ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

341–360 of 6,209 studies

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredMeta-Analysis

Inflammatory proteins are altered in chronic fatigue syndrome-A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Strawbridge, Rebecca, Sartor, Maria-Laura, Scott, Fraser et al.·Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews·2019

This research review looked at 42 studies measuring inflammatory proteins (substances in the blood linked to inflammation) in people with ME/CFS compared to healthy people. The researchers found that people with ME/CFS had higher levels of five specific inflammatory proteins, but twelve other proteins were similar to healthy controls. This suggests that inflammation may play a role in ME/CFS for some patients, but it's likely not the main problem for everyone with the condition.

BiomarkersImmune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredReview-Narrative

[Myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome].

Brinth, Louise, Nielsen, Henrik, Varming, Kim et al.·Ugeskrift for laeger·2019

ME/CFS is a serious condition that causes extreme tiredness affecting both mind and body, along with pain, sleep problems, difficulty thinking clearly, and a symptom called post-exertional malaise where activity makes symptoms worse. Research has found changes in patients' cells, hormones, immune systems, and how their bodies process energy, which could lead to better ways to diagnose and treat this condition.

BiomarkersEnergy MetabolismImmune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Psychological impact of fibromyalgia: current perspectives.

Galvez-Sánchez, Carmen M, Duschek, Stefan, Reyes Del Paso, Gustavo A·Psychology research and behavior management·2019

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that often comes with fatigue, sleep problems, and difficulty concentrating. This review found that people with fibromyalgia frequently experience depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges, and these psychological symptoms can make the physical illness worse. The study suggests that combining talk therapy or other psychological support with medication may help patients feel better and improve their quality of life.

Cognitive Impairment

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Identification of mental health and quality of life outcomes in primary care databases in the UK: a systematic review.

Carreira, Helena, Williams, Rachael, Strongman, Helen et al.·BMJ open·2019

Researchers reviewed 120 studies that used UK patient medical records to track mental health and quality of life problems like depression, anxiety, fatigue, and cognitive issues. They found that different studies used different definitions and coding systems to identify these conditions, making it hard to compare results across studies. The authors recommend that researchers agree on standard definitions and validated code lists so findings are more consistent and reliable.

Pain and SensitizationSleepCognitive Impairment

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

Exercise therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Larun, Lillebeth, Brurberg, Kjetil G, Odgaard-Jensen, Jan et al.·The Cochrane database of systematic reviews·2019

This review looked at whether exercise therapy helps people with ME/CFS. Researchers found that exercise probably reduces tiredness compared to usual care, and may slightly improve physical function and sleep. However, the long-term benefits are unclear, and the evidence comparing exercise to other treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy is limited.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Methodological Strategies for Ecological Momentary Assessment to Evaluate Mood and Stress in Adult Patients Using Mobile Phones: Systematic Review.

Yang, Yong Sook, Ryu, Gi Wook, Choi, Mona·JMIR mHealth and uHealth·2019

This review looked at research studies that used smartphones to track mood and stress in patients with various chronic illnesses, including ME/CFS. Researchers used apps or text-based systems to send prompts at random times throughout the day, asking patients to report how they were feeling in that moment. The review found that this method is practical and feasible for understanding how symptoms and emotions change during daily life.

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 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 requiredReview-Narrative

Pathophysiology of interstitial cystitis.

Birder, Lori A·International journal of urology : official journal of the Japanese Urological Association·2019

Interstitial cystitis is a chronic bladder pain condition with no clear cause and no universally accepted treatment. This review examines how bladder pain occurs without obvious damage to bladder tissue or nerves, and notes that patients with this condition often have overlapping symptoms with other chronic pain syndromes like fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Researchers use animal models and look for biomarkers in urine to better understand the condition and develop new treatments.

Pain and Sensitization

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 unclearReview-Narrative

Fatigue, Sleep, and Autoimmune and Related Disorders.

Zielinski, Mark R, Systrom, David M, Rose, Noel R·Frontiers in immunology·2019

Severe fatigue is one of the most disabling symptoms reported by people with autoimmune diseases, including ME/CFS. This review examines how inflammation and the brain contribute to fatigue in these conditions. The authors explain that fatigue involves multiple body systems—including energy supply, metabolism, mood, and sleep—all of which can be disrupted by inflammation.

Immune System

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 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 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.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Evidence for an autoimmune disease.

Sotzny, Franziska, Blanco, Julià, Capelli, Enrica et al.·Autoimmunity reviews·2018

This review examines evidence that ME/CFS may be caused by the immune system attacking the body (autoimmune disease). Researchers found that people with ME/CFS have unusual immune patterns, including abnormal antibodies and changes in immune cells. Importantly, a treatment that removes certain immune cells (rituximab) helped about half of ME/CFS patients in clinical trials, suggesting an autoimmune mechanism in at least some people.

Energy MetabolismImmune System

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.

Post-Exertional Malaise

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.

Immune SystemCognitive ImpairmentPost-Exertional Malaise

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

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Evidence browser

Inflammatory proteins are altered in chronic fatigue syndrome-A systematic review and meta-analysis.

[Myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome].

Psychological impact of fibromyalgia: current perspectives.

Identification of mental health and quality of life outcomes in primary care databases in the UK: a systematic review.

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

Exercise therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Methodological Strategies for Ecological Momentary Assessment to Evaluate Mood and Stress in Adult Patients Using Mobile Phones: Systematic Review.

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

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

Pathophysiology of interstitial cystitis.

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

Fatigue, Sleep, and Autoimmune and Related Disorders.

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

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

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

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Evidence for an autoimmune disease.

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.

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