scholarly journals Long COVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)—A Systemic Review and Comparison of Clinical Presentation and Symptomatology

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (5) ◽  
pp. 418
Author(s):  
Timothy L. Wong ◽  
Danielle J. Weitzer
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis ◽  
Systemic Review ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Medical Illness ◽  
Case Definitions ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome

Background and Objectives: Long COVID defines a series of chronic symptoms that patients may experience after resolution of acute COVID-19. Early reports from studies with patients with long COVID suggests a constellation of symptoms with similarities to another chronic medical illness—myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). A review study comparing and contrasting ME/CFS with reported symptoms of long COVID may yield mutualistic insight into the characterization and management of both conditions. Materials and Methods: A systemic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE and PsycInfo through to 31 January 2021 for studies related to long COVID symptomatology. The literature search was conducted in accordance with PRISMA methodology. Results: Twenty-one studies were included in the qualitative analysis. Long COVID symptoms reported by the included studies were compared to a list of ME/CFS symptoms compiled from multiple case definitions. Twenty-five out of 29 known ME/CFS symptoms were reported by at least one selected long COVID study. Conclusions: Early studies into long COVID symptomatology suggest many overlaps with clinical presentation of ME/CFS. The need for monitoring and treatment for patients post-COVID is evident. Advancements and standardization of long COVID research methodologies would improve the quality of future research, and may allow further investigations into the similarities and differences between long COVID and ME/CFS.

scholarly journals Systematic Review of the Epidemiological Burden of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Across Europe: Current Evidence and EUROMENE Research Recommendations for Epidemiology

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 1557 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernando Estévez-López ◽  
Kathleen Mudie ◽  
Xia Wang-Steverding ◽  
Inger Johanne Bakken ◽  
Andrejs Ivanovs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Reporting Quality ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Institute Of Medicine ◽  
Case Definitions ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome

This review aimed at determining the prevalence and incidence of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) in Europe. We conducted a primary search in Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science for publications between 1994 and 15 June 2019 (PROSPERO: CRD42017078688). Additionally, we performed a backward-(reference lists) and forward-(citations) search of the works included in this review. Grey literature was addressed by contacting all members of the European Network on ME/CFS (EUROMENE). Independent reviewers searched, screened and selected studies, extracted data and evaluated the methodological and reporting quality. For prevalence, two studies in adults and one study in adolescents were included. Prevalence ranged from 0.1% to 2.2%. Two studies also included incidence estimates. In conclusion, studies on the prevalence and incidence of ME/CFS in Europe were scarce. Our findings point to the pressing need for well-designed and statistically powered epidemiological studies. To overcome the shortcomings of the current state-of-the-art, EUROMENE recommends that future research is better conducted in the community, reviewing the clinical history of potential cases, obtaining additional objective information (when needed) and using adequate ME/CFS case definitions; namely, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention−1994, Canadian Consensus Criteria, or Institute of Medicine criteria.

scholarly journals Case definitions for chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME): a systematic review

BMJ Open ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. e003973 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kjetil Gundro Brurberg ◽  
Marita Sporstøl Fønhus ◽  
Lillebeth Larun ◽  
Signe Flottorp ◽  
Kirsti Malterud
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis ◽  
Case Definitions ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome

scholarly journals Systematic review of randomized controlled trials for chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME)

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Do-Young Kim ◽  
Jin-Seok Lee ◽  
Samuel-Young Park ◽  
Soo-Jin Kim ◽  
Chang-Gue Son
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Pharmacological Interventions ◽  
Case Definitions ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome

Abstract Background Although medical requirements are urgent, no effective intervention has been proven for chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME). To facilitate the development of new therapeutics, we systematically reviewed the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for CFS/ME to date. Methods RCTs targeting CFS/ME were surveyed using two electronic databases, PubMed and the Cochrane library, through April 2019. We included only RCTs that targeted fatigue-related symptoms, and we analyzed the data in terms of the characteristics of the participants, case definitions, primary measurements, and interventions with overall outcomes. Results Among 513 potentially relevant articles, 56 RCTs met our inclusion criteria; these included 25 RCTs of 22 different pharmacological interventions, 29 RCTs of 19 non-pharmacological interventions and 2 RCTs of combined interventions. These studies accounted for a total of 6956 participants (1713 males and 5243 females, 6499 adults and 457 adolescents). CDC 1994 (Fukuda) criteria were mostly used for case definitions (42 RCTs, 75.0%), and the primary measurement tools included the Checklist Individual Strength (CIS, 35.7%) and the 36-item Short Form health survey (SF-36, 32.1%). Eight interventions showed statistical significance: 3 pharmacological (Staphypan Berna, Poly(I):poly(C12U) and CoQ10 + NADH) and 5 non-pharmacological therapies (cognitive-behavior-therapy-related treatments, graded-exercise-related therapies, rehabilitation, acupuncture and abdominal tuina). However, there was no definitely effective intervention with coherence and reproducibility. Conclusions This systematic review integrates the comprehensive features of previous RCTs for CFS/ME and reflects on their limitations and perspectives in the process of developing new interventions.

scholarly journals Contrasting Case Definitions for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

2011 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 280-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonard A. Jason ◽  
Abigail Brown ◽  
Erin Clyne ◽  
Lindsey Bartgis ◽  
Meredyth Evans ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis ◽  
Case Definitions ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome

scholarly journals Lessons From Heat Stroke for Understanding Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominic Stanculescu ◽  
Nuno Sepúlveda ◽  
Chin Leong Lim ◽  
Jonas Bergquist
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Cell Injury ◽  
Heat Stroke ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Coagulation Disorder ◽  
Gene Expressions ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Central Nervous System Dysfunction

We here provide an overview of the pathophysiological mechanisms during heat stroke and describe similar mechanisms found in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Both conditions are characterized by disturbed homeostasis in which inflammatory pathways play a central role. Splanchnic vasoconstriction, increased gut permeability, gut-related endotoxemia, systemic inflammatory response, central nervous system dysfunction, blood coagulation disorder, endothelial-cell injury, and mitochondrial dysfunction underlie heat stroke. These mechanisms have also been documented in ME/CFS. Moreover, initial transcriptomic studies suggest that similar gene expressions are altered in both heat stroke and ME/CFS. Finally, some predisposing factors for heat stroke, such as pre-existing inflammation or infection, overlap with those for ME/CFS. Notwithstanding important differences - and despite heat stroke being an acute condition - the overlaps between heat stroke and ME/CFS suggest common pathways in the physiological responses to very different forms of stressors, which are manifested in different clinical outcomes. The human studies and animal models of heat stroke provide an explanation for the self-perpetuation of homeostatic imbalance centered around intestinal wall injury, which could also inform the understanding of ME/CFS. Moreover, the studies of novel therapeutics for heat stroke might provide new avenues for the treatment of ME/CFS. Future research should be conducted to investigate the similarities between heat stroke and ME/CFS to help identify the potential treatments for ME/CFS.

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