scholarly journals A Review of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Function in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cara Tomas ◽  
Julia Newton ◽  
Stuart Watson
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Hpa Axis ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Interindividual Variation ◽  
Genetic Profile ◽  
Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Novel Treatment Strategies ◽  
The Impact

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction has been found in a high proportion of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients and includes enhanced corticosteroid-induced negative feedback, basal hypocortisolism, attenuated diurnal variation, and a reduced responsivity to challenge. A putative causal role for genetic profile, childhood trauma, and oxidative stress has been considered. In addition, the impact of gender is demonstrated by the increased frequency of HPA axis dysregulation in females. Despite the temporal relationship, it is not yet established whether the endocrine dysregulation is causal, consequent, or an epiphenomenon of the disorder. Nonetheless, given the interindividual variation in the effectiveness of existing biological and psychological treatments, the need for novel treatment strategies such as those which target the HPA axis is clear.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Circadian Rhythm and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis Impairment

2001 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Racciatti ◽  
M. T. Guagnano ◽  
J. Vecchiet ◽  
P. L. De Remigis ◽  
E. Pizzigallo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Rhythm ◽  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Hpa Axis ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome

scholarly journals Exploratory study into the relationship between the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and fibromyalgia (FM) using a quasiexperimental design

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e041947
Author(s):  
Pamela G Mckay ◽  
Helen Walker ◽  
Colin R Martin ◽  
Mick Fleming
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Symptom Experience ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and fibromyalgia (FM). The hypothesis predicated that there would be no significant differences between the group’s symptom experience.DesignA quasiexperimental design. Structural equation modelling (SEM) and invariance testing.ParticipantsMales (M) and females (F) >16 with a confirmed diagnosis of CFS/ME or FM by a general practitioner or specialist. CFS/ME (n=101, F: n=86, M: n=15, mean (M) age M=45.5 years). FM (n=107, F: n=95, M: n=12, M=47.2 years).Outcome measuresDiagnostic criteria: the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for CFS/ME and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for FM. Additional symptom questionnaires measuring: pain, sleep quality, fatigue, quality of life, anxiety and depression, locus of control and self-esteem.ResultsInvariance was confirmed with the exception of the American CDC Symptom Inventory, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (p<0.05) based on five questions. Consequently, it was erroneous to conclude differences. Therefore, the Syndrome Model was created. SEM could not have tested the ACR previously, as it comprised a single data point. Thus, it was combined with these three questionnaires, increasing the data points, to create this new measurable model. Results confirmed no significant differences between groups (p=0.07 (p<0.05)).ConclusionParticipants responded in a similar manner to the questionnaire, confirming the same symptom experience. It is important to consider this in context with differing criteria and management guidelines, as this may influence diagnosis and the trajectory of patient’s management. With the biomedical cause currently unclear, it is the symptom experience and the impact on quality of life that is important. These findings are meaningful for patients, clinicians and policy development and support the requirement for future research.

scholarly journals Feedback on underperformance in patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The impact on subsequent neuropsychological test performance

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 188-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeroen J. Roor ◽  
Hans Knoop ◽  
Brechje Dandachi-FitzGerald ◽  
Maarten J.V. Peters ◽  
Gijs Bleijenberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Back to the Future? Immunoglobulin Therapy for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 1546
Author(s):  
Helen Brownlie ◽  
Nigel Speight
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Subcutaneous Administration ◽  
Immunoglobulin Therapy ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis ◽  
Placebo Control ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Symptom Exacerbation ◽  
High Degree ◽  
The Impact

The findings of controlled trials on use of intravenous immunoglobulin G (IV IgG) to treat myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) are generally viewed as representing mixed results. On detailed review, a clearer picture emerges, which suggests that the potential therapeutic value of this intervention has been underestimated. Our analysis is consistent with the propositions that: (1) IgG is highly effective for a proportion of patients with severe and well-characterised ME/CFS; (2) responders can be predicted with a high degree of accuracy based on markers of immune dysfunction. Rigorous steps were taken in the research trials to record adverse events, with transient symptom exacerbation commonly experienced in both intervention and placebo control groups, suggesting that this reflected the impact of participation on people with an illness characterised by post-exertional symptom exacerbation. Worsening of certain specific symptoms, notably headache, did occur more commonly with IgG and may have been concomitant to effective treatment, being associated with clinical improvement. The findings emerging from this review are supported by clinical observations relating to treatment of patients with severe and very severe ME/CFS, for whom intramuscular and subcutaneous administration provide alternative options. We conclude that: (1) there is a strong case for this area of research to be revived; (2) pending further research, clinicians would be justified in offering a course of IgG to selected ME/CFS patients at the more severe end of the spectrum. As the majority of trial participants had experienced an acute viral or viral-like onset, we further suggest that IgG treatment may be pertinent to the care of some patients who remain ill following infection with SARS-CoV-2 virus.

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