ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

321–340 of 6,122 studies

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

The clinical value of cytokines in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Yang, Tiansong, Yang, Yan, Wang, Delong et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2019

This review examined whether immune system signaling molecules called cytokines could help doctors diagnose or treat ME/CFS. While researchers found that cytokines are abnormal in ME/CFS patients' blood and fluid around the brain, the current evidence shows these markers are not reliable enough to use alone for diagnosis. The review suggests that measuring multiple cytokines together might help doctors better understand what's happening in individual patients, but cytokines are not yet proven as effective treatment targets.

BiomarkersImmune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Acupuncture for chronic fatigue syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Zhang, Qing, Gong, Jing, Dong, Haoxu et al.·Acupuncture in medicine : journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society·2019

This review examined 16 studies testing whether acupuncture helps people with ME/CFS. The researchers found that acupuncture appeared to reduce fatigue more than fake acupuncture or herbal medicine treatments. However, most studies had quality problems, so the results may not be reliable, and the authors say we need better-designed studies before drawing firm conclusions.

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 not requiredReview-Narrative

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: From pathophysiological insights to novel therapeutic opportunities.

Morris, Gerwyn, Puri, Basant K, Walker, Adam J et al.·Pharmacological research·2019

This review examines what goes wrong in the bodies of ME/CFS patients and looks at treatments that might help. Researchers found that ME/CFS involves several biological problems, including inflammation, increased cellular stress, gut problems, and energy production issues. The review highlights five promising supplements—coenzyme Q10, melatonin, curcumin, molecular hydrogen, and N-acetylcysteine—that target these problems, though much more testing is needed.

Energy Metabolism

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

A systematic review of cytokines in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis/systemic exertion intolerance disease (CFS/ME/SEID).

Corbitt, Matthew, Eaton-Fitch, Natalie, Staines, Donald et al.·BMC neurology·2019

Researchers reviewed 15 studies that measured immune signaling molecules called cytokines in people with ME/CFS compared to healthy people. Although many studies have looked at cytokines in ME/CFS, the results were too mixed and inconsistent to show that cytokines could be used as a reliable test for the condition or to confirm a clear role in causing the disease.

BiomarkersImmune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Anti-Inflammatory Diets and Fatigue.

Haß, Ulrike, Herpich, Catrin, Norman, Kristina·Nutrients·2019

This review looked at whether eating anti-inflammatory foods—like whole grains, vegetables rich in plant compounds, and omega-3 fatty acids—might help reduce fatigue in people with chronic illnesses. The researchers examined 21 human studies and found that while single nutrients alone showed mixed results, eating a balanced diet with these whole foods showed promise for improving fatigue. However, more research is still needed to confirm these findings.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

The effect of physiotherapy on fatigue and physical functioning in chronic fatigue syndrome patients: A systematic review.

Galeoto, G, Sansoni, J, Valenti, D et al.·La Clinica terapeutica·2018

This review looked at four high-quality studies to understand how physical therapy might help people with ME/CFS feel less tired and function better. The researchers found that programs combining exercise, stretching, and body awareness techniques showed the most promise for reducing fatigue over medium and long-term periods. However, because there were very few studies to examine, the authors couldn't definitively say which treatment works best for everyone.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

A systematic review of enteric dysbiosis in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Du Preez, S, Corbitt, M, Cabanas, H et al.·Systematic reviews·2018

Researchers reviewed seven studies looking at whether gut bacteria differences might cause ME/CFS symptoms. While all studies found some differences in gut bacteria between ME/CFS patients and healthy people, the findings were inconsistent and often not statistically significant. Currently, there isn't enough reliable evidence to say that abnormal gut bacteria are a major cause of ME/CFS.

Gut Microbiome

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

A Review Study on the Beneficial Effects of Baduanjin.

Zou, Liye, Pan, Zhujun, Yeung, Albert et al.·Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.)·2018

This review looked at 22 studies about Baduanjin, a gentle Chinese exercise that combines movement with mental focus. The studies suggest that Baduanjin may help improve thinking abilities, mood, sleep, and physical symptoms in people with various conditions, including those with chronic fatigue-like illness. However, the authors note that better-quality, longer-lasting studies are needed before we can be confident about these benefits.

Cognitive Impairment

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearEditorial

Multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment is not effective for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: A review of the FatiGo trial.

Vink, Mark, Vink-Niese, Alexandra·Health psychology open·2018

This analysis reviewed a major trial called FatiGo that compared two treatment approaches for ME/CFS: multidisciplinary rehabilitation (combining physical therapy, psychology, and other treatments) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). While the original FatiGo trial claimed both treatments were effective, this review found serious problems with how the study was conducted and concluded that the evidence does not actually support these claims.

Interventions

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredSystematic-Review

Graded exercise therapy for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome is not effective and unsafe. Re-analysis of a Cochrane review.

Vink, Mark, Vink-Niese, Alexandra·Health psychology open·2018

This study re-examined a major 2017 review that had concluded graded exercise therapy (GET) was helpful for ME/CFS. The researchers found serious problems with that review's methods and conclusions. They concluded there is no reliable evidence that GET works for ME/CFS, and safety concerns were not properly reported in the original trials.

ME/CFS (general)

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredReview-Narrative

[Neurologic Abnormalities in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Review].

Komaroff, Anthony L, Takahashi, Ryosuke, Yamamura, Takashi et al.·Brain and nerve = Shinkei kenkyu no shinpo·2018

This review examines objective, measurable evidence that ME/CFS is a real physical illness, not just a psychological condition. Researchers looked at studies showing that ME/CFS involves problems with the brain, immune system, and how the body uses energy. They found that immune activation—where the body's defense system becomes overactive—may be a key driver of ME/CFS symptoms.

Cognitive ImpairmentImmune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

A unifying theory for cognitive abnormalities in functional neurological disorders, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome: systematic review.

Teodoro, Tiago, Edwards, Mark J, Isaacs, Jeremy D·Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry·2018

Many people with ME/CFS report cognitive problems like brain fog, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating. This review of 95 studies found that while patients consistently describe these symptoms, standard memory and thinking tests often show normal or only mild problems. The authors suggest that pain, fatigue, and the body's excessive self-monitoring may force the brain to work harder on everyday tasks, making thinking feel more exhausting even when test results look relatively normal.

Cognitive Impairment

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Cost-effectiveness of interventions for medically unexplained symptoms: A systematic review.

Wortman, Margreet S H, Lokkerbol, Joran, van der Wouden, Johannes C et al.·PloS one·2018

This study looked at 39 research projects to find out which treatments for long-lasting unexplained symptoms—including chronic fatigue syndrome—work best and offer good value for money. The researchers found that group-based treatments (where patients meet together) tend to be more cost-effective than one-on-one treatments. However, the studies they reviewed were quite different from each other, making it hard to compare results directly.

Interventions

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

A Systematic Review of Probiotic Interventions for Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME).

Corbitt, Matthew, Campagnolo, N, Staines, D et al.·Probiotics and antimicrobial proteins·2018

This review looked at whether probiotics (beneficial bacteria) might help with stomach and bowel problems that many people with ME/CFS experience. Researchers searched medical databases and found 25 studies on this topic. While probiotics showed promise for irritable bowel syndrome in the general population, there wasn't enough good-quality research to say whether they actually help people with ME/CFS.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Are probiotic treatments useful on fibromyalgia syndrome or chronic fatigue syndrome patients? A systematic review.

Roman, P, Carrillo-Trabalón, F, Sánchez-Labraca, N et al.·Beneficial microbes·2018

This review looked at whether probiotic supplements (live beneficial bacteria) might help people with ME/CFS or fibromyalgia. Researchers searched for high-quality studies and found only two small studies in ME/CFS patients. These studies showed that specific probiotic strains reduced anxiety and markers of inflammation, but there isn't enough evidence yet to say probiotics are a proven treatment.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Metabolic abnormalities in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a mini-review.

Tomas, Cara, Newton, Julia·Biochemical Society transactions·2018

This review examines research showing that people with ME/CFS have problems with how their bodies use energy at a cellular level. Scientists have found several different metabolic abnormalities—issues with immune function, mitochondria (the cell's power plants), muscle acid buildup, and other energy-related problems—that could potentially be used as biomarkers (measurable signs) to diagnose the disease. However, no single test can yet reliably identify ME/CFS.

BiomarkersImmune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Antibodies Against GPCR.

Meyer, Carlotto, Heidecke, Harald·Frontiers in bioscience (Landmark edition)·2018

This review examines how the body's own antibodies (immune proteins) can mistakenly attack receptors on cell surfaces called GPCRs, which are involved in many bodily functions. The authors summarize evidence that these misdirected antibodies may play a role in several diseases, including chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), heart disease, and autoimmune conditions. Understanding these antibodies could help doctors develop better diagnostic tests and treatments.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Measuring School Functioning in Students With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

Tollit, Michelle, Politis, Jennifer, Knight, Sarah·The Journal of school health·2018

This review looked at 36 studies examining how ME/CFS affects students' school experiences. Researchers found that most studies only measured school absences, but didn't thoroughly look at other important aspects like grades, motivation, or what support students receive. The review highlights that we need better ways to measure and understand how ME/CFS impacts all areas of school life.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Chronic viral infections in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

Rasa, Santa, Nora-Krukle, Zaiga, Henning, Nina et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2018

This review examined all existing research on whether viruses might cause ME/CFS. Scientists found that while many studies have looked at different viruses, the research has been poorly designed and inconsistent, making it hard to draw firm conclusions. The authors suggest that future studies need better planning and more rigorous methods to properly answer whether viruses play a role in ME/CFS.

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Evidence browser

The clinical value of cytokines in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Acupuncture for chronic fatigue syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

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

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: From pathophysiological insights to novel therapeutic opportunities.

A systematic review of cytokines in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis/systemic exertion intolerance disease (CFS/ME/SEID).

Anti-Inflammatory Diets and Fatigue.

The effect of physiotherapy on fatigue and physical functioning in chronic fatigue syndrome patients: A systematic review.

A systematic review of enteric dysbiosis in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis.

A Review Study on the Beneficial Effects of Baduanjin.

Multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment is not effective for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: A review of the FatiGo trial.

Graded exercise therapy for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome is not effective and unsafe. Re-analysis of a Cochrane review.

[Neurologic Abnormalities in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Review].

A unifying theory for cognitive abnormalities in functional neurological disorders, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome: systematic review.

Cost-effectiveness of interventions for medically unexplained symptoms: A systematic review.

A Systematic Review of Probiotic Interventions for Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME).

Are probiotic treatments useful on fibromyalgia syndrome or chronic fatigue syndrome patients? A systematic review.

Metabolic abnormalities in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a mini-review.

Antibodies Against GPCR.

Measuring School Functioning in Students With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

Chronic viral infections in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

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