitions for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

Lim, Eun-Jin, Son, Chang-Gue·Journal of translational medicine·2020

This study reviewed how ME/CFS has been defined and diagnosed over the past 34 years, examining 25 different case definitions created by researchers. The researchers found that these definitions fall into four main categories and emphasize different key symptoms—some focus on a viral cause, others on inflammation, and some on multiple system problems. Understanding these different approaches helps doctors and patients recognize that ME/CFS is complex and may require more than one way to diagnose it.

Cognitive ImpairmentPost-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

A relational analysis of an invisible illness: A meta-ethnography of people with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) and their support needs.

Pilkington, Karen, Ridge, Damien T, Igwesi-Chidobe, Chinonso N et al.·Social science & medicine (1982)·2020

This study examined 47 previous research papers about what people with ME/CFS need in terms of support from family, friends, and healthcare providers. The researchers found that the biggest problems people face come from how others interact with them—including feeling invisible, losing their sense of self, and having difficult experiences at doctor's appointments. The study suggests that focusing on building better relationships and understanding in all areas of life (not just medical treatment) may be key to improving support for people with ME/CFS.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredMeta-Analysis

Heart rate variability in patients with somatic symptom disorders and functional somatic syndromes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Ying-Chih, Cheng, Yu-Chen, Huang, Wei-Lieh, Huang·Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews·2020

This large review combined results from 85 studies comparing heart rhythm patterns between people with conditions like fibromyalgia and ME/CFS (functional somatic syndromes) and healthy people. Researchers found that patients with these conditions have lower heart rate variability—meaning their heart's rhythm is less flexible and adaptive—which suggests their nervous system may not be responding normally to stress and daily activities.

Autonomic Nervous System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Food Implications in Central Sensitization Syndromes.

Aguilar-Aguilar, Elena, Marcos-Pasero, Helena, Ikonomopoulou, Maria P et al.·Journal of clinical medicine·2020

This review examined what is known about how food affects three related conditions—fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, and multiple chemical sensitivities—that all involve heightened nervous system sensitivity. The authors found that changing diet can help improve quality of life for many patients, but the best approach is personalized and done with help from a dietitian and doctor. They warn against following strict diets without professional guidance.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME).

Lim, Eun-Jin, Ahn, Yo-Chan, Jang, Eun-Su et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2020

This study looked at 45 research projects involving over 1 million people to estimate how many people have ME/CFS worldwide. The researchers found that about 0.68% of the general population (roughly 1 in 150 people) has ME/CFS, though the number varies depending on who was studied and how the diagnosis was made. Women are about 1.5 to 2 times more likely to have ME/CFS than men.

Diagnostics

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Systematic Review of Primary Outcome Measurements for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) in Randomized Controlled Trials.

Kim, Do-Young, Lee, Jin-Seok, Son, Chang-Gue·Journal of clinical medicine·2020

This study examined how researchers measure treatment effects in ME/CFS clinical trials by reviewing 52 studies published between 1996 and 2020. The researchers found that most trials rely on patient questionnaires asking about fatigue, physical function, and quality of life rather than objective blood tests or physical measurements. Three questionnaires—the SF-36, Checklist Individual Strength, and Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire—were used most often to track whether treatments worked.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

A systematic review on the health outcomes associated with non-endocarditis manifestations of chronic Q fever.

Manchal, Naveen, Adegboye, Oyelola A, Eisen, Damon P·European journal of clinical microbiology & infectious diseases : official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology·2020

This study looked at chronic Q fever, a bacterial infection that can cause long-term complications beyond heart valve infections. Researchers found that when chronic Q fever affects bones, blood vessels, or causes abscesses (pockets of infection), patients experience significantly more pain than other forms of the disease. Importantly, the study reviewed existing research to understand how pain and fatigue appear in these less common forms of chronic Q fever.

Pain and Sensitization

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Environmental, Neuro-immune, and Neuro-oxidative Stress Interactions in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Bjørklund, Geir, Dadar, Maryam, Pivina, Lyudmila et al.·Molecular neurobiology·2020

This review looked at how ME/CFS develops by examining immune system problems, oxidative stress (cellular damage from harmful molecules), infections, and nutritional issues. Researchers found that people with ME/CFS often have changes in their immune cells and proteins, along with signs of cellular damage that could explain fatigue, pain, and other symptoms. The study suggests that treatments targeting oxidative stress and nutrition might help, though more research is needed.

Immune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Complex syndromes of chronic pain, fatigue and cognitive impairment linked to autoimmune dysautonomia and small fiber neuropathy.

Shoenfeld, Yehuda, Ryabkova, Varvara A, Scheibenbogen, Carmen et al.·Clinical immunology (Orlando, Fla.)·2020

This review brings together evidence suggesting that ME/CFS, along with related conditions like POTS and complex regional pain syndrome, may share a common autoimmune root cause. The researchers found that these conditions are linked by similar patterns: the body's immune system produces antibodies that attack certain nerve receptors, and small nerve fibers become damaged. By understanding these shared mechanisms, doctors may eventually be able to better identify which patients would benefit from immune-targeting treatments.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearMeta-Analysis

Effectiveness of Active Therapy-Based Training to Improve the Balance in Patients with Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

Del-Moral-García, María, Obrero-Gaitán, Esteban, Rodríguez-Almagro, Daniel et al.·Journal of clinical medicine·2020

People with fibromyalgia often have trouble with balance, which increases their risk of falling and affects their ability to do daily activities. This review looked at 10 studies testing whether active exercise-based training programs could help improve balance in fibromyalgia patients. The results showed that these training programs did help people improve their balance and stability compared to other treatments or no treatment.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredMeta-Analysis

Meta-analysis investigating post-exertional malaise between patients and controls.

Brown, Abigail, Jason, Leonard A·Journal of health psychology·2020

This study looked at research from multiple studies to understand how common post-exertional malaise (PEM) is in people with ME/CFS. Post-exertional malaise is when symptoms get worse after physical or mental activity. The researchers found that people with ME/CFS are about 10 times more likely to experience post-exertional malaise than people without the condition, suggesting it is a key feature of ME/CFS.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Postlicensure Observational Studies on Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and Autoimmune and Other Rare Adverse Events.

Willame, Corinne, Gadroen, Kartini, Bramer, Wichor et al.·The Pediatric infectious disease journal·2020

Researchers reviewed 22 studies that tracked the safety of HPV vaccines (which prevent certain cancers) in millions of people after the vaccines were approved for use. They looked specifically at whether these vaccines were linked to autoimmune diseases—conditions where the immune system attacks the body. Overall, they found no clear connection between HPV vaccines and most rare diseases, though a few associations (both positive and negative) were noted.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

[The review of prospective studies on mental health and the quality of life of physicians and medical students].

Szemik, Szymon, Gajda, Maksymilian, Kowalska, Małgorzata·Medycyna pracy·2020

This review examined research on the mental health and quality of life of doctors and medical students. The studies found that doctors often experience chronic fatigue syndrome and burnout from workplace stress, while medical students and young doctors commonly struggle with depression, alcohol misuse, and suicidal thoughts. The research used long-term follow-up studies to track how these problems develop over time.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredSystematic-Review

Chronotropic Intolerance: An Overlooked Determinant of Symptoms and Activity Limitation in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Davenport, Todd E, Lehnen, Mary, Stevens, Staci R et al.·Frontiers in pediatrics·2019

This review examines how people with ME/CFS respond to exercise differently than healthy people. Researchers found that during exercise tests, people with ME/CFS have a blunted heart rate response—their heart rate doesn't increase as much as expected for the amount of work they're doing. This abnormal response, called chronotropic intolerance, may help explain why exercise worsens symptoms in ME/CFS patients.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

General medical services by non-medical health professionals: a systematic quantitative review of economic evaluations in primary care.

Anthony, Bethany F, Surgey, Alun, Hiscock, Julia et al.·The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners·2019

This review looked at whether nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals can provide medical care more cheaply than doctors in primary care settings. The researchers found very limited evidence about costs and outcomes, with some nurse-led care for minor problems being cost-effective, but nurse-led care for chronic fatigue syndrome was not cost-effective compared to doctor care.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Post-bacterial infection chronic fatigue syndrome is not a latent infection.

Melenotte, Cléa, Drancourt, Michel, Gorvel, Jean Pierre et al.·Medecine et maladies infectieuses·2019

This review examined whether bacteria that stay dormant (inactive) in the body after an infection could cause chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms. The researchers looked at scientific evidence and found no proof that dormant bacteria cause the ongoing fatigue and other symptoms people experience after bacterial infections. The study suggests that psychological trauma and unknown causes may play a role in post-infection fatigue, rather than persistent bacterial infection.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearMeta-Analysis

Evidence of altered cardiac autonomic regulation in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Nelson, Maximillian J, Bahl, Jasvir S, Buckley, Jonathan D et al.·Medicine·2019

This study looked at how the hearts of people with ME/CFS respond differently compared to healthy people, focusing on heart rate and its patterns. Researchers reviewed 64 previous studies and found that ME/CFS patients tend to have higher resting heart rates, unusual heart rate responses to position changes, and different patterns in heart rate variability (the natural variation in time between heartbeats). These findings suggest that the nervous system that controls heart function may work differently in people with ME/CFS.

Autonomic Nervous System

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A systematic review of mitochondrial abnormalities in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome/systemic exertion intolerance disease.

Advances in Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Management of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis in a pediatric population: A scoping review.

Review of case definitions for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

A relational analysis of an invisible illness: A meta-ethnography of people with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) and their support needs.

Heart rate variability in patients with somatic symptom disorders and functional somatic syndromes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Food Implications in Central Sensitization Syndromes.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME).

Systematic Review of Primary Outcome Measurements for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) in Randomized Controlled Trials.

A systematic review on the health outcomes associated with non-endocarditis manifestations of chronic Q fever.

Environmental, Neuro-immune, and Neuro-oxidative Stress Interactions in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Complex syndromes of chronic pain, fatigue and cognitive impairment linked to autoimmune dysautonomia and small fiber neuropathy.

Effectiveness of Active Therapy-Based Training to Improve the Balance in Patients with Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

Meta-analysis investigating post-exertional malaise between patients and controls.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Postlicensure Observational Studies on Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and Autoimmune and Other Rare Adverse Events.

[The review of prospective studies on mental health and the quality of life of physicians and medical students].

Chronotropic Intolerance: An Overlooked Determinant of Symptoms and Activity Limitation in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

General medical services by non-medical health professionals: a systematic quantitative review of economic evaluations in primary care.

Post-bacterial infection chronic fatigue syndrome is not a latent infection.

Evidence of altered cardiac autonomic regulation in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Curated Collections

Neuroinflammation Evidence

Metabolism & Mitochondria

Biomarkers

PEM-Specific Research