LONDON (Reuters)—Scientists in the U.S. say they have taken a step toward developing a possible diagnostic test for chronic fatigue syndrome, a condition characterized by exhaustion and other debilitating symptoms. Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine say a pilot study of 40 people, half of whom were healthy and half of whom had the…
Study Finds Chronic Fatigue Clues in Overactive Immune Response
LONDON (Reuters)—Scientists exploring what may trigger chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) have found clues in the way some people’s immune systems respond to interferon alpha.1 The researchers used the drug to create a model of the disease in people without CFS but with hepatitis C. Many patients who receive interferon alpha experience extreme fatigue during treatment,…
Distinct DNA Methylation Patterns Associated with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
New research explores the genome-wide epigenetic changes associated with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The results suggest distinct patterns in DNA methylation may become a useful diagnostic marker…
Physical Assessment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: It Just May Work
A recent U.K. study assessed the use of the Perrin technique to diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome based on five physical signs of disease. Overall, researchers found the accuracy of diagnosis by allied health professionals was highest when using tests for only two signs: tender coelic plexus and postural/mechanical disturbances of the thoracic spine…
A Defect in Mitochondrial Function May Underlie Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) may be unable to meet certain energetic demands, according to a U.K. study. Researchers found that PBMCs in healthy individuals may adapt to environmental stressors by enhancing their ability to increase ATP production through mitochondrial respiration, but not in patients with CFS…
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Are There Different Phenotypes?
New research has examined the autonomic parameters of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) using the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire to place patients on a disease spectrum. Researchers found different groups of CFS patients had different levels of autonomic dysfunction and cognitive impairment, suggesting that different CFS criteria may diagnose a spectrum of disease severities and different CFS phenotypes…
A Rose by Any Other Name: Why clinicians & patients prefer the term myalgic encephalomyelitis & other updates on chronic fatigue syndrome
A session at the FOCIS 2017 meeting examined the current challenges and understanding of chronic fatigue syndrome, also called myalgic encephalomyelitis, in the hope of stimulating new approaches to deciphering the disease’s mechanistic and immunological underpinnings…
Molecular Profile Hints at Inflammatory Processes in Chronic Fatigue
(Reuters Health)—People with severe symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome have a molecular signature in blood made up of 17 immune system signaling molecules that are elevated, which may provide insight into how inflammation contributes to the condition. “Of the 17 cytokines that correlated with severity, 13 are proinflammatory, likely contributing to many of the symptoms…
Exercise Therapy May Take the ‘Tired’ Out of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
A recent review has expanded the current thinking about the benefits of exercise therapy for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Study participants experienced improved sleep, physical function and self-perceived general health…
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Redefined
A report from the Institute of Medicine that gives new diagnostic criteria for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and recommends a new name for the disorder received mixed reviews from rheumatologists and other physicians.1 “Diagnosing ME/CFS often is a challenge … the new diagnostic criteria will make it easier for clinicians to recognize and accurately…