ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

81–100 of 6,156 studies

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredMeta-Analysis

Cognitive behavioural therapy for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome in adults - a meta-analysis.

Kolala, Vivek, La Rosa, Billie, Vangaveti, Venkat et al.·Frontiers in psychiatry·2025

This review looked at 12 studies involving nearly 1,800 people with ME/CFS to see if cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)—a type of talking therapy that focuses on thoughts and behaviours—helps reduce fatigue and improve daily functioning. The results were mixed: one-on-one CBT showed promise for reducing fatigue, and self-directed CBT (doing it yourself with materials) helped some people function better physically. However, group CBT and other forms didn't show clear benefits. No serious harms were reported, but the quality of evidence was limited by inconsistent reporting across studies.

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·2024

This review looked at eight studies involving 1,518 people with ME/CFS to see if exercise therapy helps. When compared to usual care or passive treatments, exercise probably reduced fatigue somewhat in the short term, but we cannot be sure it helps long-term. When compared to other treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy, exercise did not clearly perform better or worse. The quality of evidence was often too low to draw firm conclusions about safety or effects on pain, quality of life, and other symptoms.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Recent Research Trends in Neuroinflammatory and Neurodegenerative Disorders.

Cohen, Jessica, Mathew, Annette, Dourvetakis, Kirk D et al.·Cells·2024

This review examines how inflammation in the brain and nervous system contributes to several chronic diseases, including ME/CFS and Gulf War Illness. The authors discuss how immune cells and inflammatory molecules can damage the brain and cause persistent symptoms. They highlight promising new laboratory techniques using human stem cells to create brain cells for testing potential treatments.

NeuroinflammationImmune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

L-Carnitine in the Treatment of Psychiatric and Neurological Manifestations: A Systematic Review.

Wang, Wenbo, Pan, Da, Liu, Qi et al.·Nutrients·2024

Researchers reviewed 60 studies about whether L-carnitine, a natural supplement, might help with nervous system and mental health problems. They found it showed promise for some conditions like stroke and Alzheimer's disease, but had limited effectiveness for others including chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, and ALS. This review summarizes what we currently know about L-carnitine's potential benefits and limitations across different neurological conditions.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Clinical evidence of the link between gut microbiome and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: a retrospective review.

Wang, Jing-Hua, Choi, Yujin, Lee, Jin-Seok et al.·European journal of medical research·2024

Researchers reviewed 11 studies comparing gut bacteria in ME/CFS patients to healthy people. They found that people with ME/CFS have fewer types of bacteria and different bacterial communities in their guts compared to healthy controls. Additionally, ME/CFS patients produce lower levels of certain beneficial bacterial byproducts that are normally important for health.

Gut Microbiome

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredGuideline

Celiac Disease-Related Conditions: Who to Test?

Zingone, Fabiana, Bai, Julio C, Cellier, Christophe et al.·Gastroenterology·2024

This review looked at which patients should be tested for celiac disease, a condition where the immune system reacts to gluten in food. The authors found that celiac disease is often missed and recommend testing in people with certain autoimmune diseases, digestive problems, thyroid disease, and other specific conditions—including chronic fatigue syndrome. They suggest blood tests first, with biopsies during endoscopy if needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Diagnostics

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Evaluation of safety and effectiveness of NAD in different clinical conditions: a systematic review.

Gindri, Izabelle de Mello, Ferrari, Gustavo, Pinto, Luiz Paulo S et al.·American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism·2024

This review examined whether taking NAD+ or NADH supplements (molecules that help cells produce energy) are safe and helpful for people with different health conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome. Researchers looked at 10 clinical trials involving 489 people and found that these supplements were generally well-tolerated, with some people reporting improvements in fatigue, quality of life, and sleep. The most common side effects were mild and included muscle pain, headaches, and sleep disturbances, but nothing serious.

Sleep

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearMeta-Analysis

Meta-analysis of natural killer cell cytotoxicity in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Baraniuk, James N, Eaton-Fitch, Natalie, Marshall-Gradisnik, Sonya·Frontiers in immunology·2024

Researchers combined results from 28 previous studies to confirm that people with ME/CFS have natural killer (NK) cells—a type of immune cell that fights infections and abnormal cells—that work at about half the strength of healthy people's NK cells. This is one of the most reliable biological differences found in ME/CFS. The analysis confirms this is a real, consistent problem in the condition.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearEvidence-Map

Healthcare system barriers impacting the care of Canadians with myalgic encephalomyelitis: A scoping review.

Hussein, Said, Eiriksson, Lauren, MacQuarrie, Maureen et al.·Journal of evaluation in clinical practice·2024

This study looked at all available Canadian research to understand why people with ME/CFS struggle to get good healthcare. The researchers found that the main problems are: doctors often don't believe ME is real, healthcare providers aren't trained to recognize it, there's a lack of good information about the disease, and sexism plays a role. The study suggests that improving doctor education and creating better care systems could help ME patients get the support they need.

Diagnostics

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredSystematic-Review

Qigong and Tai Chi for ME/CFS: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Markwart, Michaela, Felsenstein, Donna, Mehta, Darshan H et al.·Global advances in integrative medicine and health·2024

This review looked at studies testing whether Qigong (a gentle Chinese exercise practice) might help people with ME/CFS. Researchers found 5 good-quality studies with a total of 481 people. The results suggest Qigong may help reduce symptom severity and improve both physical and emotional well-being, though more research is needed to be sure. Currently, there are no similar high-quality studies on Tai Chi for ME/CFS.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

[Multimodal Treatment Strategies for Homebound Patients with Severe ME/CFS: A Scoping Review].

Mayer-Huber, Sandra, Kircher, Alissa, Eberhartinger, Maria et al.·Gesundheitswesen (Bundesverband der Arzte des Offentlichen Gesundheitsdienstes (Germany))·2024

This review looked at 14 published studies about ways to treat people with severe ME/CFS who are homebound or bedbound. The researchers found that the most helpful approaches were either home visits from healthcare providers or telemedicine (video/phone appointments). The studies highlighted that treatment works best when it's flexible, tailored to each person's daily needs, and includes family members in the care plan.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Systematic review of fatigue severity in ME/CFS patients: insights from randomized controlled trials.

Park, Jae-Woong, Park, Byung-Jin, Lee, Jin-Seok et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2024

This study looked at 60 previous clinical trials involving over 7,000 ME/CFS patients to understand how severe their fatigue really is. Researchers converted all the different fatigue measurements used in these trials into a common scale (0-100) so they could compare results. They found that ME/CFS patients experience very high fatigue levels (around 78 out of 100), affecting their thinking, physical abilities, and mood in different ways.

Diagnostics

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Functional Somatic Syndromes Are Associated With Varied Postoperative Outcomes and Increased Opioid Use After Spine Surgery: A Systematic Review.

Masood, Raisa, LeRoy, Taryn E, Moverman, Michael A et al.·Global spine journal·2024

This review looked at seven studies involving over 40,000 patients to understand how people with fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions fare after spine surgery. The main finding was that patients with fibromyalgia were more likely to use opioid painkillers for longer periods after surgery and reported less improvement in their symptoms compared to those without fibromyalgia. Very little research exists on how other conditions like ME/CFS affect spine surgery outcomes.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

The use and effectiveness of exercise for managing postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in young adults with joint hypermobility and related conditions: A scoping review.

Peebles, Karen C, Jacobs, Charl, Makaroff, Logan et al.·Autonomic neuroscience : basic & clinical·2024

This review looked at 10 studies examining whether exercise helps people with POTS (a condition causing dizziness and fast heart rate when standing) who also have joint hypermobility, chronic fatigue, or fibromyalgia. The research found that 3 months of gradually increasing exercise—starting lying down and progressing to standing—reduced POTS symptoms and improved quality of life. However, very few studies have specifically tested exercise in people with the combination of POTS and joint hypermobility problems.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Identifying microRNAs Possibly Implicated in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia: A Review.

Tsamou, Maria, Kremers, Fabiënne A C, Samaritakis, Keano A et al.·International journal of molecular sciences·2024

This review examined tiny molecules called microRNAs that may play a role in ME/CFS and fibromyalgia. Researchers looked at existing studies to identify which microRNAs appear to be abnormal in these conditions and what role they might play in causing symptoms. They found that certain microRNAs may be involved in immune system problems, energy production difficulties, and increased pain sensitivity—processes that could help explain why people with these diseases experience fatigue, pain, and other symptoms.

BiomarkersImmune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Brain-regional characteristics and neuroinflammation in ME/CFS patients from neuroimaging: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Lee, Jin-Seok, Sato, Wakiro, Son, Chang-Gue·Autoimmunity reviews·2024

Researchers combined results from 65 brain imaging studies involving over 1,500 ME/CFS patients to look for signs of inflammation in the brain. They used four different types of brain scans and found that specific brain regions—particularly the insular and thalamic regions that help process emotions and manage body functions—showed reduced activity in ME/CFS patients compared to healthy controls. These findings suggest that problems in how these brain regions communicate may help explain why ME/CFS causes fatigue and other characteristic symptoms.

Neuroinflammation

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Ear abnormalities in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia (FM), Coronavirus-19 infectious disease (COVID) and long-COVID syndrome (PCS), sick-building syndrome (SBS), post-orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (PoTS), and autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA): A systematic review.

Skare, Thelma L, de Carvalho, Jozélio Freire, de Medeiros, Italo Roberto Torres et al.·Autoimmunity reviews·2024

This review examined hearing and balance problems (including hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, and vertigo) reported across multiple conditions including ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, and long COVID. Researchers searched medical literature from 1990 to 2024 and found that while hearing problems are common, balance problems are less frequently reported. The study suggests these symptoms may stem from immune system dysfunction affecting the inner ear.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Autoimmune Autonomic Neuropathy: From Pathogenesis to Diagnosis.

Nakane, Shunya, Koike, Haruki, Hayashi, Tomohiro et al.·International journal of molecular sciences·2024

This review describes autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy (AAG), a rare condition where the immune system attacks nerve cells that control automatic body functions like heart rate and blood pressure. The authors explain how doctors can diagnose AAG and how it differs from other similar conditions, including ME/CFS and long COVID, which can have overlapping symptoms.

Autonomic Nervous SystemDiagnostics

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Chronic inflammatory response syndrome: a review of the evidence of clinical efficacy of treatment.

Dooley, Ming, Vukelic, April, Jim, Lysander·Annals of medicine and surgery (2012)·2024

This review looked at studies about treatments for conditions involving long-term inflammation and fatigue, including ME/CFS. The researchers found that most published studies focused on a treatment approach called the Shoemaker Protocol, which was reported to work better than other treatments tested. However, this review only examined existing published articles rather than conducting new research, so the strength of the evidence depends heavily on the quality of those original studies.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclear

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome from current evidence to new diagnostic perspectives through skeletal muscle and metabolic disturbances.

Pietrangelo, Tiziana, Cagnin, Stefano, Bondi, Danilo et al.·Acta physiologica (Oxford, England)·2024

This review examines what we know about ME/CFS by focusing on problems in muscles and how the body uses energy. Researchers looked at existing research to understand why ME/CFS causes severe tiredness and muscle problems. The authors suggest that studying muscle tissue more closely might help doctors diagnose ME/CFS better and develop new treatments.

Diagnostics

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Evidence Atlas

Evidence browser

Cognitive behavioural therapy for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome in adults - a meta-analysis.

Exercise therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Recent Research Trends in Neuroinflammatory and Neurodegenerative Disorders.

L-Carnitine in the Treatment of Psychiatric and Neurological Manifestations: A Systematic Review.

Clinical evidence of the link between gut microbiome and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: a retrospective review.

Celiac Disease-Related Conditions: Who to Test?

Evaluation of safety and effectiveness of NAD in different clinical conditions: a systematic review.

Meta-analysis of natural killer cell cytotoxicity in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Healthcare system barriers impacting the care of Canadians with myalgic encephalomyelitis: A scoping review.

Qigong and Tai Chi for ME/CFS: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

[Multimodal Treatment Strategies for Homebound Patients with Severe ME/CFS: A Scoping Review].

Systematic review of fatigue severity in ME/CFS patients: insights from randomized controlled trials.

Functional Somatic Syndromes Are Associated With Varied Postoperative Outcomes and Increased Opioid Use After Spine Surgery: A Systematic Review.

The use and effectiveness of exercise for managing postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in young adults with joint hypermobility and related conditions: A scoping review.

Identifying microRNAs Possibly Implicated in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia: A Review.

Brain-regional characteristics and neuroinflammation in ME/CFS patients from neuroimaging: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Autoimmune Autonomic Neuropathy: From Pathogenesis to Diagnosis.

Chronic inflammatory response syndrome: a review of the evidence of clinical efficacy of treatment.

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome from current evidence to new diagnostic perspectives through skeletal muscle and metabolic disturbances.

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Metabolism & Mitochondria

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