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Denu MKI, Revoori R, Eghan C, Kwapong FL, Hillman A, Normeshie CA, Berko KP, Aidoo EL, Buadu MAE. Association between chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis and cardiovascular disease. Sci Rep 2025; 15:2294. [PMID: 39833264 PMCID: PMC11747618 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-86609-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2025] [Indexed: 01/22/2025] Open
Abstract
Chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a medical condition characterized by severe and prolonged fatigue that is not relieved by rest or attributed to any underlying medical or psychological condition. Individuals with CFS/ME are considered to have an increased risk of a wide range of comorbid conditions, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). The association between CFS/ME and CVD is not fully understood. To determine the prevalence of CFS/ME in a sample population and examine its association with CVD. Weighted sample size data of 114,834 was analyzed from the 2021-2022 national health interview survey (NHIS). Information on sociodemographic factors, CVD risk factors, and history of CFS/ME and CVD were collected. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine the association between CFS/ME and CVD, adjusting for traditional CVD risk factors (age, sex, race, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, and body mass index (BMI). Median age of participants was 53 years, and majority of participants were female (53.9%). Prevalence of CFS/ME was 1.2%. A history of CFS/ME was significantly associated with CVD (aOR 3.26, 95%CI 2.85, 3.72, p-value: <0.001) after adjusting for traditional CVD risk factors. A history of CFS/ME was independently associated with CVD after adjusting for traditional CVD risk factors. Patients with CFS/ME need close evaluation for CVD. Further studies are needed to better understand the relationship between CFS/ME and CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mawulorm K I Denu
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| | - Ritika Revoori
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Cherita Eghan
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Andrew Hillman
- Department of Radiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Cornelius A Normeshie
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Virginia Medical School, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Kofi Poku Berko
- Department of Medicine, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | - Emily L Aidoo
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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Ghali A, Lacombe V, Ravaiau C, Delattre E, Ghali M, Urbanski G, Lavigne C. The relevance of pacing strategies in managing symptoms of post-COVID-19 syndrome. J Transl Med 2023; 21:375. [PMID: 37291581 PMCID: PMC10248991 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04229-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) shares many features with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). PCS represents a major health issue worldwide because it severely impacts patients' work activities and their quality of life. In the absence of treatment for both conditions and given the beneficial effect of pacing strategies in ME/CFS, we conducted this study to assess the effectiveness of pacing in PCS patients. METHODS We retrospectively included patients meeting the World Health Organization definition of PCS who attended the Internal Medicine Department of Angers University Hospital, France between June 2020 and June 2022, and were followed up until December 2022. Pacing strategies were systematically proposed for all patients. Their medical records were reviewed and data related to baseline and follow-up assessments were collected. This included epidemiological characteristics, COVID-19 symptoms and associated conditions, fatigue features, perceived health status, employment activity, and the degree of pacing adherence assessed by the engagement in pacing subscale (EPS). Recovery was defined as the ability to return to work, and improvement was regarded as the reduction of the number and severity of symptoms. RESULTS A total of 86 patients were included and followed-up for a median time of 10 [6-13] months. Recovery and improvement rates were 33.7% and 23.3%, respectively. The EPS score was the only variable significantly associated with recovery on multivariate analysis (OR 40.43 [95% CI 6.22-262.6], p < 0.001). Patients who better adhered to pacing (high EPS scores) experienced significantly higher recovery and improvement rates (60-33.3% respectively) than those with low (5.5-5.5% respectively), or moderate (4.3-17.4% respectively) scores. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrated that pacing is effective in the management of patients with PCS, and that high levels of adherence to pacing are associated with better outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Ghali
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Angers University Hospital, 4 Rue Larrey, 49000, Angers, France.
| | - Valentin Lacombe
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Angers University Hospital, 4 Rue Larrey, 49000, Angers, France
| | - Camille Ravaiau
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Angers University Hospital, 4 Rue Larrey, 49000, Angers, France
| | - Estelle Delattre
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Angers University Hospital, 4 Rue Larrey, 49000, Angers, France
| | - Maria Ghali
- Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of Angers, Angers, France
| | - Geoffrey Urbanski
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Angers University Hospital, 4 Rue Larrey, 49000, Angers, France
| | - Christian Lavigne
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Angers University Hospital, 4 Rue Larrey, 49000, Angers, France
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Nelson MJ, Buckley JD, Thomson RL, Bellenger CR, Davison K. Markers of Cardiac Autonomic Function During Consecutive Day Peak Exercise Tests in People With Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Front Physiol 2022; 12:771899. [PMID: 34970156 PMCID: PMC8713453 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.771899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) have been shown to exhibit altered ventilatory characteristics on the second of two progressive maximal cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET) performed on consecutive days. However, maximal exercise can exacerbate symptoms for ME/CFS patients and cause significant post-exertional malaise. Assessment of heart rate (HR) parameters known to track post-exertional fatigue may represent more effective physiological markers of the condition and could potentially negate the need for maximal exercise testing. Sixteen ME/CFS patients and 10 healthy controls underwent a sub-maximal warm-up followed by CPET on two consecutive days. Ventilation, ratings of perceived exertion, work rate (WR) and HR parameters were assessed throughout on both days. During sub-maximal warm-up, a time effect was identified for the ratio of low frequency to high frequency power of HR variability (p=0.02) during sub-maximal warm-up, and for HR at ventilatory threshold (p=0.03), with both being higher on Day Two of testing. A significant group (p<0.01) effect was identified for a lower post-exercise HR recovery (HRR) in ME/CFS patients. Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis of HRR revealed an area under the curve of 74.8% (p=0.02) on Day One of testing, with a HRR of 34.5bpm maximising sensitivity (63%) and specificity (40%) suggesting while HRR values are altered in ME/CFS patients, low sensitivity and specificity limit its potential usefulness as a biomarker of the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximillian J Nelson
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Jonathan D Buckley
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Rebecca L Thomson
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School and Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Clint R Bellenger
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Kade Davison
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Baklund IH, Dammen T, Moum TÅ, Kristiansen W, Duarte DS, Castro-Marrero J, Helland IB, Strand EB. Evaluating Routine Blood Tests According to Clinical Symptoms and Diagnostic Criteria in Individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10143105. [PMID: 34300271 PMCID: PMC8307418 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10143105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a lack of research regarding blood tests within individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and between patients and healthy controls. We aimed to compare results of routine blood tests between patients and healthy controls. Data from 149 patients diagnosed with ME/CFS based on clinical and psychiatric evaluation as well as on the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire, and data from 264 healthy controls recruited from blood donors were compared. One-way ANCOVA was conducted to examine differences between ME/CFS patients and healthy controls, adjusting for age and gender. Patients had higher sedimentation rate (mean difference: 1.38, 95% CI: 0.045 to 2.714), leukocytes (mean difference: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.248 to 0.932), lymphocytes (mean difference: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.145 to 0.395), neutrophils (mean difference: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.0 89 to 0.591), monocytes (mean difference: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.309 to 0.371), ferritin (mean difference: 28.13, 95% CI: −1.41 to 57.672), vitamin B12 (mean difference: 83.43, 95% CI: 62.89 to 124.211), calcium (mean difference: 0.02, 95% CI: −0.02 to 0.06), alanine transaminase (mean difference: 3.30, 95% CI: −1.37 to -7.971), low-density lipoproteins (mean difference: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.104 to 0.796), and total proteins (mean difference: 1.53, 95% CI: −0.945 to 4.005) than control subjects. The patients had lower potassium levels (mean difference: 0.11, 95% CI: 0.056 to 0.164), creatinine (mean difference: 2.60, 95% CI: 0.126 to 5.074) and creatine kinase (CK) (mean difference: 37.57, 95% CI: −0.282 to 75.422) compared to the healthy controls. Lower CK and creatinine levels may suggest muscle damage and metabolic abnormalities in ME/CFS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid H. Baklund
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0315 Oslo, Norway; (I.H.B.); (T.D.); (T.Å.M.)
| | - Toril Dammen
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0315 Oslo, Norway; (I.H.B.); (T.D.); (T.Å.M.)
| | - Torbjørn Åge Moum
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0315 Oslo, Norway; (I.H.B.); (T.D.); (T.Å.M.)
| | - Wenche Kristiansen
- CFS/ME Center, Division of Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, 0318 Oslo, Norway; (W.K.); (D.S.D.)
| | - Daysi Sosa Duarte
- CFS/ME Center, Division of Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, 0318 Oslo, Norway; (W.K.); (D.S.D.)
| | - Jesus Castro-Marrero
- CFS/ME Unit, Division of Rheumatology, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Ingrid Bergliot Helland
- National Advisory Unit for CFS/ME, Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet OUS, 0372 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Elin Bolle Strand
- National Advisory Unit for CFS/ME, Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet OUS, 0372 Oslo, Norway;
- Faculty of Health, VID Specialized University, 0370 Oslo, Norway
- Correspondence:
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van Campen CLMC, Rowe PC, Visser FC. Deconditioning does not explain orthostatic intolerance in ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome). J Transl Med 2021; 19:193. [PMID: 33947430 PMCID: PMC8097965 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-02819-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Orthostatic intolerance (OI) is a frequent finding in individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis /chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Published studies have proposed that deconditioning is an important pathophysiological mechanism in various forms of OI, including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), however conflicting opinions exist. Deconditioning can be classified objectively using the predicted peak oxygen consumption (VO2) values from cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Therefore, if deconditioning is an important contributor to OI symptomatology, one would expect a relation between the degree of reduction in peak VO2during CPET and the degree of reduction in CBF during head-up tilt testing (HUT). METHODS AND RESULTS In 22 healthy controls and 199 ME/CFS patients were included. Deconditioning was classified by the CPET response as follows: %peak VO2 ≥ 85% = no deconditioning, %peak VO2 65-85% = mild deconditioning, and %peak VO2 < 65% = severe deconditioning. HC had higher oxygen consumption at the ventilatory threshold and at peak exercise as compared to ME/CFS patients (p ranging between 0.001 and < 0.0001). Although ME/CFS patients had significantly greater CBF reduction than HC (p < 0.0001), there were no differences in CBF reduction among ME/CFS patients with no, mild, or severe deconditioning. We classified the hemodynamic response to HUT into three categories: those with a normal heart rate and blood pressure response, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or orthostatic hypotension. No difference in the degree of CBF reduction was shown in those three groups. CONCLUSION This study shows that in ME/CFS patients orthostatic intolerance is not caused by deconditioning as defined on cardiopulmonary exercise testing. An abnormal high decline in cerebral blood flow during orthostatic stress was present in all ME/CFS patients regardless of their %peak VO2 results on cardiopulmonary exercise testing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter C Rowe
- Department of Paediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Frans C Visser
- Stichting CardioZorg, Planetenweg 5, 2132 HN, Hoofddorp, Netherlands
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Nelson MJ, Bahl JS, Buckley JD, Thomson RL, Davison K. Evidence of altered cardiac autonomic regulation in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e17600. [PMID: 31651868 PMCID: PMC6824690 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000017600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex condition with no reliable diagnostic biomarkers. Studies have shown evidence of autonomic dysfunction in patients with ME/CFS, but results have been equivocal. Heart rate (HR) parameters can reflect changes in autonomic function in healthy individuals; however, this has not been thoroughly evaluated in ME/CFS. METHODS A systematic database search for case-control literature was performed. Meta-analysis was performed to determine differences in HR parameters between ME/CFS patients and controls. RESULTS Sixty-four articles were included in the systematic review. HR parameters assessed in ME/CFS patients and controls were grouped into ten categories: resting HR (RHR), maximal HR (HRmax), HR during submaximal exercise, HR response to head-up tilt testing (HRtilt), resting HR variability (HRVrest), HR variability during head-up tilt testing (HRVtilt), orthostatic HR response (HROR), HR during mental task(s) (HRmentaltask), daily average HR (HRdailyaverage), and HR recovery (HRR) Meta-analysis revealed RHR (MD ± 95% CI = 4.14 ± 1.38, P < .001), HRtilt (SMD ± 95% CI = 0.92 ± 0.24, P < .001), HROR (0.50 ± 0.27, P < .001), and the ratio of low frequency power to high frequency power of HRVrest (0.39 ± 0.22, P < .001) were higher in ME/CFS patients compared to controls, while HRmax (MD ± 95% CI = -13.81 ± 4.15, P < .001), HR at anaerobic threshold (SMD ± 95% CI = -0.44 ± 0.30, P = 0.005) and the high frequency portion of HRVrest (-0.34 ± 0.22, P = .002) were lower in ME/CFS patients. CONCLUSIONS The differences in HR parameters identified by the meta-analysis indicate that ME/CFS patients have altered autonomic cardiac regulation when compared to healthy controls. These alterations in HR parameters may be symptomatic of the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximillian J. Nelson
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), University of South Australia
| | - Jasvir S. Bahl
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), University of South Australia
| | - Jonathan D. Buckley
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), University of South Australia
| | - Rebecca L. Thomson
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), University of South Australia
- Adelaide Medical School and Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Kade Davison
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), University of South Australia
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7
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Nelson MJ, Buckley JD, Thomson RL, Clark D, Kwiatek R, Davison K. Diagnostic sensitivity of 2-day cardiopulmonary exercise testing in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. J Transl Med 2019; 17:80. [PMID: 30871578 PMCID: PMC6417168 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-019-1836-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are no known objective biomarkers to assist with the diagnosis of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). A small number of studies have shown that ME/CFS patients exhibit an earlier onset of ventilatory threshold (VT) on the second of two cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET) performed on consecutive days. However, cut-off values which could be used to differentiate between ME/CFS patients have not been established. METHODS 16 ME/CFS patients and 10 healthy controls underwent CPET on a cycle-ergometer on 2-consecutive days. Heart rate (HR), ventilation, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and work rate (WR) were assessed on both days. RESULTS WR at VT decreased from day 1 to day 2 and by a greater magnitude in ME/CFS patients (p < 0.01 group × time interaction). No interaction effects were found for any other parameters. ROC curve analysis of the percentage change in WR at VT revealed decreases of - 6.3% to - 9.8% provided optimal sensitivity and specificity respectively for distinguishing between patients with ME/CFS and controls. CONCLUSION The decrease in WR at VT of 6.3-9.8% on the 2nd day of consecutive-day CPET may represent an objective biomarker that can be used to assist with the diagnosis of ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximillian J Nelson
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia.
| | - Jonathan D Buckley
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia
| | - Rebecca L Thomson
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School and Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Daniel Clark
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia
| | - Richard Kwiatek
- Division of Medicine, Lyell McEwin Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Kade Davison
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, GPO Box 2471, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia
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Lenaert B, Boddez Y, Vlaeyen JW, van Heugten CM. Learning to feel tired: A learning trajectory towards chronic fatigue. Behav Res Ther 2018; 100:54-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Pianosi PT, Emerling E, Mara KC, Weaver AL, Fischer PR. Sex differences in fitness and cardiac function during exercise in adolescents with chronic fatigue. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2017; 28:524-531. [PMID: 28543923 DOI: 10.1111/sms.12922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Females demonstrate less robust Frank-Starling mechanism with respect to cardiac preload than males at rest. We asked whether this phenomenon would also affect cardiac performance during exercise. We hypothesized that stroke volume (SV) response to exercise would be more limited in deconditioned females such that cardiac output would be mainly rate dependent, compared with males. We conducted a chart audit of clinical exercise tests performed by adolescents with chronic fatigue. Oxygen uptake (V˙O2) was measured breath-by-breath at rest and during cycle ergometry, while cardiac output was measured by acetylene rebreathing at rest plus 2-3 subthreshold workloads. SV response was analyzed in two ways: after normalization for body surface area (SV index, SVI) and as percentage change from resting values. Among 304 adolescents (78% females) with chronic fatigue, 189 (80%) of 236 females and 52 (76%) of 68 males were deconditioned (peakV˙O2 <90% predicted). Heart rate trajectory during exercise was steeper for unfit than fit females, 70 vs 61 beat·min-1 per L·min-1 V˙O2, (P=.003); but not for males, 47 vs 42 beat·min-1 per L·min-1 V˙O2 (P=.23). The highest measured SVI did not differ between unfit vs fit females (42.8 vs 41.5 mL·m-2 , P=.39) while fit males showed larger SV during exercise than their unfit peers (highest SVI 55.9 vs 48.0 mL·m-2 , P=.014). Both qualitative and quantitative sex differences exist in SV responses to exercise among chronically fatigued adolescents, suggesting volume loading may be more efficacious in girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- P T Pianosi
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - E Emerling
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - K C Mara
- Departments of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - A L Weaver
- Departments of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - P R Fischer
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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10
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Chao CT, Chiang CK. Fatigued Elderly Adults with End-Stage Renal Disease are More Likely to have Low Bone Mass than those Who are not Fatigued. J Am Geriatr Soc 2016; 64:e107-e109. [PMID: 27689321 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.14401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Ter Chao
- Department of Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Jinshan Branch, New Taipei City, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Kang Chiang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Integrative Diagnostics and Therapeutics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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11
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Addy KBE. The Treatment of Depression and Anxiety Within the Context of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Clin Case Stud 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/1534650106292669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is estimated to be the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. This progressive condition is characterized by airflow obstruction causing symptoms such as fatigue and breathlessness. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines for management of this disease include pulmonary rehabilitation through exercise. However, this approach can be difficult because it increases symptoms in the short term. In addition, many COPD sufferers have comorbid psychological problems, such as depression and fear of activity, that may further complicate treatment. This case illustrates the treatment of a 75-year-old COPD sufferer with comorbid depression and anxiety. It highlights psychological methods that may help to reduce the impact of COPD on quality of life.
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Pardaens K, Haagdorens L, Van Wambeke P, Van den Broeck A, Van Houdenhove B. How relevant are exercise capacity measures for evaluating treatment effects in chronic fatigue syndrome? Results from a prospective, multidisciplinary outcome study. Clin Rehabil 2016; 20:56-66. [PMID: 16502751 DOI: 10.1191/0269215506cr914oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the outcome of a multidisciplinary treatment programme for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, including health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychosocial variables, and exercise capacity measures. Design: A six-month prospective outcome study. Setting: University outpatient rehabilitation clinic; group setting. Subjects: One hundred and sixteen women fulfilling chronic fatigue syndrome criteria. Interventions: Cognitive behaviourally and graded exercise-based strategies; emphasis on adaptive lifestyle changes. Measures: Short Form General Health Survey (SF-36); Symptom Checklist (SCL-90); Causal Attribution List (CAL); Self-Efficacy Scale (SE); maximum progressive bicycle ergometer test with respiratory gas analysis; and isokinetic leg strength test, before and after treatment. Results: The total group significantly improved on nearly all reported HRQoL/ psychosocial variables. Changes in exercise capacity measures were rather modest and did not correlate or only weakly correlated with HRQoL/psychosocial variables. Subgroup analyses indicated that less fit patients improved significantly more on exercise capacity measures than their more fit counterparts. Patients who were fitter at baseline scored better on pretreatment HRQoL/psychosocial variables, but both subgroups improved similarly on these variables. Conclusions: Health-related quality of life and psychosocial functioning in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome improves after a six-month cognitive behaviourally and graded exercise-based multidisciplinary treatment programme. Increase in exercise capacity measures is not a necessary condition for reported improvements, except for less fit patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Pardaens
- Chronic Fatigue Reference Centre, University Hospitals and Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium
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Twisk FNM. Accurate diagnosis of myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome based upon objective test methods for characteristic symptoms. World J Methodol 2015; 5:68-87. [PMID: 26140274 PMCID: PMC4482824 DOI: 10.5662/wjm.v5.i2.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are considered to be synonymous, the definitional criteria for ME and CFS define two distinct, partially overlapping, clinical entities. ME, whether defined by the original criteria or by the recently proposed criteria, is not equivalent to CFS, let alone a severe variant of incapacitating chronic fatigue. Distinctive features of ME are: muscle weakness and easy muscle fatigability, cognitive impairment, circulatory deficits, a marked variability of the symptoms in presence and severity, but above all, post-exertional “malaise”: a (delayed) prolonged aggravation of symptoms after a minor exertion. In contrast, CFS is primarily defined by (unexplained) chronic fatigue, which should be accompanied by four out of a list of 8 symptoms, e.g., headaches. Due to the subjective nature of several symptoms of ME and CFS, researchers and clinicians have questioned the physiological origin of these symptoms and qualified ME and CFS as functional somatic syndromes. However, various characteristic symptoms, e.g., post-exertional “malaise” and muscle weakness, can be assessed objectively using well-accepted methods, e.g., cardiopulmonary exercise tests and cognitive tests. The objective measures acquired by these methods should be used to accurately diagnose patients, to evaluate the severity and impact of the illness objectively and to assess the positive and negative effects of proposed therapies impartially.
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Pianosi PT, Goodloe AH, Soma D, Parker KO, Brands CK, Fischer PR. High flow variant postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome amplifies the cardiac output response to exercise in adolescents. Physiol Rep 2014; 2:2/8/e12122. [PMID: 25168872 PMCID: PMC4246579 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.12122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is characterized by chronic fatigue and dizziness and affected individuals by definition have orthostatic intolerance and tachycardia. There is considerable overlap of symptoms in patients with POTS and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), prompting speculation that POTS is akin to a deconditioned state. We previously showed that adolescents with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) have excessive heart rate (HR) during, and slower HR recovery after, exercise – hallmarks of deconditioning. We also noted exaggerated cardiac output during exercise which led us to hypothesize that tachycardia could be a manifestation of a high output state rather than a consequence of deconditioning. We audited records of adolescents presenting with long‐standing history of any mix of fatigue, dizziness, nausea, who underwent both head‐up tilt table test and maximal exercise testing with measurement of cardiac output at rest plus 2–3 levels of exercise, and determined the cardiac output () versus oxygen uptake () relationship. Subjects with chronic fatigue were diagnosed with POTS if their HR rose ≥40 beat·min−1 with head‐up tilt. Among 107 POTS patients the distribution of slopes for the , relationship was skewed toward higher slopes but showed two peaks with a split at ~7.0 L·min−1 per L·min−1, designated as normal (5.08 ± 1.17, N = 66) and hyperkinetic (8.99 ± 1.31, N = 41) subgroups. In contrast, cardiac output rose appropriately with in 141 patients with chronic fatigue but without POTS, exhibiting a normal distribution and an average slope of 6.10 ± 2.09 L·min−1 per L·min−1. Mean arterial blood pressure and pulse pressure from rest to exercise rose similarly in both groups. We conclude that 40% of POTS adolescents demonstrate a hyperkinetic circulation during exercise. We attribute this to failure of normal regional vasoconstriction during exercise, such that patients must increase flow through an inappropriately vasodilated systemic circulation to maintain perfusion pressure. e12122 Forty percent of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) adolescents who, by definition have abnormal sympathetic control of HR and BP, demonstrate a hyperkinetic circulation during exercise. We attribute this to failure of normal regional vasoconstriction during exercise, such that patients must increase flow through an inappropriately vasodilated systemic circulation to maintain perfusion pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo T Pianosi
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Adele H Goodloe
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - David Soma
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Ken O Parker
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Chad K Brands
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota Department of Pediatrics, All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Philip R Fischer
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE In people with coronary artery disease, the association between endocrine measures and fatigue is not well understood. We evaluated possible associations of fatigue and exercise capacity with function of adrenal axis and thyroid axis. METHODS Sixty-five men and 18 women (mean age 55 years) attending a rehabilitation program were examined using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, Dutch Exertion Fatigue Scale, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Exercise capacity was measured using a bicycle ergometer procedure. Serum concentrations of free triiodothyronine (T₃), free thyroxine (T₄), morning cortisol, afternoon cortisol, and change in cortisol concentrations (ΔCortisol) were measured. RESULTS In univariate regression analysis, lower free T₄ concentrations were associated with general and exertion fatigue, lower free T₃ concentrations were associated with general and physical fatigue, and lower ΔCortisol was associated with mental fatigue. After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, previous myocardial infarction, heart failure, diabetes, New York Heart Association functional class, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms, lower free T3 concentrations remained associated with physical fatigue (β = -.224, p = .03); lower free T₄ concentrations, with exertion fatigue (β = -.219, p = .03); and lower morning cortisol and lower ΔCortisol concentrations, with mental fatigue (β = -.193 [p = .03] and β = -.180 [p =.04], respectively). Exercise capacity was not associated with endocrine factors. CONCLUSIONS In coronary artery disease patients, increased thyroid hormone concentrations are associated with decreased physical fatigue and decreased exertion fatigue, and increased cortisol concentrations with decreased mental fatigue. Exercise capacity is not associated with endocrine factors.
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16
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Evering RMH, Tönis TM, Vollenbroek-Hutten MMR. Deviations in daily physical activity patterns in patients with the chronic fatigue syndrome: a case control study. J Psychosom Res 2011; 71:129-35. [PMID: 21843746 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2011.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2010] [Revised: 03/31/2011] [Accepted: 04/11/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Deviations in daily physical activity patterns may play an important role in the development and maintenance of fatigue in the chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The aim of this study is to gain insight into the objective daily physical activity pattern of patients with CFS in comparison with healthy controls. The secondary objective is studying the awareness in performing physical activities. METHODS The objective daily physical activity pattern was measured with a tri-axial accelerometer in 35 patients with CFS and in 35 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. The objective daily physical activity level and distribution of physical activities at low, medium and high intensity levels during the day were measured. Moreover, variability in performing physical activities within and between subjects was computed. Subjective ratings of self-reported daily physical activity levels were assessed at a visual analog scale. RESULTS CFS patients were significantly less physically active in the afternoon and evening, and spent fewer activities at high intensity levels and more at low intensity levels. Moreover, CFS patients showed more variability in their own physical activity pattern during the afternoon. The heterogeneity in the physical activity pattern between subjects within the CFS and control group did not differ. Finally, CFS patients were more aware about their daily physical activity level than healthy controls. CONCLUSION CFS patients showed deviations in the objectively measured daily physical activity pattern. Future research should elucidate the relation between impaired balances in daily physical activity patterns and fatigue severity in CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M H Evering
- Roessingh Research and Development, Post Box 310, 7500 AH Enschede, The Netherlands.
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17
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Addy KBE. Neuropsychological Assessment and Intervention Following Perimesencephalic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. Clin Case Stud 2011. [DOI: 10.1177/1534650111400727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Mrs. H, aged 51, was referred for a neuropsychological assessment by her general practitioner. According to the referral, Mrs. H had been suffering from fatigue, headaches, and low mood following a subarachnoid hemorrhage in 2003. She reported continuing problems with concentration, memory, fatigue, and severe debilitating headaches. She attended for neuropsychological assessment in 2009, which identified specific impairments in attention and some aspects of executive function. Following assessment, Mrs. H engaged in a rehabilitation program designed to help her to manage her cognitive deficits, pace her activity levels, and manage her fatigue and headaches. She found this approach effective and reported an increase in quality of life at the end of the treatment.
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18
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Abstract
SummaryCancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a debilitating symptom that affects the majority of cancer patients. It can occur at all stages of treatment, worsening in advanced disease. It can be especially troublesome in the older person. CRF is often under-recognized and insufficiently treated routinely. This review will discuss both the postulated mechanisms and clinical tools for identifying and monitoring CRF during cancer treatment. The role of drug treatment and exercise to manage CRF is also assessed. Further studies, particularly in older people, are required to improve the poor levels of evidence for current CRF management options.
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Blood pressure variability and closed-loop baroreflex assessment in adolescent chronic fatigue syndrome during supine rest and orthostatic stress. Eur J Appl Physiol 2010; 111:497-507. [PMID: 20890710 PMCID: PMC3037975 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-010-1670-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Hemodynamic abnormalities have been documented in the chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), indicating functional disturbances of the autonomic nervous system responsible for cardiovascular regulation. The aim of this study was to explore blood pressure variability and closed-loop baroreflex function at rest and during mild orthostatic stress in adolescents with CFS. We included a consecutive sample of 14 adolescents 12–18 years old with CFS diagnosed according to a thorough and standardized set of investigations and 56 healthy control subjects of equal sex and age distribution. Heart rate and blood pressure were recorded continuously and non-invasively during supine rest and during lower body negative pressure (LBNP) of –20 mmHg to simulate mild orthostatic stress. Indices of blood pressure variability and baroreflex function (α-gain) were computed from monovariate and bivariate spectra in the low-frequency (LF) band (0.04–0.15 Hz) and the high–frequency (HF) band (0.15–0.50 Hz), using an autoregressive algorithm. Variability of systolic blood pressure in the HF range was lower among CFS patients as compared to controls both at rest and during LBNP. During LBNP, compared to controls, α-gain HF decreased more, and α-gain LF and the ratio of α-gain LF/α-gain HF increased more in CFS patients, all suggesting greater shift from parasympathetic to sympathetic baroreflex control. CFS in adolescents is characterized by reduced systolic blood pressure variability and a sympathetic predominance of baroreflex heart rate control during orthostatic stress. These findings may have implications for the pathophysiology of CFS in adolescents.
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20
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Khouzami L, Bourin MC, Christov C, Damy T, Escoubet B, Caramelle P, Perier M, Wahbi K, Meune C, Pavoine C, Pecker F. Delayed cardiomyopathy in dystrophin deficient mdx mice relies on intrinsic glutathione resource. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2010; 177:1356-64. [PMID: 20696779 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2010.090479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Although they have been a model for DMD, mdx mice exhibit slowly developing cardiomyopathy. We hypothesized that disease process was delayed owing to the development of an adaptive mechanism against oxidative stress, involving glutathione synthesis. At 15 to 20 weeks of age, mdx mice displayed a 33% increase in blood glutathione levels compared with age-matched C57BL/6 mice. In contrast, cardiac glutathione content was similar in mdx and C57BL/6 mice as a result of the balanced increased expression of glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic and regulatory subunits ensuring glutathione synthesis in the mdx mouse heart, as well as increased glutathione peroxidase-1 using glutathione. Oral administration from 10 weeks of age of the glutamate cysteine ligase inhibitor, l-buthionine(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO, 5 mmol/L), led to a 33% and 50% drop in blood and cardiac glutathione, respectively, in 15- to 20-week-old mdx mice. Moreover, 20-week-old BSO-treated mdx mice displayed left ventricular hypertrophy associated with diastolic dysfunction, discontinuities in beta-dystroglycan expression, micronecrosis and microangiopathic injuries. Examination of the glutathione status in four DMD patients showed that three displayed systemic glutathione deficiency as well. In conclusion, low glutathione resource hastens the onset of cardiomyopathy linked to a defect in dystrophin in mdx mice. This is relevant to the glutathione deficiency that DMD patients may suffer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Khouzami
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Créteil, France
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21
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Burton AR, Rahman K, Kadota Y, Lloyd A, Vollmer-Conna U. Reduced heart rate variability predicts poor sleep quality in a case-control study of chronic fatigue syndrome. Exp Brain Res 2010; 204:71-8. [PMID: 20502886 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-010-2296-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2010] [Accepted: 05/07/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Parasympathetic function is important in the induction and maintenance of sleep. We examined whether nocturnal vagal modulation of heart rate is related to the poor sleep quality commonly reported in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Heart rate (HR, as R-R intervals) was continuously monitored during sleep in 20 patients with CFS and 20 matched control subjects. Questionnaires assessed demographic information, symptoms, functional impairment, and subjective sleep quality. CFS was associated with more sleep problems in general and poorer subjective sleep quality on the study night (all p < 0.003), and reports of repeated awakening during the night were 7 times more likely compared to healthy subjects (p = 0.017). Time and frequency-domain parameters of HR variability during sleep were significantly lower in patients with CFS (all p < 0.006). Multiple regression analyses revealed that heart rate variability (HRV) parameters were the best predictors of subjective sleep measures. This study identified significant reductions in vagal modulation of heart rate during sleep in CFS. Low HRV strongly predicted sleep quality-suggesting a pervasive state of nocturnal sympathetic hypervigilance in CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Burton
- School of Psychiatry, University of NSW, Sydney, Australia
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22
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Chronic fatigue syndrome: illness severity, sedentary lifestyle, blood volume and evidence of diminished cardiac function. Clin Sci (Lond) 2009; 118:125-35. [PMID: 19469714 DOI: 10.1042/cs20090055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The study examined whether deficits in cardiac output and blood volume in a CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) cohort were present and linked to illness severity and sedentary lifestyle. Follow-up analyses assessed whether differences in cardiac output levels between CFS and control groups were corrected by controlling for cardiac contractility and TBV (total blood volume). The 146 participants were subdivided into two CFS groups based on symptom severity data, severe (n=30) and non-severe (n=26), and two healthy non-CFS control groups based on physical activity, sedentary (n=58) and non-sedentary (n=32). Controls were matched to CFS participants using age, gender, ethnicity and body mass. Echocardiographic measures indicated that the severe CFS participants had 10.2% lower cardiac volume (i.e. stroke index and end-diastolic volume) and 25.1% lower contractility (velocity of circumferential shortening corrected by heart rate) than the control groups. Dual tag blood volume assessments indicated that the CFS groups had lower TBV, PV (plasma volume) and RBCV (red blood cell volume) than control groups. Of the CFS subjects with a TBV deficit (i.e. > or = 8% below ideal levels), the mean+/-S.D. percentage deficit in TBV, PV and RBCV were -15.4+/-4.0, -13.2+/-5.0 and -19.1+/-6.3% respectively. Lower cardiac volume levels in CFS were substantially corrected by controlling for prevailing TBV deficits, but were not affected by controlling for cardiac contractility levels. Analyses indicated that the TBV deficit explained 91-94% of the group differences in cardiac volume indices. Group differences in cardiac structure were offsetting and, hence, no differences emerged for left ventricular mass index. Therefore the findings indicate that lower cardiac volume levels, displayed primarily by subjects with severe CFS, were not linked to diminished cardiac contractility levels, but were probably a consequence of a co-morbid hypovolaemic condition. Further study is needed to address the extent to which the cardiac and blood volume alterations in CFS have physiological and clinical significance.
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23
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Low HDL cholesterol associates with major depression in a sample with a 7-year history of depressive symptoms. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2008; 32:1557-61. [PMID: 18583011 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2008.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2008] [Revised: 05/23/2008] [Accepted: 05/24/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Long-term depression may increase the risk for adverse coronary events. Low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) have in particular been suggested to underlie this connection. A total of 124 participants with a recorded seven-year history of depressive symptoms (depressed, n=63) or euthymic state (controls, n=61) underwent a Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV to confirm their psychiatric diagnosis. Total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, triglycerides, non-HDL-C and atherogenic indices (LDL-C/HDL-C and TC/HDL-C) were assessed. The HDL-C levels were lower and atherogenic indices higher in the depressed group compared with the controls. Furthermore, those with HDL-C level below the gender-adjusted median (<1.54 mmol/l in women, <1.16 mmol/l in men) were 2.4-fold more likely to be depressed in a model adjusting for age and non-HDL-C (p=0.019). After further adjustment for educational level, marital status, alcohol use, daily smoking and overweight this association remained significant (p=0.049). These findings suggest that compared with the healthy controls, those with long-term depression may have lower HDL-C values and higher atherogenic indices.
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24
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Wyller VB, Barbieri R, Thaulow E, Saul JP. Enhanced vagal withdrawal during mild orthostatic stress in adolescents with chronic fatigue. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2008; 13:67-73. [PMID: 18234008 DOI: 10.1111/j.1542-474x.2007.00202.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hemodynamic abnormalities have been documented in the chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), indicating functional disturbances of the autonomic nervous system responsible for cardiovascular regulation. The aim of this study was to investigate autonomic heart rate control during mild orthostatic stress in adolescents with CFS. METHODS A total of 14 CFS patients and 56 healthy controls having equal distribution of age and gender underwent lower body negative pressure (LBNP) of horizontal line 20 mmHg. The RR interval (RRI) was recorded continuously, and spectral power densities were computed in the low-frequency (LF) band (0.04-0.15 Hz) and the high-frequency (HF) band (0.15-0.50 Hz) from segments of 120-second length, using an autoregressive algorithm. In addition, the time-domain indices SDNN, pNN50, and r-MSSD were computed. RESULTS At rest, CFS had lower RRI than controls (P < 0.05), but indices of variability were similar in the two groups. During LBNP, compared to controls, CFS patients had lower normalized and absolute HF power and r-MSSD (P < 0.05), and higher RRI (P < 0.001), normalized LF power and LF/HF (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS During mild orthostatic stress, adolescents with CFS appear to have enhanced vagal withdrawal, leading to a sympathetic predominance of heart rate control compared to controls. Possible underlying mechanisms include hypovolemia and abnormalities of reflex mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vegard Bruun Wyller
- Department of Pediatrics, Rikshospitalet-Radiumhospitalet Medical Center, Oslo, Norway.
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25
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Galland BC, Jackson PM, Sayers RM, Taylor BJ. A matched case control study of orthostatic intolerance in children/adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome. Pediatr Res 2008; 63:196-202. [PMID: 18091356 DOI: 10.1203/pdr.0b013e31815ed612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to define cardiovascular and heart rate variability (HRV) changes following head-up tilt (HUT) in children/adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in comparison to age- and gender-matched controls. Twenty-six children/adolescents with CFS (11-19 y) and controls underwent 70-degree HUT for a maximum of 30 min, but returned to horizontal earlier at the participant's request with symptoms of orthostatic intolerance (OI) that included lightheadedness. Using electrocardiography and beat-beat finger blood pressure, a positive tilt was defined as OI with 1) neurally mediated hypotension (NMH); bradycardia (HR <75% of baseline), and hypotension [systolic pressure (SysP) drops >25 mm Hg)] or 2) postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS); HR increase >30 bpm, or HR >120 bpm (with/without hypotension). Thirteen CFS and five controls exhibited OI generating a sensitivity and specificity for HUT of 50.0% and 80.8%, respectively. POTS without hypotension occurred in seven CFS subjects but no controls. POTS with hypotension and NMH occurred in both. Predominant sympathetic components to HRV on HUT were measured in CFS tilt-positive subjects. In conclusion, CFS subjects were more susceptible to OI than controls, the cardiovascular response predominantly manifest as POTS without hypotension, a response unique to CFS suggesting further investigation is warranted with respect to the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara C Galland
- Department of Women's & Children's Health, University of Otago, Dunedin 9015, New Zealand.
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Van Houdenhove B, Verheyen L, Pardaens K, Luyten P, Van Wambeke P. Rehabilitation of decreased motor performance in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: should we treat low effort capacity or reduced effort tolerance? Clin Rehabil 2007; 21:1121-42. [DOI: 10.1177/0269215507080769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Aim: The aetiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic delineation and treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) remain a matter of debate. Here some aspects of the debate are elucidated, with a particular focus on the patients' decreased motor performance.Hypothesis: The pathophysiological basis of decreased motor performance in CFS may, theoretically, involve three components: (1) a peripheral energetic deficit (impaired oxidative metabolism and/or physical deconditioning); (2) a central perceptual disturbance (higher effort sense or increased `interoception'); and (3) a fundamental failure of the neurobiological stress system, leading to an abnormal `sickness response'. It is proposed that the first two components may lead to low effort capacity, while the third component may lead to reduced effort tolerance. Although there is evidence for low effort capacity influencing symptoms and functional limitations in CFS, it is assumed that reduced effort tolerance might be the primary disturbance in CFS.Diagnostic implications: Distinguishing low effort capacity and reduced effort tolerance may contribute to a refinement of current diagnostic criteria of CFS and the identification of subgroups.Therapeutic implications: The above-mentioned distinction may make it possible to formulate a rationale for an effective implementation and adequate outcome evaluation of rehabilitation strategies in CFS.Research implications: This new heuristic framework may inform future research aimed at disentangling the complex determination of impaired motor performance in CFS, as well as studies aimed at customizing treatment to different subtypes of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - P. Luyten
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences
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27
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Wyller VB, Saul JP, Amlie JP, Thaulow E. Sympathetic predominance of cardiovascular regulation during mild orthostatic stress in adolescents with chronic fatigue. Clin Physiol Funct Imaging 2007; 27:231-8. [PMID: 17564672 DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-097x.2007.00743.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Haemodynamic abnormalities have been documented in the chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), indicating functional disturbances of the autonomic nervous system responsible for cardiovascular control. This study was designed to explore the pathophysiology in adolescent CFS-patients by analysing RR-interval (RRI) variability and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) variability during mild orthostatic stress, using an algorithm which accounts for non-stationary biosignals. A total of 27 adolescents with CFS and 33 healthy control subjects having equal age- and sex distribution underwent 15 min of 20 degrees head-up tilt (HUT). The spectral power densities of RRI and DBP were computed in the low-frequency (LF) band (0.04-0.15 Hz) and the high-frequency (HF) band (0.15-0.4 Hz) using an adaptive autoregressive algorithm to obtain a time-varying spectrum. RMSSD, a time domain index of RRI variability, was also computed. At rest, all indices of variability were similar in the two groups. During tilt, CFS patients had a larger increase in the LF/HF ratio (P<or=0.001) and normalized LF power of RRI (P<or=0.01), and a larger decrease in normalized HF power (P<or=0.01) of RRI than controls. CFS patients also had trends towards a larger decrease in absolute HF power of RRI and a larger increase in normalized LF power of DBP. These findings suggest that adolescents with CFS have sympathetic predominance of cardiovascular regulation during very mild orthostatic stress. Possible underlying mechanisms are moderate hypovolemia, abnormalities of reflex control or physical de-conditioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vegard B Wyller
- Department of Pediatrics, Rikshospitalet-Radiumhospitalet Medical Centre, Oslo, and Department of Pysiology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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28
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Wyller VB, Due R, Saul JP, Amlie JP, Thaulow E. Usefulness of an abnormal cardiovascular response during low-grade head-up tilt-test for discriminating adolescents with chronic fatigue from healthy controls. Am J Cardiol 2007; 99:997-1001. [PMID: 17398200 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2006.10.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2006] [Revised: 10/30/2006] [Accepted: 10/30/2006] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Hemodynamic dysfunction is documented in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). This study was conducted to investigate cardiovascular responses to orthostatic stress in adolescents with CFS, using a novel procedure for tilt-table testing. A total of 27 adolescents with CFS and 33 healthy control subjects with equal age and gender distribution underwent 15 minutes of 20 degrees head-up tilt testing. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure (BP), mean BP, diastolic BP, stroke index, total peripheral resistance index, end-diastolic volume index, and acceleration index were continuously and noninvasively recorded. At rest, patients with CFS had higher total peripheral resistance index values (p<0.01) and lower stroke index and end-diastolic volume index values (p<0.05) than controls. During 20 degrees head-up tilt testing, patients with CFS had greater increases in heart rate, diastolic BP (p<0.001), mean BP (p<0.01), and total peripheral resistance index (p<0.05) than controls and greater decreases in stroke index (p<0.05). Syncope or near syncope was not observed. In conclusion, this study found that adolescents with CFS have significant abnormalities of cardiovascular regulation in response to mild orthostatic stress, differentiating them from healthy controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vegard Bruun Wyller
- Department of Pediatrics, Rikshospitalet-Radiumhospitalet Medical Centre, and Department of Physiology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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Abstract
This work summarizes our knowledge of the physiological basis of fatigue and the effects of exercise and pharmacological interventions on fatigue. Fatigue may be defined as physical and/or mental weariness resulting from exertion, that is, an inability to continue exercise at the same intensity with a resultant deterioration in performance. The concept of deconditioning in patients is discussed as well as the implications for their rehabilitation and exercise. Because fatigue may result from a number of causes, including loss of muscle mass, deconditioning, nutritional deficiencies, oxygen delivery, and anemia, it should be treated comprehensively. Antifatigue therapy should be the standard of care for most chronic conditions associated with fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Evans
- Nutrition, Metabolism, and Exercise Laboratory, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, USA
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Viner R, Gregorowski A, Wine C, Bladen M, Fisher D, Miller M, El Neil S. Outpatient rehabilitative treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME). Arch Dis Child 2004; 89:615-9. [PMID: 15210489 PMCID: PMC1719984 DOI: 10.1136/adc.2003.035154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To assess the outcome of outpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitative treatment (graded activities/exercise programme, family sessions, and supportive care) compared with supportive care alone for children and adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME). METHODS Fifty six young people (aged 9-17 years) with CFS/ME by standard criteria were followed up for 3-24 months. All subjects received supportive care. Families additionally opted to either enter the rehabilitation programme (supportive care plus graded activities/exercise programme and family sessions) or have no additional treatment. RESULTS Twenty two (39%) subjects had supportive care alone and 26 (46%) entered the programme. Treatment groups were comparable at baseline in terms of age, severity and duration of illness, Wellness score, and school attendance. At end of follow up, those in the programme group had significantly higher Wellness score and school attendance than those having supportive care alone. The programme significantly reduced the overall severity of illness: after the programme, 43% had complete resolution of CFS/ME compared to only 4.5% of those having supportive care alone. The presence of depressed mood and family beliefs about the aetiology of CFS/ME were not significantly associated with outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Outpatient rehabilitative treatment offers significant potential to improve the prognosis of CFS/ME in childhood and adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Viner
- Department of Adolescent Medicine, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and University College London Hospitals, London, UK.
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Skapinakis P, Lewis G, Mavreas V. Temporal relations between unexplained fatigue and depression: longitudinal data from an international study in primary care. Psychosom Med 2004; 66:330-5. [PMID: 15184691 DOI: 10.1097/01.psy.0000124757.10167.b1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Unexplained fatigue syndromes, such as chronic fatigue syndrome and neurasthenia, are strongly associated with depression, but the temporal nature of this association is not clear. METHODS The authors examined this issue by using data from the World Health Organization collaborative study of psychological problems in general health care. Three thousand two hundred one subjects from 15 primary care centers in 14 countries were followed up for 12 months. The Composite International Diagnostic Interview was the main instrument used. Odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic variables, physical morbidity and intercenter variability. RESULTS Cases of depression were found to have an increased risk of developing a new episode of unexplained fatigue at follow-up with an adjusted odds ratio of 4.15 (95% CI = 2.64-6.54). Similarly, cases of unexplained fatigue were found to have an increased risk of developing a new episode of depression at follow-up with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.76 (95% CI = 1.32-5.78). Further adjustment for subthreshold symptoms at baseline weakened the reported associations, especially between fatigue and development of a new episode of depression, but these remained significant. CONCLUSIONS The findings support the view that unexplained fatigue and depression might act as independent risk factors for each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petros Skapinakis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ioannina, School of Medicine, Greece.
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Powell P, Bentall RP, Nye FJ, Edwards RHT. Patient education to encourage graded exercise in chronic fatigue syndrome. 2-year follow-up of randomised controlled trial. Br J Psychiatry 2004; 184:142-6. [PMID: 14754826 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.184.2.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An earlier trial demonstrated good outcomes after 1 year for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) who received an educational intervention designed to encourage graded activity. AIMS To determine 2-year outcomes for the same treated patients and the response to treatment of patients formerly in the control condition. METHOD Patients in the treatment groups (n=114) were followed up at 2 years; 32 patients from the control group were offered the intervention after 1 year and were assessed 1 year later. Assessments were the self-rated measures used in the original trial. RESULTS At 2 years 63 of the treated patients (55%) no longer fulfilled trial criteria for CFS compared with 64 patients (56%) at 1 year. Fourteen of 30 crossover patients (47%) achieved a good outcome at 1 year and seven (23%) no longer fulfilled criteria for CFS. CONCLUSIONS Benefits of the intervention were maintained at 2 years. Delaying treatment is associated with reduced efficacy and required more intensive therapy.
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White PD, Fulcher KY. Chronic fatigue syndrome, deconditioning, and graded exercise therapy. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2002; 34:1691-2; author reply 1692-3. [PMID: 12370573 DOI: 10.1097/00005768-200210000-00023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Bentall RP, Powell P, Nye FJ, Edwards RHT. Predictors of response to treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome. Br J Psychiatry 2002; 181:248-52. [PMID: 12204931 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.181.3.248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Controlled trials have shown that psychological interventions designed to encourage graded exercise can facilitate recovery from chronic fatigue syndrome. AIMS To identify predictors of response to psychological treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome. METHOD Of 114 patients assigned to equally effective treatment conditions in a randomised, controlled trial, 95 completed follow-up assessments. Relationships between variables measured prior to randomisation and changes in physical functioning and subjective handicap at 1 year were evaluated by multiple regression. RESULTS Poor outcome was predicted by membership of a self-help group, being in receipt of sickness benefit at the start of treatment, and dysphoria as measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale. Severity of symptoms and duration of illness were not predictors of response. CONCLUSIONS Poor outcome in the psychological treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome is predicted by variables that indicate resistance to accepting the therapeutic rationale, poor motivation to treatment adherence or secondary gains from illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard P Bentall
- Department of Psychology, University of Manchester, Coupland I Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the outcome of adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) following an intensive multi-disciplinary inpatient programme. METHODS A follow-up questionnaire was distributed to all 57 adolescents who had completed the CFS inpatient programme at the Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre. RESULTS Forty-two adolescents (74%) returned follow-up questionnaires. Immediately following the programme and up to five years after the programme, the majority of participants had returned to school and were functioning better in terms of physical activity and social interactions as compared with before the programme. Before the programme, 94% of adolescents were attending school half-time or less. Up to 5 years after the programme, 78% of adolescents were attending school full-time or with occasional absences only. CONCLUSIONS A multidisciplinary inpatient programme for CFS was successful in helping to rehabilitate this group of adolescents who were significantly incapacitated prior to entering the inpatient programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Lim
- Department of Paediatrics, Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Abstract
The chronic fatigue syndrome is characterised by a fatigue that is disproportionate to the intensity of effort that is undertaken, has persisted for 6 months or longer, and has no obvious cause. Unless there has been a long period of patient- or physician-imposed inactivity, objective data may show little reduction in muscle strength or peak aerobic power, but the affected individual avoids heavy activity. The study of aetiology and treatment has been hampered by the low disease prevalence (probably <0.1% of the general population), and (until recently) by a lack of clear and standardised diagnostic criteria. It is unclear how far the aetiology is similar for athletes and nonathletes. It appears that in top competitors, overtraining and/or a negative energy balance can be precipitating factors. A wide variety of other possible causes and/or precipitating factors have been cited in the general population, including psychological stress, disorders of personality and affect, dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, hormonal imbalance, nutritional deficits, immune suppression or activation and chronic infection. However, none of these factors have been observed consistently. The prognosis is poor; often disability and impairment of athletic performance are prolonged. Prevention of overtraining by careful monitoring seems the most effective approach in athletes. In those where the condition is established, treatment should aim at breaking the vicious cycle of effort avoidance, deterioration in physical condition and an increase in fatigue through a combination of encouragement and a progressive exercise programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Shephard
- Defence & Civil Institute of Environmental Medicine, and Faculty of Physical Education & Health, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Powell P, Bentall RP, Nye FJ, Edwards RH. Randomised controlled trial of patient education to encourage graded exercise in chronic fatigue syndrome. BMJ (CLINICAL RESEARCH ED.) 2001; 322:387-90. [PMID: 11179154 PMCID: PMC26565 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.322.7283.387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/17/2000] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy of an educational intervention explaining symptoms to encourage graded exercise in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. DESIGN Randomised controlled trial. SETTING Chronic fatigue clinic and infectious diseases outpatient clinic. SUBJECTS 148 consecutively referred patients fulfilling Oxford criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome. INTERVENTIONS Patients randomised to the control group received standardised medical care. Patients randomised to intervention received two individual treatment sessions and two telephone follow up calls, supported by a comprehensive educational pack, describing the role of disrupted physiological regulation in fatigue symptoms and encouraging home based graded exercise. The minimum intervention group had no further treatment, but the telephone intervention group received an additional seven follow up calls and the maximum intervention group an additional seven face to face sessions over four months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE A score of >/=25 or an increase of >/=10 on the SF-36 physical functioning subscale (range 10 to 30) 12 months after randomisation. RESULTS 21 patients dropped out, mainly from the intervention groups. Intention to treat analysis showed 79 (69%) of patients in the intervention groups achieved a satisfactory outcome in physical functioning compared with two (6%) of controls, who received standardised medical care (P<0.0001). Similar improvements were observed in fatigue, sleep, disability, and mood. No significant differences were found between the three intervention groups. CONCLUSIONS Treatment incorporating evidence based physiological explanations for symptoms was effective in encouraging self managed graded exercise. This resulted in substantial improvement compared with standardised medical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Powell
- Regional Infectious Diseases Unit, University Hospital Aintree, Liverpool L9 7AL
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Naschitz JE, Rosner I, Rozenbaum M, Gaitini L, Bistritzki I, Zuckerman E, Sabo E, Yeshurun D. The capnography head-up tilt test for evaluation of chronic fatigue syndrome. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2000; 30:79-86. [PMID: 11071579 DOI: 10.1053/sarh.2000.9201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare the hemodynamic and ventilatory responses to autonomic challenge evoked by upright tilt table testing in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) to healthy individuals. METHODS Thirty-two consecutive patients with CFS and 32 healthy volunteers were evaluated with the aid of the recently introduced capnography head-up tilt test (CHUTT). The main outcome measures were values of blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and end-tidal pressure of co2 (ETPco2) recorded during recumbence and tilt. In addition, the end points of vasodepressor and cardioinhibitory reactions, hyperventilation (defined by ETPco2 <25 mm Hg) and the postural tachycardia syndrome, were recorded. RESULTS The BP, HR, RR, and ETPco2 recorded during recumbence were similar in both groups. During tilt, patients with CFS developed significantly lower systolic BP, diastolic BP, and ETPco2, and a significant rise in HR and RR (P<.01). In CFS patients, the postural tachycardia syndrome occurred in 44%, vasodepressor reaction in 41%, cardioinhibitory reaction in 13%, and hyperventilation in 31% of cases. One or more end points of the CHUTT were reached in 78% of patients with CFS but in none of the controls (P<.0001). CONCLUSIONS In most patients with CFS, a spectrum of abnormal homeostatic reactions is diagnosed with the aid of the CHUTT. Data provided by the CHUTT may reinforce the clinical diagnosis by adding objective and unbiased criteria to the subjective assessment of CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Naschitz
- Department of Internal Medicine A, Bnai Zion Medical Center and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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Fulcher KY, White PD. Strength and physiological response to exercise in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2000; 69:302-7. [PMID: 10945803 PMCID: PMC1737090 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.69.3.302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To measure strength, aerobic exercise capacity and efficiency, and functional incapacity in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) who do not have a current psychiatric disorder. METHODS Sixty six patients with CFS without a current psychiatric disorder, 30 healthy but sedentary controls, and 15 patients with a current major depressive disorder were recruited into the study. Exercise capacity and efficiency were assessed by monitoring peak and submaximal oxygen uptake, heart rate, blood lactate, duration of exercise, and perceived exertion during a treadmill walking test. Strength was measured using twitch interpolated voluntary isometric quadriceps contractions. Symptomatic measures included physical and mental fatigue, mood, sleep, somatic amplification, and functional incapacity. RESULTS Compared with sedentary controls, patients with CFS were physically weaker, had a significantly reduced exercise capacity, and perceived greater effort during exercise, but were equally unfit. Compared with depressed controls, patients with CFS had significantly higher submaximal oxygen uptakes during exercise, were weaker, and perceived greater physical fatigue and incapacity. Multiple regression models suggested that exercise incapacity in CFS was related to quadriceps muscle weakness, increased cardiovascular response to exercise, and body mass index. The best model of the increased exercise capacity found after graded exercise therapy consisted of a reduction in submaximal heart rate response to exercise. CONCLUSIONS Patients with CFS were weaker than sedentary and depressed controls and as unfit as sedentary controls. Low exercise capacity in patients with CFS was related to quadriceps muscle weakness, low physical fitness, and a high body mass ratio. Improved physical fitness after treatment was associated with increased exercise capacity. These data imply that physical deconditioning helps to maintain physical disability in CFS and that a treatment designed to reverse deconditioning helps to improve physical function.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Y Fulcher
- National Sports Medicine Institute, St Bartholomew's and the Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
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