ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

721–740 of 6,157 studies

Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Stepped Care for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Randomized Noninferiority Trial.

Worm-Smeitink, Margreet, Janse, Anthonie, van Dam, Arno et al.·Journal of medical Internet research·2019

This study tested whether ME/CFS patients could be treated effectively with online cognitive behavioral therapy (a talk therapy done through a computer), with face-to-face therapy available if needed, compared to standard face-to-face therapy alone. The online therapy worked about as well as in-person therapy for reducing fatigue and disability, but used significantly less therapist time, making it potentially more efficient.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM requiredRCT

B-Lymphocyte Depletion in Patients With Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Fluge, Øystein, Rekeland, Ingrid G, Lien, Katarina et al.·Annals of internal medicine·2019

Researchers tested whether a drug called rituximab, which reduces B cells (a type of immune cell), could help ME/CFS patients. Over 150 patients received either rituximab infusions or placebo over one year. Unexpectedly, the placebo group actually did slightly better than the treatment group, and neither group showed significant improvement in fatigue or function.

Immune System

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

[Clinical research of auricular gold-needle therapy in treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome of qi deficiency constitution].

Xu, Yi-Yan, Liu, Ji-Hong, Ding, Hui et al.·Zhongguo zhen jiu = Chinese acupuncture & moxibustion·2019

This study tested whether auricular gold-needle therapy (inserting gold needles in specific points on the ear) could help patients with chronic fatigue syndrome caused by qi deficiency, a concept from traditional Chinese medicine. Compared to seed pressure therapy and herbal medicine, the gold-needle treatment resulted in better symptom improvement and stronger immune markers after three months of treatment.

Immune System

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

The Efficacy and Safety of Myelophil, an Ethanol Extract Mixture of Astragali Radix and Salviae Radix, for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Joung, Jin-Yong, Lee, Jin-Seok, Cho, Jung-Hyo et al.·Frontiers in pharmacology·2019

Researchers tested a herbal supplement called Myelophil (made from two plant extracts) in 97 people with ME/CFS over 12 weeks. Overall, the supplement didn't significantly reduce fatigue compared to placebo. However, in people with severe fatigue symptoms at the start, Myelophil did show meaningful improvement in fatigue levels and quality of life. The treatment was safe with no serious side effects reported.

Interventions

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

[Acupuncture in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome based on "interaction of brain and kidney" in TCM: a randomized controlled trial].

Xu, Yu-Xin, Luo, Hua-Song, Sun, Dong et al.·Zhongguo zhen jiu = Chinese acupuncture & moxibustion·2019

This study tested whether acupuncture could help people with ME/CFS feel less tired and sleep better. Sixty-eight patients were divided into two groups: one received acupuncture twice a week for four weeks along with standard care (rest and vitamins), while the other received only standard care. The acupuncture group showed greater improvements in fatigue, overall wellbeing, and sleep quality compared to the control group.

Immune System

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Qigong exercise for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Chan, Jessie S M, Ng, Siu-Man, Yuen, Lai-Ping et al.·International review of neurobiology·2019

This study tested whether Qigong, a gentle Chinese exercise and meditation practice, could help people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Two separate trials involving about 137 and 150 participants found that people who practiced Qigong for at least 30 minutes on at least 3 days per week experienced improvements in fatigue, depression, sleep quality, and certain biological markers related to cellular health.

Sleep

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM unclearRCT

Rituximab for Patients With Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Annals of internal medicine·2019

This study tested whether rituximab, a medication that reduces certain immune cells, could help patients with ME/CFS. Researchers gave some patients rituximab and others a placebo (fake treatment) to see if it would improve their symptoms and ability to function. This was one of the first major clinical trials to test this specific treatment in ME/CFS patients.

Immune System

E1 ReplicatedCommentaryPEM not requiredEditorial

Rethinking the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome-a reanalysis and evaluation of findings from a recent major trial of graded exercise and CBT.

Wilshire, Carolyn E, Kindlon, Tom, Courtney, Robert et al.·BMC psychology·2018

This study re-examined a large, well-known trial called PACE that tested whether exercise therapy and talking therapy could help people with ME/CFS. When researchers checked the original study data using the methods that were promised before the trial started, they found much weaker benefits than originally reported. The treatments did not clearly work better than standard care, recovery rates were very low, and improvements seemed to fade after two years.

Interventions

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Influence of Morphine and Naloxone on Pain Modulation in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Fibromyalgia, and Controls: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Cross-Over Study.

Hermans, Linda, Nijs, Jo, Calders, Patrick et al.·Pain practice : the official journal of World Institute of Pain·2018

This study tested whether morphine and naloxone (a drug that blocks opioid effects) change how pain is processed in people with ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and healthy controls. Researchers measured pain sensitivity and pain relief in response to these medications using pressure tests and ischemic pain. They found that morphine slightly reduced pain sensitivity in patient groups similarly to placebo, but neither morphine nor naloxone significantly changed how the body's natural pain-relief system worked.

Pain and Sensitization

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM unclearRCT

A randomised controlled trial of the monoaminergic stabiliser (-)-OSU6162 in treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Nilsson, Marie Karin Lena, Zachrisson, Olof, Gottfries, Carl-Gerhard et al.·Acta neuropsychiatrica·2018

Researchers tested a drug called (-)-OSU6162 to see if it could help people with ME/CFS feel less mentally tired. Sixty-two patients received either the drug or a placebo (dummy pill) for 2 weeks. While both groups felt somewhat better during treatment, the drug did not work significantly better than placebo overall. Interestingly, the drug appeared to help more in patients who were also taking antidepressants.

Interventions

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Efficacy of web-based cognitive-behavioural therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome: randomised controlled trial.

Janse, A, Worm-Smeitink, M, Bleijenberg, G et al.·The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science·2018

This study tested whether online cognitive-behavioural therapy (a type of talk therapy focused on thoughts and behaviours) could reduce fatigue in ME/CFS patients. 240 people with ME/CFS were randomly assigned to receive online therapy with regular therapist check-ins, online therapy with check-ins only when needed, or a waiting list. Both online therapy groups showed significant improvements in fatigue compared to those who waited, and both worked equally well.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Cerebral Blood Flow and Heart Rate Variability in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Randomized Cross-Over Study.

Malfliet, Anneleen, Pas, Roselien, Brouns, Raf et al.·Pain physician·2018

Researchers tested whether heart and blood vessel problems in ME/CFS patients explain their pain, fatigue, and concentration difficulties. They measured blood flow in the brain and heart rate patterns in 20 ME/CFS patients and 20 healthy people during mild exercise and stress. While both groups showed changes in these measurements during exercise, the ME/CFS patients did not show the normal pain relief response that healthy people had, suggesting their pain modulation system works differently—but this difference was not explained by the heart or blood flow measurements.

E1 ReplicatedCohortPEM requiredObservational

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing and post-exertional malaise in ME/CFS: A retrospective analysis

Staci R. Stevens, Christopher R. Snell, Jared N. Stevens et al.·Journal of Translational Medicine·2018·n=51

ME/CFS patients underwent two consecutive days of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). On the second day, patients showed significantly reduced VO2 max and anaerobic threshold compared to the first day — and compared to healthy and disease controls who recovered normally. This objective impairment matches the subjective PEM experience.

DiagnosticsPost-Exertional Malaise

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM unclearCase-Control

Cytokine signatures in chronic fatigue syndrome patients: a Case Control Study and the effect of anakinra treatment.

Roerink, Megan E, Knoop, Hans, Bronkhorst, Ewald M et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2017

Researchers compared immune signaling molecules (cytokines) in the blood of 50 women with ME/CFS to 48 healthy women and found two markers were elevated in the ME/CFS group: IL-12p40 and CSF-1. They also tested whether a drug called anakinra (which blocks inflammation) could help reduce these markers, but found it did not significantly change cytokine levels after 4 weeks of treatment.

BiomarkersImmune System

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM requiredObservational

Telephone-administered versus live group cognitive behavioral stress management for adults with CFS.

Hall, Daniel L, Lattie, Emily G, Milrad, Sara F et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2017

This study tested whether teaching stress management skills over the telephone worked as well as learning them in a live group setting for people with ME/CFS. Both formats helped reduce stress, but only the in-person group also improved physical symptoms like post-exertional malaise, chills, fever, and sleep quality. This suggests that meeting face-to-face may have extra benefits beyond just learning the techniques themselves.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Adiponectin Potentially Contributes to the Antidepressive Effects of Baduanjin Qigong Exercise in Women With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome-Like Illness.

Chan, Jessie S M, Li, Ang, Ng, Siu-Man et al.·Cell transplantation·2017

This study tested whether a gentle exercise called Baduanjin Qigong could help women with chronic fatigue syndrome-like illness by increasing a protein called adiponectin. Women who did Qigong exercises for 16 sessions showed increased adiponectin levels and improved depression and anxiety symptoms compared to a control group. The results suggest that adiponectin may be one way Qigong exercise helps reduce depression in people with this condition.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

[Pharmacological treatment of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome].

Glazachev, O S, Dudnik, Е N, Zagaynaya, E E·Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova·2017

This study tested whether laennec, a human placenta extract given as intravenous infusions, could help patients with ME/CFS. Twenty-four patients received 10 infusions over 5 weeks, while 14 control patients received no treatment. The treated group showed significant improvements in fatigue levels, mood, quality of life, and physical exercise capacity, with no serious side effects reported.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

[Efficacy of acupoint catgut embedding combined with ginger-partitioned moxibustion on chronic fatigue syndrome of spleen-kidney yang deficiency syndrome and its effects on T lymphocyte subsets and activity of NK cell].

Xia, Depeng, Chen, Peifang, Du, Peixue et al.·Zhongguo zhen jiu = Chinese acupuncture & moxibustion·2017

This study tested whether a traditional Chinese medicine treatment combining acupuncture with catgut embedding and ginger-based moxibustion could help people with chronic fatigue syndrome. The treatment group showed greater improvements in fatigue symptoms and immune system markers compared to people receiving standard acupuncture alone, with 96.7% reporting benefit.

Immune System

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Guided graded exercise self-help plus specialist medical care versus specialist medical care alone for chronic fatigue syndrome (GETSET): a pragmatic randomised controlled trial.

Clark, Lucy V, Pesola, Francesca, Thomas, Janice M et al.·Lancet (London, England)·2017

This study tested whether a self-help exercise program with some guidance from a physiotherapist could help ME/CFS patients reduce fatigue and improve physical function. Patients either received standard medical care alone or standard care plus a guided self-help exercise booklet with up to four brief coaching sessions over 8 weeks. The guided exercise group showed modest improvements in fatigue and physical function at 12 weeks, and the program was found to be safe.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

[Chronic fatigue syndrome treated with transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation: a randomized controlled trial].

Li, Jinxia, Xie, Jingjun, Pan, Zhongqiang et al.·Zhongguo zhen jiu = Chinese acupuncture & moxibustion·2017

Researchers tested a treatment called transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS)—a non-invasive electrical stimulation applied to specific acupuncture points on the body—in 89 people with ME/CFS. After 4 weeks of daily treatment, the group receiving real TEAS showed significant improvements in fatigue and overall symptoms, while the group receiving sham (fake) TEAS did not improve. The treatment was well-tolerated with no reported side effects.

Interventions

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Evidence browser

Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Stepped Care for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Randomized Noninferiority Trial.

B-Lymphocyte Depletion in Patients With Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

[Clinical research of auricular gold-needle therapy in treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome of qi deficiency constitution].

The Efficacy and Safety of Myelophil, an Ethanol Extract Mixture of Astragali Radix and Salviae Radix, for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

[Acupuncture in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome based on "interaction of brain and kidney" in TCM: a randomized controlled trial].

Qigong exercise for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Rituximab for Patients With Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Rethinking the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome-a reanalysis and evaluation of findings from a recent major trial of graded exercise and CBT.

Influence of Morphine and Naloxone on Pain Modulation in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Fibromyalgia, and Controls: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Cross-Over Study.

A randomised controlled trial of the monoaminergic stabiliser (-)-OSU6162 in treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Efficacy of web-based cognitive-behavioural therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome: randomised controlled trial.

Cerebral Blood Flow and Heart Rate Variability in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Randomized Cross-Over Study.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing and post-exertional malaise in ME/CFS: A retrospective analysis

Cytokine signatures in chronic fatigue syndrome patients: a Case Control Study and the effect of anakinra treatment.

Telephone-administered versus live group cognitive behavioral stress management for adults with CFS.

Adiponectin Potentially Contributes to the Antidepressive Effects of Baduanjin Qigong Exercise in Women With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome-Like Illness.

[Pharmacological treatment of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome].

[Efficacy of acupoint catgut embedding combined with ginger-partitioned moxibustion on chronic fatigue syndrome of spleen-kidney yang deficiency syndrome and its effects on T lymphocyte subsets and activity of NK cell].

Guided graded exercise self-help plus specialist medical care versus specialist medical care alone for chronic fatigue syndrome (GETSET): a pragmatic randomised controlled trial.

[Chronic fatigue syndrome treated with transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation: a randomized controlled trial].

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