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Kuut TA, Buffart LM, Braamse AMJ, Csorba I, Bleijenberg G, Nieuwkerk P, Moss-Morris R, Müller F, Knoop H. Does the effect of cognitive behavior therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) vary by patient characteristics? A systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis. Psychol Med 2024; 54:447-456. [PMID: 37927223 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291723003148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Debate is ongoing on the efficacy of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). With an individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis we investigated whether the effect of CBT varied by patient characteristics. These included post-exertional malaise (PEM), a central feature of ME/CFS according to many. We searched for randomized controlled trials similar with respect to comparison condition, outcomes and treatment-protocol. Moderation on fatigue severity (Checklist Individual Strength, subscale fatigue severity), functional impairment (Sickness Impact Profile-8) and physical functioning (Short Form-36, subscale physical functioning) was investigated using linear mixed model analyses and interaction tests. PROSPERO (CRD42022358245). Data from eight trials (n = 1298 patients) were pooled. CBT showed beneficial effects on fatigue severity (β = -11.46, 95% CI -15.13 to -7.79); p < 0.001, functional impairment (β = -448.40, 95% CI -625.58 to -271.23); p < 0.001; and physical functioning (β = 9.64, 95% CI 3.30 to 15.98); p < 0.001. The effect of CBT on fatigue severity varied by age (pinteraction = 0.003), functional impairment (pinteraction = 0.045) and physical activity pattern (pinteraction = 0.027). Patients who were younger, reported less functional impairments and had a fluctuating activity pattern benefitted more. The effect on physical functioning varied by self-efficacy (pinteraction = 0.025), with patients with higher self-efficacy benefitting most. No other moderators were found. It can be concluded from this study that CBT for ME/CFS can lead to significant reductions of fatigue, functional impairment, and physical limitations. There is no indication patients meeting different case definitions or reporting additional symptoms benefit less from CBT. Our findings do not support recent guidelines in which evidence from studies not mandating PEM was downgraded.
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Affiliation(s)
- T A Kuut
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - L M Buffart
- Department of Physiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - A M J Braamse
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - I Csorba
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - G Bleijenberg
- Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - P Nieuwkerk
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R Moss-Morris
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - F Müller
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - H Knoop
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Gaskell C, Kellett S, Simmonds‐Buckley M, Curran J, Hetherington J, Delgadillo J. Long‐term psychotherapy in tertiary care: A practice‐based benchmarking study. BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 62:483-500. [DOI: 10.1111/bjc.12424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
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Adın RM, Ceren AN, Salcı Y, Fil Balkan A, Armutlu K, Ayhan Kuru Ç. Dimensionality, psychometric properties, and population-based norms of the Turkish version of the Chalder Fatigue Scale among adults. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2022; 20:161. [PMID: 36476250 PMCID: PMC9728001 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-022-02074-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fatigue is emerging as a major public health problem that is highly associated with poor health-related quality of life and disability. Among adults, fatigue has become increasingly common because of workload or lifestyle changes. This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt the Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFS) into Turkish, to investigate its psychometric properties, and to establish normative data in healthy adults by age and gender. METHODS The validity of the CFS was tested with a total sample of 476 healthy adults aged 20-40 years (264 males and 212 females) and test-retest/measurement error analyses were performed with 161 participants (94 males and 67 females). The test-retest reliability was examined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and internal consistency was determined using Cronbach's α-coefficient. Predictive validity was assessed using the Receiver Operating Characteristic to validate the cut-off value of the CFS for non-fatigued and fatigued participants. Factor analyses and hypothesis testing were conducted to assess construct validity. Hypothesis testing examined convergent and known-group validity by testing 14 predefined hypotheses. RESULTS The mean (SD) and median (25-75%) CFS scores were 10.7 (4.9) and 11 (7-14) for the total sample (n = 476). The cut-off point for CFS was set at ≥ 12 with a sensitivity of 65.8% and a specificity of 85.9%. The CFS provided evidence of excellent fit of the two-factor structure (CFI = 0.963, RMSEA = 0.06, SRMR = 0.02). There was evidence of strong internal consistency demonstrated by Cronbach's α = 0.863 and good test-retest reliability by ICC = 0.76. Thirteen out of 14 hypotheses (92.9%) were confirmed and the scale showed low to moderate correlation with other measurement instruments (r = 0.31-0.51). CONCLUSIONS The CFS has been shown to be a reliable and valid instrument that can be used in various populations for the assessment of fatigue. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rıdvan M. Adın
- grid.14442.370000 0001 2342 7339Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ali Naim Ceren
- grid.14442.370000 0001 2342 7339Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yeliz Salcı
- grid.14442.370000 0001 2342 7339Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ayla Fil Balkan
- grid.14442.370000 0001 2342 7339Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kadriye Armutlu
- grid.14442.370000 0001 2342 7339Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Çiğdem Ayhan Kuru
- grid.14442.370000 0001 2342 7339Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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Worm-Smeitink M, Monden R, Groen RN, van Gils A, Bekhuis E, Rosmalen J, Knoop H. Towards personalized assessment of fatigue perpetuating factors in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome using ecological momentary assessment: A pilot study. J Psychosom Res 2021; 140:110296. [PMID: 33264751 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2020.110296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the associations between cognitions, behaviours and affects and fatigue in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME), and their relation to reduction of fatigue after cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). METHODS In CFS/ME patients, 22 behaviours, cognitions and affects, potentially perpetuating fatigue were registered 5 times a day using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and an actigraphy. Simultaneous Components Analysis (SCA) was used to identify components of perpetuation, that were tested for their associations with fatigue in multilevel vector autoregressive (VAR) modelling. Fatigue severity was measured pre- and posttreatment with the Checklist Individual Strength. The relationship between perpetuation (the strength and direction of the possible associations between fatigue and the components) and therapy outcome was investigated. RESULTS 58 patients met inclusion criteria (m age = 36.5; 65.5% female) and data of 50 patients were analysed in the multilevel analysis. Two perpetuating components were found: "psychological discomfort" and "activity". For the total group, both perpetuating components did not predict fatigue on a following time-point. For individual patients the strength and direction of the associations varied. None of the associations between perpetuating components and fatigue significantly predicted treatment outcome. CONCLUSION Results suggest that there is heterogeneity in perpetuation of fatigue in CFS/ME. Investigating fatigue and perpetuators on an individual rather than group level could lead to new insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margreet Worm-Smeitink
- Expert Center for Chronic Fatigue, Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rei Monden
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center of Groningen, Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation (ICPE), Netherlands
| | - Robin Nikita Groen
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center of Groningen, Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation (ICPE), Netherlands
| | - Anne van Gils
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center of Groningen, Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation (ICPE), Netherlands
| | - Ella Bekhuis
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center of Groningen, Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation (ICPE), Netherlands
| | - Judith Rosmalen
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center of Groningen, Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation (ICPE), Netherlands
| | - Hans Knoop
- Expert Center for Chronic Fatigue, Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
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Braamse A, Voss H, Nikolaus S, Wearden A, Knoop H. The role of partners' fatigue and the patient-partner relationship in the outcome of cognitive behavioural therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome. J Psychosom Res 2020; 135:110133. [PMID: 32450339 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2020.110133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) little is known about how partner-related factors influence patients' fatigue symptoms and treatment outcome. We examined partners' fatigue severity, and determined the role of partner-related factors for patients' symptoms and the outcome of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). METHODS 1356 CFS patients and their partners completed baseline measures of fatigue severity (Checklist Individual Strength), causal attributions of symptoms, partner responses to patient symptoms, and relationship satisfaction. Fatigue in partners of patients with CFS was compared with fatigue in age- and gender-matched controls from the Dutch population. Associations between partners' fatigue severity and other partner-related factors were determined. In a subgroup of 760 CFS patients who completed CBT, logistic regression analyses were used to identify partner-related baseline predictors for treatment outcome (fatigue severity, functional impairment). RESULTS Partners' fatigue (M = 21.66, SD 11.60) was significantly lower than in controls (M = 24.58, SD = 11.02) (p < .001) and not related to patients' fatigue (r = -0.02, p = .58). Partners' fatigue was correlated with patients' functional impairment (p = .001), partners' and patients' relationship dissatisfaction, negative partner responses, and partners' and patients' psychological attributions of patient symptoms at baseline (all p < .001). After controlling for patients' baseline fatigue severity and functional impairment, only relationship dissatisfaction as reported by (female) patients significantly predicted worse treatment outcome. For male patients with female partners, higher partners' fatigue severity predicted higher fatigue severity after CBT. CONCLUSIONS Female partners' fatigue and relationship dissatisfaction as reported by the female patient should be addressed in CBT for CFS, as these factors affect treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Braamse
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Hille Voss
- Expert Center for Chronic Fatigue, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, department of Medical Psychology, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Stephanie Nikolaus
- Expert Center for Chronic Fatigue, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, department of Medical Psychology, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Alison Wearden
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.
| | - Hans Knoop
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Expert Center for Chronic Fatigue, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, department of Medical Psychology, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
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Worm-Smeitink M, van Dam A, van Es S, van der Vaart R, Evers A, Wensing M, Knoop H. Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Integrated in Routine Clinical Care: Implementation Study. J Med Internet Res 2019; 21:e14037. [PMID: 31603428 PMCID: PMC6914231 DOI: 10.2196/14037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a clinical trial, internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (I-CBT) embedded in stepped care was established as noninferior to face-to-face cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). However, treatment effects observed in clinical trials may not necessarily be retained after implementation. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate whether stepped care for CFS starting with I-CBT, followed by face-to-face CBT, if needed, was also effective in routine clinical care. Another objective was to explore the role of therapists' attitudes toward electronic health (eHealth) and manualized treatment on treatment outcome. METHODS I-CBT was implemented in five mental health care centers (MHCs) with nine treatment sites throughout the Netherlands. All patients with CFS were offered I-CBT, followed by face-to-face CBT if still severely fatigued or disabled after I-CBT. Outcomes were the Checklist Individual Strength, physical and social functioning (Short-Form 36), and limitations in daily functioning according to the Work and Social Adjustment Scale. The change scores (pre to post stepped care) were compared with a benchmark: stepped care from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) testing this treatment format. We calculated correlations of therapists' attitudes toward manualized treatment and eHealth with reduction of fatigue severity. RESULTS Overall, 100 CFS patients were referred to the centers. Of them, 79 started with I-CBT, 20 commenced directly with face-to-face CBT, and one did not start at all. After I-CBT, 48 patients met step-up criteria; of them, 11 stepped up to face-to-face CBT. Increase in physical functioning (score of 13.4), social functioning (20.4), and reduction of limitations (10.3) after stepped care delivered in routine clinical care fell within the benchmarks of the RCT (95% CIs: 12.8-17.6; 25.2-7.8; and 7.4-9.8, respectively). Reduction of fatigue severity in the MHCs was smaller (12.6) than in the RCT (95% CI 13.2-16.5). After I-CBT only, reduction of fatigue severity (13.2) fell within the benchmark of I-CBT alone (95% CI 11.1-14.2). Twenty therapists treated between one and 18 patients. Therapists were divided into two groups: one with the largest median reduction of fatigue and one with the smallest. Patients treated by the first group had a significantly larger reduction of fatigue severity (15.7 vs 9.0; t=2.42; P=.02). There were no (statistically significant) correlations between therapists' attitudes and reduction in fatigue. CONCLUSIONS This study is one of the first to evaluate stepped care with I-CBT as a first step in routine clinical care. Although fatigue severity and disabilities were reduced, reduction of fatigue severity appeared smaller than in the clinical trial. Further development of the treatment should aim at avoiding dropout and encouraging stepping up after I-CBT with limited results. Median reduction of fatigue severity varied largely between therapists. Further research will help understand the role of therapists' attitudes in treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margreet Worm-Smeitink
- Expert Center for Chronic Fatigue, Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Medical Psychology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Specialist Center for Complex Medically Unexplained Symptoms and Somatic Symptom Disorders, Dimence, Deventer, Netherlands
| | - Arno van Dam
- Tranzo, School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands.,GGZ-Westelijk Noord Brabant, Institute for Mental Health, Bergen op Zoom, Netherlands
| | - Saskia van Es
- PsyQ Somatiek en Psyche, Parnassia Groep, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rosalie van der Vaart
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Andrea Evers
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Michel Wensing
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Radboud Institute of Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Hans Knoop
- Expert Center for Chronic Fatigue, Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Vink M, Vink-Niese F. Work Rehabilitation and Medical Retirement for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients. A Review and Appraisal of Diagnostic Strategies. Diagnostics (Basel) 2019; 9:diagnostics9040124. [PMID: 31547009 PMCID: PMC6963831 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics9040124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome leads to severe functional impairment and work disability in a considerable number of patients. The majority of patients who manage to continue or return to work, work part-time instead of full time in a physically less demanding job. The prognosis in terms of returning to work is poor if patients have been on long-term sick leave for more than two to three years. Being older and more ill when falling ill are associated with a worse employment outcome. Cognitive behavioural therapy and graded exercise therapy do not restore the ability to work. Consequently, many patients will eventually be medically retired depending on the requirements of the retirement policy, the progress that has been made since they have fallen ill in combination with the severity of their impairments compared to the sort of work they do or are offered to do. However, there is one thing that occupational health physicians and other doctors can do to try and prevent chronic and severe incapacity in the absence of effective treatments. Patients who are given a period of enforced rest from the onset, have the best prognosis. Moreover, those who work or go back to work should not be forced to do more than they can to try and prevent relapses, long-term sick leave and medical retirement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Vink
- Family and Insurance Physician, 1096 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Worm-Smeitink M, Janse A, van Dam A, Evers A, van der Vaart R, Wensing M, Knoop H. Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Stepped Care for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Randomized Noninferiority Trial. J Med Internet Res 2019; 21:e11276. [PMID: 30869642 PMCID: PMC6437617 DOI: 10.2196/11276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (I-CBT) leads to a reduction of fatigue severity and disability in adults with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). However, not all patients profit and it remains unclear how I-CBT is best embedded in the care of CFS patients. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare the efficacy of stepped care, using therapist-assisted I-CBT, followed by face-to-face (f2f) cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) when needed, with f2f CBT (treatment as usual [TAU]) on fatigue severity. The secondary aim was to investigate treatment efficiency. METHODS A total of 363 CFS patients were randomized to 1 of the 3 treatment arms (n=121). There were 2 stepped care conditions that differed in the therapists' feedback during I-CBT: prescheduled or on-demand. When still severely fatigued or disabled after I-CBT, the patients were offered f2f CBT. Noninferiority of both stepped care conditions to TAU was tested using analysis of covariance. The primary outcome was fatigue severity (Checklist Individual Strength). Disabilities (Sickness Impact Profile -8), physical functioning (Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form-36), psychological distress (Symptom Checklist-90), and proportion of patients with clinically significant improvement in fatigue were the secondary outcomes. The amount of invested therapist time was compared between stepped care and TAU. Exploratory comparisons were made between the stepped care conditions of invested therapist time and proportion of patients who continued with f2f CBT. RESULTS Noninferiority was indicated, as the upper boundary of the one-sided 98.75% CI of the difference in the change in fatigue severity between both forms of stepped care and TAU were below the noninferiority margin of 5.2 (4.25 and 3.81, respectively). The between-group differences on the secondary outcomes were also not significant (P=.11 to P=.79). Both stepped care formats required less therapist time than TAU (median 8 hours, 9 minutes and 7 hours, 25 minutes in stepped care vs 12 hours in TAU; P<.001). The difference in therapist time between both stepped care formats was not significant. Approximately half of the patients meeting step-up criteria for f2f CBT after I-CBT did not continue. CONCLUSIONS Stepped care, including I-CBT followed by f2f CBT when indicated, is noninferior to TAU of f2f CBT and requires less therapist time. I-CBT for CFS can be used as a first step in stepped care. TRIAL REGISTRATION Nederlands Trial Register NTR4809; http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=4809 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/74SWkw1V5).
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Affiliation(s)
- Margreet Worm-Smeitink
- Department of Medical Psychology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Specialist Center for Complex Medically Unexplained Symptoms and Somatic Symptom Disorders, Dimence, Deventer, Netherlands
| | - Anthonie Janse
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Arno van Dam
- School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Tranzo, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
| | - Andrea Evers
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Rosalie van der Vaart
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Michel Wensing
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Radboud Institute of Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Hans Knoop
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Expert Center for Chronic Fatigue, Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Sharpe M, Goldsmith K, Chalder T. The PACE trial of treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome: a response to WILSHIRE et al. BMC Psychol 2019; 7:15. [PMID: 30871632 PMCID: PMC6419398 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-019-0288-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is chronic disabling illness characterized by severe disabling fatigue, typically made worse by exertion. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is thought by some to be the same disorder (then referred to as CFS/ME) and by others to be different. There is an urgent need to find effective treatments for CFS. The UK Medical Research Council PACE trial published in 2011 compared available treatments and concluded that when added to specialist medical care, cognitive behaviour therapy and graded exercise therapy were more effective in improving both fatigue and physical function in participants with CFS, than both adaptive pacing therapy and specialised medical care alone. In this paper, we respond to the methodological criticisms of the trial and a reanalysis of the trial data reported by Wilshire at al. We conclude that neither the criticisms nor the reanalysis offer any convincing reason to change the conclusions of the PACE trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Sharpe
- University of Oxford Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7JX, UK.
| | - Kim Goldsmith
- Biostatistics & Health Informatics Department, Division of Psychology and Systems Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Trudie Chalder
- Academic Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
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Hughes AM, Hirsch CR, Nikolaus S, Chalder T, Knoop H, Moss-Morris R. Cross-Cultural Study of Information Processing Biases in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Comparison of Dutch and UK Chronic Fatigue Patients. Int J Behav Med 2018; 25:49-54. [PMID: 28836119 PMCID: PMC5803280 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-017-9682-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Purpose This study aims to replicate a UK study, with a Dutch sample to explore whether attention and interpretation biases and general attentional control deficits in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are similar across populations and cultures. Method Thirty eight Dutch CFS participants were compared to 52 CFS and 51 healthy participants recruited from the UK. Participants completed self-report measures of symptoms, functioning, and mood, as well as three experimental tasks (i) visual-probe task measuring attentional bias to illness (somatic symptoms and disability) versus neutral words, (ii) interpretive bias task measuring positive versus somatic interpretations of ambiguous information, and (iii) the Attention Network Test measuring general attentional control. Results Compared to controls, Dutch and UK participants with CFS showed a significant attentional bias for illness-related words and were significantly more likely to interpret ambiguous information in a somatic way. These effects were not moderated by attentional control. There were no significant differences between the Dutch and UK CFS groups on attentional bias, interpretation bias, or attentional control scores. Conclusion This study replicated the main findings of the UK study, with a Dutch CFS population, indicating that across these two cultures, people with CFS demonstrate biases in how somatic information is attended to and interpreted. These illness-specific biases appear to be unrelated to general attentional control deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia M Hughes
- Psychology Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Colette R Hirsch
- Psychology Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Stephanie Nikolaus
- Expert Centre for Chronic Fatigue, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Trudie Chalder
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Hans Knoop
- Expert Centre for Chronic Fatigue, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Psychology, Academic Medical Centre (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rona Moss-Morris
- Psychology Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
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Janse A, Worm-Smeitink M, Bleijenberg G, Donders R, Knoop H. Efficacy of web-based cognitive-behavioural therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome: randomised controlled trial. Br J Psychiatry 2018; 212:112-118. [PMID: 29436329 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2017.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Face-to-face cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) leads to a reduction of fatigue in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Aims To test the efficacy of internet-based CBT (iCBT) for adults with CFS. METHOD A total of 240 patients with CFS were randomised to either iCBT with protocol-driven therapist feedback or with therapist feedback on demand, or a waiting list. Primary outcome was fatigue severity assessed with the Checklist Individual Strength (Netherlands Trial Register: NTR4013). RESULTS Compared with a waiting list, intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis showed a significant reduction of fatigue for both iCBT conditions (protocol-driven feedback: B = -8.3, 97.5% CI -12.7 to -3.9, P < 0.0001; feedback on demand: B = -7.2, 97.5% CI -11.3 to -3.1, P < 0.0001). No significant differences were found between both iCBT conditions on all outcome measures (P = 0.3-0.9). An exploratory analysis revealed that feedback-on-demand iCBT required less therapist time (mean 4 h 37 min) than iCBT with protocol-driven feedback (mean 6 h 9 min, P < 0.001) and also less than face-to-face CBT as reported in the literature. CONCLUSIONS Both iCBT conditions are efficacious and time efficient. Declaration of interest None.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Janse
- Academic Medical Center (AMC),University of Amsterdam,Department of Medical Psychology,Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute,Amsterdam,the Netherlands
| | - M Worm-Smeitink
- Academic Medical Center (AMC),University of Amsterdam,Department of Medical Psychology,Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute,Amsterdam,the Netherlands
| | - G Bleijenberg
- Radboud University Medical Center,Nijmegen,the Netherlands
| | - R Donders
- Department for Health Evidence,Radboud University Medical Centre,Nijmegen,the Netherlands
| | - H Knoop
- Academic Medical Center (AMC),University of Amsterdam,Department of Medical Psychology,Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute,Amsterdam,the Netherlands
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12
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Collin SM, Heron J, Nikolaus S, Knoop H, Crawley E. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME) symptom-based phenotypes and 1-year treatment outcomes in two clinical cohorts of adult patients in the UK and The Netherlands. J Psychosom Res 2018; 104:29-34. [PMID: 29275782 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2017.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2017] [Revised: 10/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We previously described symptom-based chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME) phenotypes in clinical assessment data from 7041 UK and 1392 Dutch adult CFS/ME patients. Here we aim to replicate these phenotypes in a more recent UK patient cohort, and investigate whether phenotypes are associated with 1-year treatment outcome. METHODS 12 specialist CFS/ME services (11 UK, 1 NL) recorded the presence/absence of 5 symptoms (muscle pain, joint pain, headache, sore throat, and painful lymph nodes) which can occur in addition to the 3 symptoms (post-exertional malaise, cognitive dysfunction, and disturbed/unrefreshing sleep) that are present for almost all patients. Latent Class Analysis (LCA) was used to assign symptom profiles (phenotypes). Multinomial logistic regression models were fitted to quantify associations between phenotypes and overall change in health 1year after the start of treatment. RESULTS Baseline data were available for N=918 UK and N=1392 Dutch patients, of whom 416 (45.3%) and 912 (65.5%) had 1-year follow-up data, respectively. 3- and 4-class phenotypes identified in the previous UK patient cohort were replicated in the new UK cohort. UK patients who presented with 'polysymptomatic' and 'pain-only' phenotypes were 57% and 67% less likely (multinomial odds ratio (MOR) 0.43 (95% CI 0.19-0.94) and 0.33 (95% CI 0.13-0.84)) to report that their health was "very much better" or "much better" than patients who presented with an 'oligosymptomatic' phenotype. For Dutch patients, polysymptomatic and pain-only phenotypes were associated with 72% and 55% lower odds of improvement (MOR 0.28 (95% CI 0.11, 0.69) and 0.45 (95% CI 0.21, 0.99)) compared with oligosymptomatic patients. CONCLUSIONS Adult CFS/ME patients with multiple symptoms or pain symptoms who present for specialist treatment are much less likely to report favourable treatment outcomes than patients who present with few symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon M Collin
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK.
| | - Jon Heron
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Stephanie Nikolaus
- Academic Medical Centre, Department of Medical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Knoop
- Academic Medical Centre, Department of Medical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Crawley
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
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13
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Collin SM, Crawley E. Specialist treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome/ME: a cohort study among adult patients in England. BMC Health Serv Res 2017; 17:488. [PMID: 28709432 PMCID: PMC5513420 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-017-2437-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND NHS specialist chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME) services in England treat approximately 8000 adult patients each year. Variation in therapy programmes and treatment outcomes across services has not been described. METHODS We described treatments provided by 11 CFS/ME specialist services and we measured changes in patient-reported fatigue (Chalder, Checklist Individual Strength), function (SF-36 physical subscale, Work & Social Adjustment Scale), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scale), pain (visual analogue rating), sleep (Epworth, Jenkins), and overall health (Clinical Global Impression) 1 year after the start of treatment, plus questions about impact of CFS/ME on employment, education/training and domestic tasks/unpaid work. A subset of these outcome measures was collected from former patients 2-5 years after assessment at 7 of the 11 specialist services. RESULTS Baseline data at clinical assessment were available for 952 patients, of whom 440 (46.2%) provided 1-year follow-up data. Treatment data were available for 435/440 (98.9%) of these patients, of whom 175 (40.2%) had been discharged at time of follow-up. Therapy programmes varied substantially in mode of delivery (individual or group) and number of sessions. Overall change in health 1 year after first attending specialist services was 'very much' or 'much better' for 27.5% (115/418) of patients, 'a little better' for 36.6% (153/418), 'no change' for 15.8% (66/418), 'a little worse' for 12.2% (51/418), and 'worse' or 'very much worse' for 7.9% (33/418). Among former patients who provided 2- to 5-year follow-up (30.4% (385/1265)), these proportions were 30.4% (117/385), 27.5% (106/385), 11.4% (44/385), 13.5% (52/385), and 17.1% (66/385), respectively. 85.4% (327/383) of former patients responded "Yes" to "Do you think that you are still suffering from CFS/ME?" 8.9% (34/383) were "Uncertain", and 5.7% (22/383) responded "No". CONCLUSIONS This multi-centre NHS study has shown that, although one third of patients reported substantial overall improvement in their health, CFS/ME is a long term condition that persists for the majority of adult patients even after receiving specialist treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon M Collin
- School of Social & Community Medicine, Oakfield House, University of Bristol, Oakfield Grove, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK.
| | - Esther Crawley
- School of Social & Community Medicine, Oakfield House, University of Bristol, Oakfield Grove, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK
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14
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Loades ME, Chalder T. Same, Same But Different? Cognitive Behavioural Treatment Approaches for Paediatric CFS/ME and Depression. Behav Cogn Psychother 2017; 45:366-381. [PMID: 28274290 PMCID: PMC5831982 DOI: 10.1017/s1352465817000108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately one in three children and young people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME) also have probable depression. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) has a growing evidence base as an effective treatment approach for CFS/ME and for depression in this population. AIMS Given the high degree of co-morbidity, this discussion paper aims to compare and contrast CBT for CFS/ME and CBT for depression in children and young people. METHOD The existing literature on CBT for depression and CBT for CFS/ME, in relation to children and young people was reviewed. RESULTS Whilst there are commonalities to both treatments, the cognitive behavioural model of CFS/ME maintenance includes different factors and has a different emphasis to the cognitive behavioural model of depression, resulting in different intervention targets and strategies in a different sequence. CONCLUSIONS A collaborative, formulation-driven approach to intervention should inform the intervention targets and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Loades
- Department of Psychology,University of Bath,Bath BA2 7AY
| | - T Chalder
- Department of Psychological Medicine,Institute of Psychiatry,Psychology and Neuroscience,King's CollegeLondon
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15
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Worm-Smeitink M, Gielissen M, Bloot L, van Laarhoven HWM, van Engelen BGM, van Riel P, Bleijenberg G, Nikolaus S, Knoop H. The assessment of fatigue: Psychometric qualities and norms for the Checklist individual strength. J Psychosom Res 2017; 98:40-46. [PMID: 28554371 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2017.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Revised: 05/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Checklist Individual Strength (CIS) measures four dimensions of fatigue: Fatigue severity, concentration problems, reduced motivation and activity. On the fatigue severity subscale, a cut-off score of 35 is used. This study 1) investigated the psychometric qualities of the CIS; 2) validated the cut-off score for severe fatigue and 3) provided norms. METHODS Representatives of the Dutch general population (n=2288) completed the CIS. The factor structure was investigated using an exploratory factor analysis. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were determined. Concurrent validity was assessed in two additional samples by correlating the CIS with other fatigue scales (Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire, MOS Short form-36 Vitality subscale, EORTC QLQ-C30 fatigue subscale). To validate the fatigue severity cut-off score, a Receiver Operating Characteristics analysis was performed with patients referred to a chronic fatigue treatment centre (n=5243) and a healthy group (n=1906). Norm scores for CIS subscales were calculated for the general population, patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS; n=1407) and eight groups with other medical conditions (n=1411). RESULTS The original four-factor structure of the CIS was replicated. Internal consistency (α=0.84-0.95) and test-retest reliability (r=0.74-0.86) of the subscales were high. Correlations with other fatigue scales were moderate to high. The 35 points cut-off score for severe fatigue is appropriate, but, given the 17% false positive rate, should be adjusted to 40 for research in CFS. CONCLUSION The CIS is a valid and reliable tool for the assessment of fatigue, with a validated cut-off score for severe fatigue that can be used in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Worm-Smeitink
- Expert Centre for Chronic Fatigue, Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M Gielissen
- Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - L Bloot
- Department of Medical Psychology, Isala Klinieken, Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | - H W M van Laarhoven
- Department of Medical Oncology, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - B G M van Engelen
- Department of Neurology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - P van Riel
- IQ healthcare, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - S Nikolaus
- Expert Centre for Chronic Fatigue, Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - H Knoop
- Expert Centre for Chronic Fatigue, Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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16
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Sharpe M, Chalder T, Johnson AL, Goldsmith KA, White PD. Do more people recover from chronic fatigue syndrome with cognitive behaviour therapy or graded exercise therapy than with other treatments? FATIGUE: BIOMEDICINE, HEALTH & BEHAVIOR 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/21641846.2017.1288629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Sharpe
- Psychological Medicine Research, University of Oxford Department of Psychiatry, Oxford, UK
| | - T. Chalder
- Academic Department of Psychological Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - A. L. Johnson
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at University College, London, UK
| | - K. A. Goldsmith
- Biostatistics & Health Informatics Department, Division of Psychology and Systems Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - P. D. White
- Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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