ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

921–940 of 6,209 studies

L-carnitine decreases severity and type of fatigue induced by interferon-alpha in the treatment of patients with hepatitis C.

Neri, Sergio, Pistone, Giovanni, Saraceno, Barbara et al.·Neuropsychobiology·2003

This study tested whether a supplement called L-carnitine could reduce fatigue caused by interferon-alpha treatment in people with hepatitis C. Fifty patients received either interferon alone or interferon plus L-carnitine daily. Patients taking the supplement experienced significantly less physical and mental fatigue, and their fatigue was less severe, particularly in the first three months of treatment.

Interventions

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Combination therapy with hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone does not improve symptoms in chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study.

Blockmans, Daniel, Persoons, Philippe, Van Houdenhove, Boudewijn et al.·The American journal of medicine·2003

Researchers tested whether a combination of two medications (hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone) could reduce fatigue and improve well-being in ME/CFS patients. Over 6 months, 80 patients took either the medication combination or placebo in a blinded study where neither patients nor doctors knew which they were receiving. The medications did not help—patients reported the same level of fatigue and well-being whether they were taking the drugs or placebo.

Autonomic Nervous System

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Examining the influence of biological and psychological factors on cognitive performance in chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study.

Smith, Simon, Sullivan, Karen·International journal of behavioral medicine·2003

This study tested whether cognitive problems (like difficulty concentrating) in people with ME/CFS are caused by actual chemical exposure or by what people believe they are being exposed to. Thirty-six patients were given either a placebo or a chemical trigger while not knowing which one they received, and their thinking ability was tested before and after. The results showed that cognitive performance got worse when patients thought they had been exposed to a chemical, regardless of what they actually received.

Cognitive Impairment

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Effect of topical nasal corticosteroids on patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and rhinitis.

Kakumanu, Sujani S, Mende, Cathy N, Lehman, Erik B et al.·The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·2003

This study tested whether a nasal steroid spray could help people with ME/CFS who also have nasal inflammation and congestion. Twenty-eight patients received either the steroid spray or a placebo (fake spray) in different orders over 8 weeks. The spray did reduce daytime sleepiness, but it did not improve the core ME/CFS symptoms like fatigue, muscle pain, or problems with activity.

Sleep

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

A pilot randomized controlled trial of dexamphetamine in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Olson, L G, Ambrogetti, A, Sutherland, D C·Psychosomatics·2003

This small study tested whether dexamphetamine, a stimulant medication, could help people with ME/CFS feel less tired and improve their quality of life. Over 6 weeks, 10 patients took dexamphetamine and 10 took a placebo (inactive pill). Nine out of 10 people on dexamphetamine reported improvement in their fatigue scores, compared to only 4 out of 10 on placebo. The researchers concluded that dexamphetamine might be helpful for ME/CFS, but a larger study is needed to confirm these results.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredProtocol

Efficacy of distant healing--a proposal for a four-armed randomized study (EUHEALS).

Walach, H, Bösch, H, Haraldsson, E et al.·Forschende Komplementarmedizin und klassische Naturheilkunde = Research in complementary and natural classical medicine·2002

This study tested whether distant healing—treatment from healers who don't meet you in person but work with your name and photo—might help people with ME/CFS and related conditions. Researchers randomly assigned 400 patients to receive healing, no healing, or healing without knowing about it, to see if the treatment itself works or if belief in it creates the benefit. They measured mental health over 6 months to see if distant healing made a difference.

Interventions

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM unclearRCT

Cognitive behavioral therapy and exercise for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Journal of pain & palliative care pharmacotherapy·2002

This study tested whether cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)—a type of talk therapy focused on thoughts and behaviors—combined with graded exercise could help people with chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The research compared patients who received this treatment combination to those who received standard care, and tracked how much their symptoms improved over time.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Therapy of circadian rhythm disorders in chronic fatigue syndrome: no symptomatic improvement with melatonin or phototherapy.

Williams, G, Waterhouse, J, Mugarza, J et al.·European journal of clinical investigation·2002

This study tested whether melatonin pills and bright light therapy could help ME/CFS patients feel better. Thirty patients tried both treatments (and a placebo) for 12 weeks each. Neither treatment improved fatigue, physical health, mental health, or mood compared to placebo, even though both are sometimes recommended for ME/CFS.

Sleep

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

The effect of a polynutrient supplement on fatigue and physical activity of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

Brouwers, F M, Van Der Werf, S, Bleijenberg, G et al.·QJM : monthly journal of the Association of Physicians·2002

This study tested whether a supplement containing vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients could reduce fatigue and improve physical activity in people with ME/CFS. Fifty-three patients took either the supplement or a placebo for 10 weeks in a blinded trial. The researchers found no significant difference between the supplement and placebo groups on fatigue levels, number of symptoms, or overall impact on daily life.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Treatment with staphylococcus toxoid in fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue syndrome--a randomised controlled trial.

Zachrisson, Olof, Regland, Björn, Jahreskog, Marianne et al.·European journal of pain (London, England)·2002

Researchers tested whether injections of a substance called staphylococcus toxoid could help people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Over 6 months, 100 patients received either the active treatment or placebo injections. Two-thirds of patients receiving the active treatment reported improvement compared to only one-fifth receiving placebo, suggesting the treatment may help some people with these conditions.

Immune System

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredMechanistic

Neuropsychological performance and noradrenaline function in chronic fatigue syndrome under conditions of high arousal.

Morriss, Richard K, Robson, Michael J, Deakin, J F William·Psychopharmacology·2002

This study tested whether people with ME/CFS have unusually sensitive brain receptors that respond to a hormone-like drug called clonidine. Researchers gave 10 ME/CFS patients and 10 healthy controls either clonidine or a placebo while they performed stressful thinking tasks, and measured their hormones, blood pressure, and thinking speed. ME/CFS patients showed slightly stronger hormone responses to clonidine and were faster at starting a planning task, suggesting their brains may react more strongly to stress-related chemical signals.

Cognitive Impairment

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Predictors of response to treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Bentall, Richard P, Powell, Pauline, Nye, Fred J et al.·The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science·2002

This study looked at which ME/CFS patients improved most with psychological treatment that included graded exercise. Researchers found that patients were less likely to improve if they were members of self-help groups, receiving sickness benefits, or experiencing depression or anxiety. Importantly, how long someone had been sick or how severe their symptoms were did not predict whether treatment would help.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Short-term group therapy for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Söderberg, S, Evengård, B·Psychotherapy and psychosomatics·2001

This study looked at whether talking with other ME/CFS patients in a group setting could help with symptoms and quality of life. Fourteen women with ME/CFS attended ten 1.5-hour weekly therapy sessions where they shared experiences and learned coping strategies. Most participants felt better emotionally and found it helpful to know others understood what they were going through.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Cognitive behaviour therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome: a multicentre randomised controlled trial.

Prins, J B, Bleijenberg, G, Bazelmans, E et al.·Lancet (London, England)·2001

This study tested whether cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)—a type of talking therapy that focuses on thoughts and behaviours—helps people with ME/CFS. Researchers compared CBT with support groups and no treatment across three hospitals, following 278 patients for 14 months. CBT showed modest benefits for fatigue and daily functioning compared to the other groups, though only about one-third to one-half of patients experienced meaningful improvement.

Interventions

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction in chronic fatigue syndrome, and the effects of low-dose hydrocortisone therapy.

Cleare, A J, Miell, J, Heap, E et al.·The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism·2001

This study examined whether ME/CFS patients have problems with their stress hormone system (called the HPA axis) and whether a low dose of the steroid hormone hydrocortisone could help. Researchers found that ME/CFS patients had lower levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) in their urine and a reduced response to certain hormone challenges, suggesting their adrenal glands may not be producing enough cortisol. When some patients received hydrocortisone treatment, their fatigue improved and their hormone responses normalized.

Endocrine Disruption

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Randomised controlled trial of patient education to encourage graded exercise in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Powell, P, Bentall, R P, Nye, F J et al.·BMJ (Clinical research ed.)·2001

This study tested whether teaching ME/CFS patients about how their symptoms work, combined with a program of gradually increasing exercise at home, could help them feel better. Patients who received this education and guidance improved much more than those who received only standard medical care—about 7 in 10 improved compared to only 1 in 20 in the control group.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Fludrocortisone acetate to treat neurally mediated hypotension in chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

Rowe, P C, Calkins, H, DeBusk, K et al.·JAMA·2001

Many people with ME/CFS experience a drop in blood pressure when standing up (called neurally mediated hypotension), which may contribute to symptoms like dizziness and fatigue. This study tested whether a medication called fludrocortisone could help reduce ME/CFS symptoms in 100 patients with this blood pressure problem. After 9 weeks of treatment, the medication did not work better than placebo, suggesting it may not be an effective standalone treatment for this group.

Autonomic Nervous System

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredLongitudinal

Long-term outcome of cognitive behavior therapy versus relaxation therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome: a 5-year follow-up study.

Deale, A, Husain, K, Chalder, T et al.·The American journal of psychiatry·2001

Researchers compared two types of therapy for ME/CFS: cognitive behavior therapy (CBT, which focuses on changing thought patterns and gradually increasing activity) and relaxation therapy. After 5 years, 68% of people who received CBT reported feeling much or very much improved, compared to 36% who received relaxation therapy. However, neither therapy fully eliminated fatigue symptoms, and some patients found it hard to keep improving after their regular treatment ended.

Interventions

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Chronic fatigue in general practice: is counselling as good as cognitive behaviour therapy? A UK randomised trial.

Ridsdale, L, Godfrey, E, Chalder, T et al.·The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners·2001

This study compared two types of therapy—cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and counselling—to help people with chronic fatigue who visit their doctors. Over six months, both treatments appeared equally helpful, reducing fatigue symptoms in about half the patients. The researchers found that counselling worked just as well as CBT, suggesting that the choice between them can depend on practical factors like cost and availability.

E1 ReplicatedTrialPEM not requiredRCT

Plasma leptin in chronic fatigue syndrome and a placebo-controlled study of the effects of low-dose hydrocortisone on leptin secretion.

Cleare, A J, O'Keane, V, Miell, J·Clinical endocrinology·2001

This study looked at leptin, a hormone that affects appetite and weight, in people with ME/CFS. Researchers compared leptin levels in ME/CFS patients with healthy controls, then gave some patients a low dose of hydrocortisone (a steroid) to see if it changed leptin levels. They found that leptin levels were similar between patients and healthy people at baseline, but hydrocortisone increased leptin levels in ME/CFS patients, especially in those who felt better with the treatment.

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L-carnitine decreases severity and type of fatigue induced by interferon-alpha in the treatment of patients with hepatitis C.

Combination therapy with hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone does not improve symptoms in chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study.

Examining the influence of biological and psychological factors on cognitive performance in chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study.

Effect of topical nasal corticosteroids on patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and rhinitis.

A pilot randomized controlled trial of dexamphetamine in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Efficacy of distant healing--a proposal for a four-armed randomized study (EUHEALS).

Cognitive behavioral therapy and exercise for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Therapy of circadian rhythm disorders in chronic fatigue syndrome: no symptomatic improvement with melatonin or phototherapy.

The effect of a polynutrient supplement on fatigue and physical activity of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

Treatment with staphylococcus toxoid in fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue syndrome--a randomised controlled trial.

Neuropsychological performance and noradrenaline function in chronic fatigue syndrome under conditions of high arousal.

Predictors of response to treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Short-term group therapy for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Cognitive behaviour therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome: a multicentre randomised controlled trial.

Hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction in chronic fatigue syndrome, and the effects of low-dose hydrocortisone therapy.

Randomised controlled trial of patient education to encourage graded exercise in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Fludrocortisone acetate to treat neurally mediated hypotension in chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

Long-term outcome of cognitive behavior therapy versus relaxation therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome: a 5-year follow-up study.

Chronic fatigue in general practice: is counselling as good as cognitive behaviour therapy? A UK randomised trial.

Plasma leptin in chronic fatigue syndrome and a placebo-controlled study of the effects of low-dose hydrocortisone on leptin secretion.

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