ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

381–400 of 6,187 studies

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Exercise and the Athlete With Infectious Mononucleosis.

Shephard, Roy J·Clinical journal of sport medicine : official journal of the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine·2017

This review examines how infectious mononucleosis (a viral illness caused by Epstein-Barr virus) affects young athletes and whether it can lead to chronic fatigue syndrome. The main finding is that with proper diagnosis and a few weeks of rest followed by gradual return to activity, most athletes recover fully within 2-3 months, and serious complications like splenic rupture are rare.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

The treatment of fatigue by non-invasive brain stimulation.

Lefaucheur, Jean-Pascal, Chalah, Moussa A, Mhalla, Alaa et al.·Neurophysiologie clinique = Clinical neurophysiology·2017

Researchers reviewed 15 studies examining whether non-invasive brain stimulation techniques—specifically transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)—can reduce fatigue in various conditions including ME/CFS. While most studies showed promising results, especially in multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia, the evidence remains limited and inconsistent because different studies used different methods and measured fatigue in different ways.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Do evidence based interventions for chronic fatigue syndrome improve sleep? A systematic review and narrative synthesis.

Russell, Charlotte, Kyle, Simon D, Wearden, Alison J·Sleep medicine reviews·2017

This review looked at whether two common treatments for ME/CFS—cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and graded exercise therapy (GET)—actually help people sleep better. The researchers found only 8 studies that measured sleep as an outcome. GET showed some promise for improving sleep, but results were inconsistent across different studies. CBT had very limited evidence, with only one study out of two showing sleep improvements. Overall, we know very little about whether adding specific sleep management techniques to these treatments makes a difference.

Sleep

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Acupuncture and moxibustion for chronic fatigue syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Wang, Taiwu, Xu, Cong, Pan, Keli et al.·BMC complementary and alternative medicine·2017

This study reviewed 31 previous research trials examining whether acupuncture and moxibustion (traditional Chinese treatments involving needles and heat) help treat ME/CFS. The researchers found that combining multiple acupuncture and moxibustion techniques appeared more effective than using just one technique, and both were more effective than sham acupuncture (fake treatment). However, the overall quality of the research studies reviewed was weak, so stronger evidence is needed before drawing firm conclusions.

Interventions

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Are Traditional Remedies Useful in Management of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? A Review Study.

Mahjoub, Fatemeh, Salari, Roshanak, Noras, Mohammad Reza et al.·Journal of evidence-based complementary & alternative medicine·2017

This study looked at how traditional Persian medicine approaches fibromyalgia and ME/CFS, which are conditions that cause widespread pain and extreme tiredness. The researchers compared ancient Persian medical texts, particularly writings by the physician Avicenna, with modern understanding of these diseases. They found that traditional medicine recognized fatigue as a complex condition with different types, each with distinct symptoms.

Pain and Sensitization

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Role of dietary modification in alleviating chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms: a systematic review.

Jones, Kathryn, Probst, Yasmine·Australian and New Zealand journal of public health·2017

Researchers reviewed 22 studies looking at whether changing what you eat could help ME/CFS symptoms. They found some promise with certain supplements like omega-3 fatty acids and D-ribose, as well as foods high in polyphenols (like berries and green tea). However, the evidence overall was limited and inconsistent—meaning we don't yet have clear dietary recommendations that work reliably for most ME/CFS patients.

Interventions

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredEditorial

Evidence Refuting the Existence of Autoimmune/Autoinflammatory Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants (ASIA).

Ameratunga, Rohan, Gillis, David, Gold, Michael et al.·The journal of allergy and clinical immunology. In practice·2017

This study examined whether a theory called ASIA (a proposed condition blamed on vaccine adjuvants like aluminum) is supported by scientific evidence. Researchers looked at data from people who received allergen immunotherapy, which contains much more aluminum than vaccines, and found they actually had fewer autoimmune diseases, not more. The study concludes that current evidence does not support the idea that aluminum in vaccines causes autoimmune problems.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Gut Microbiota, Bacterial Translocation, and Interactions with Diet: Pathophysiological Links between Major Depressive Disorder and Non-Communicable Medical Comorbidities.

Slyepchenko, Anastasiya, Maes, Michael, Jacka, Felice N et al.·Psychotherapy and psychosomatics·2017

This review examines how changes in gut bacteria and a 'leaky gut' (where bacteria can cross the intestinal barrier) may contribute to depression and related conditions like ME/CFS. The authors found evidence that diet, gut bacteria composition, and immune system activation are interconnected, and that these connections may explain why depression often occurs alongside conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, ME/CFS, obesity, and diabetes.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Psychological Interventions for Children with Functional Somatic Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Bonvanie, Irma J, Kallesøe, Karen H, Janssens, Karin A M et al.·The Journal of pediatrics·2017

This review looked at 27 studies testing whether talking therapies and psychological treatments help children with long-lasting physical symptoms like pain, fatigue, and nausea. The researchers found that psychological treatments did help reduce symptoms, disability, and school absences, and these improvements lasted even after treatment ended.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

What treatments work for anxiety in children with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME)? Systematic review.

Stoll, Sarah Victoria Ellen, Crawley, Esther, Richards, Victoria et al.·BMJ open·2017

Many children with ME/CFS experience anxiety alongside their fatigue symptoms. This review looked at nine studies to find out which treatments help reduce anxiety in children with ME/CFS. While a few treatments showed some promise—particularly therapy approaches like cognitive behavioural therapy and one immune treatment—the evidence is limited and no treatment was specifically designed to target anxiety in this group.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

A systematic review of the association between fatigue and genetic polymorphisms.

Wang, Tengteng, Yin, Jie, Miller, Andrew H et al.·Brain, behavior, and immunity·2017

Researchers reviewed 50 studies to understand whether differences in our genes (called genetic polymorphisms) might make some people more likely to experience severe fatigue. They found that certain genetic variations in immune system and brain chemistry genes were linked to fatigue across different diseases, including ME/CFS. This suggests that our genes may play a role in determining how tired we become.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Vitamin and mineral status in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Joustra, Monica L, Minovic, Isidor, Janssens, Karin A M et al.·PloS one·2017

This review looked at whether people with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia have low levels of vitamins and minerals, and whether taking supplements helps. Researchers found very little evidence that vitamin or mineral deficiencies cause these illnesses or that supplements improve symptoms. While some studies showed lower vitamin E levels in patients, this finding disappeared when looking only at higher-quality research.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearEvidence-Map

The European ME/CFS Biomarker Landscape project: an initiative of the European network EUROMENE.

Scheibenbogen, Carmen, Freitag, Helma, Blanco, Julià et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2017

Researchers across Europe are working together to find biological markers (signs in blood or body tests) that could help diagnose ME/CFS and track how treatments work. This study reviewed all the biomarker research happening in Europe and created a database of what scientists are studying. The goal is to develop reliable tests that doctors could use in the future to diagnose ME/CFS and improve clinical trials.

Biomarkers

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Examining clinical similarities between myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and D-lactic acidosis: a systematic review.

Wallis, Amy, Ball, Michelle, McKechnie, Sandra et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2017

This study compared symptoms reported in cases of D-lactic acidosis (a rare condition where a specific type of acid builds up in the body) with symptoms of ME/CFS. Researchers found that many neurological symptoms—like brain fog, movement problems, and nerve-related issues—appeared in both conditions. Both groups also had gut bacteria imbalances and stomach problems. The authors suggest that ME/CFS might involve similar gut-related processes as D-lactic acidosis, but stress that we need more research to understand if this connection is real.

Energy Metabolism

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·2016

This review looked at eight studies testing whether exercise therapy helps people with ME/CFS feel less fatigued. Overall, exercise therapy reduced fatigue more than doing nothing or standard care, and patients also reported improvements in sleep, physical function, and general health. The review found no evidence that exercise made things worse, though more research is needed to determine the best type and intensity of exercise for each person.

Sleep

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredSystematic-Review

A Systematic Review of Drug Therapies for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

Collatz, Ansel, Johnston, Samantha C, Staines, Donald R et al.·Clinical therapeutics·2016

Researchers searched for studies testing medications for ME/CFS and found 26 high-quality trials. While 10 medications showed some benefit in their respective studies, no single medication worked well for everyone with ME/CFS. This suggests that different patients may need different treatments, and more research is needed to find which medications help which patients.

Interventions

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

The differential diagnosis of tiredness: a systematic review.

Stadje, Rebekka, Dornieden, Katharina, Baum, Erika et al.·BMC family practice·2016

This study reviewed 26 previous research studies about why people feel tired when they visit their doctor. The researchers found that serious physical diseases are actually quite rare in tired patients—only about 4% have a serious organic condition. Depression was much more common, affecting about 18% of people who complain of tiredness. The main message is that doctors should focus on checking for depression and emotional stress rather than ordering extensive tests for serious diseases in most cases.

Diagnostics

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·2016

This review looked at eight studies involving 1,518 people with ME/CFS to see if exercise therapy helps. Most studies showed that exercise reduced fatigue and improved sleep and physical function compared to no treatment or relaxation. Exercise therapy seemed to work about as well as cognitive-behavioral therapy, though the quality of evidence varied.

Sleep

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

A Role for the Intestinal Microbiota and Virome in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)?

Navaneetharaja, Navena, Griffiths, Verity, Wileman, Tom et al.·Journal of clinical medicine·2016

This review examines whether infections—particularly viruses in the gut—might trigger ME/CFS. The authors suggest that an imbalance in the gut's microbial and viral communities could be a key factor in developing the disease. They propose that understanding these gut infections could help identify better treatments and ways to prevent ME/CFS.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Cognitive Dysfunction in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: a Review of Recent Evidence.

Cvejic, Erin, Birch, Rachael C, Vollmer-Conna, Uté·Current rheumatology reports·2016

People with ME/CFS commonly experience 'brain fog'—problems with memory, attention, and concentration. While these cognitive problems are real and significantly impact daily life, the exact biological causes remain unclear. This review suggests that problems with blood flow to the brain and nervous system dysfunction may be involved, and calls for standardized testing methods to better understand what's happening.

Autonomic Nervous System

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Exercise and the Athlete With Infectious Mononucleosis.

The treatment of fatigue by non-invasive brain stimulation.

Do evidence based interventions for chronic fatigue syndrome improve sleep? A systematic review and narrative synthesis.

Acupuncture and moxibustion for chronic fatigue syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Are Traditional Remedies Useful in Management of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? A Review Study.

Role of dietary modification in alleviating chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms: a systematic review.

Evidence Refuting the Existence of Autoimmune/Autoinflammatory Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants (ASIA).

Gut Microbiota, Bacterial Translocation, and Interactions with Diet: Pathophysiological Links between Major Depressive Disorder and Non-Communicable Medical Comorbidities.

Psychological Interventions for Children with Functional Somatic Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

What treatments work for anxiety in children with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME)? Systematic review.

A systematic review of the association between fatigue and genetic polymorphisms.

Vitamin and mineral status in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The European ME/CFS Biomarker Landscape project: an initiative of the European network EUROMENE.

Examining clinical similarities between myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and D-lactic acidosis: a systematic review.

Exercise therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome.

A Systematic Review of Drug Therapies for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

The differential diagnosis of tiredness: a systematic review.

Exercise therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome.

A Role for the Intestinal Microbiota and Virome in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)?

Cognitive Dysfunction in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: a Review of Recent Evidence.

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Neuroinflammation Evidence

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Biomarkers

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