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Badulescu S, Le GH, Wong S, Kwan ATH, Guo Z, Teopiz KM, Phan L, Subramaniapillai M, Rosenblat JD, Mansur RB, McIntyre RS. Impact of vortioxetine on psychosocial functioning moderated by symptoms of fatigue in post-COVID-19 condition: a secondary analysis. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:1335-1342. [PMID: 38321333 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07377-z] [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: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fatigue is a prominent symptom in post-COVID condition (PCC) sequelae, termed "long COVID." Herein, we aim to ascertain the effect of fatigue on psychosocial function in persons living with PCC. METHODS This post hoc analysis evaluated the effects of vortioxetine on measures of fatigue as assessed by the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) in psychosocial function as measured by the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) in persons with PCC. We also evaluated the change in FSS on psychosocial functioning as measured by the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS). This post hoc analysis obtained data from a recently published placebo-controlled study evaluating vortioxetine's effect on objective cognitive functions in persons living with PCC. RESULTS One hundred forty-four participants meeting World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for PCC were included in this analysis. At the end of 8 weeks of vortioxetine treatment, significant improvement of all domains was observed for psychosocial functioning. There was a significant between-group difference at treatment endpoint in the family, social, and work SDS subcategories (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant interaction effect between the treatment condition time point and FSS effect on the SDS social (χ2 = 10.640, p = 0.014) and work (χ2 = 9.342, p = 0.025) categories but a statistically insignificant effect on the family categories ((χ2 = 5.201, p = 0.158)). DISCUSSION This post hoc analysis suggests that vortioxetine treatment significantly improves psychosocial function in persons with PCC. Our results also indicate that the improvement in psychosocial function was significantly mediated by improvement in measures of fatigue. Our results provide empirical support for recommendations to identify therapeutics for fatigue in persons living with PCC with a broader aim to improve psychosocial function in this common and severely impaired population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Badulescu
- Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, 77 Bloor Street West, Suite 617, Toronto, ON, M5S 1M2, Canada
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gia Han Le
- Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, 77 Bloor Street West, Suite 617, Toronto, ON, M5S 1M2, Canada
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sabrina Wong
- Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, 77 Bloor Street West, Suite 617, Toronto, ON, M5S 1M2, Canada
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Angela T H Kwan
- Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, 77 Bloor Street West, Suite 617, Toronto, ON, M5S 1M2, Canada
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ziji Guo
- Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, 77 Bloor Street West, Suite 617, Toronto, ON, M5S 1M2, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kayla M Teopiz
- Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, 77 Bloor Street West, Suite 617, Toronto, ON, M5S 1M2, Canada
| | - Lee Phan
- Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, 77 Bloor Street West, Suite 617, Toronto, ON, M5S 1M2, Canada
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mehala Subramaniapillai
- Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, 77 Bloor Street West, Suite 617, Toronto, ON, M5S 1M2, Canada
| | - Joshua D Rosenblat
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rodrigo B Mansur
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Roger S McIntyre
- Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, 77 Bloor Street West, Suite 617, Toronto, ON, M5S 1M2, Canada.
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Lee Y, Lee Y, Yoo S, Shin S, Park H, Kim D. The Psychomotor Cognition Test for Measurement of Sleepiness/Fatigue on a Touch Screen . ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2023; 2023:1-4. [PMID: 38083744 DOI: 10.1109/embc40787.2023.10340988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT) is a simple and reliable performance test that measures sustained attention, alertness level, and fatigue level. The PVT is a convenient tool that can be used in real time in situ through a mobile device without the assistance of experts and therefore can be used to improve safety and prevent accidents. However, the original PVT is vulnerable to the subject's intentional concentration on the test, and the variance range among tests is narrow; these factors limit its usefulness in classifying the level of fatigue. This study overcome these limitations and develop the Psychomotor Cognition Test (PCT) by transforming the PVT into a tool that stably classifies fatigue levels, still requiring a short period of time. In the PCT, compared to the PVT, reaction time is significantly longer, and success rate is significantly lower (both p<0.0001). Whereas reaction time and success rate of the PVT do not show a significant correlation with fatigue level, those of the PCT show significant correlations with fatigue level, respectively (p<0.001). This study suggests that the PCT can be used in real time in situ as a risk management tool for workers performing dangerous tasks and can become an even more powerful tool when combined with other physiological indicators.
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Aoun Sebaiti M, Hainselin M, Gounden Y, Sirbu CA, Sekulic S, Lorusso L, Nacul L, Authier FJ. Systematic review and meta-analysis of cognitive impairment in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Sci Rep 2022; 12:2157. [PMID: 35140252 PMCID: PMC8828740 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04764-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is commonly associated with cognitive complaints. To bring out the neuropsychological symptomatology inherent to ME/CFS, we conducted a systematic review according to PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines of the literature through the analysis of 764 studies published between 1988 and 2019 by using PubMed Central website and Clarivate analytics platform. We performed a meta-analysis to delineate an idea of the neuropsychological profile inherent in ME/CFS. The clinical picture typically affects visuo-spatial immediate memory (g = - 0.55, p = 0.007), reading speed (g = - 0.82, p = 0.0001) and graphics gesture (g = - 0.59, p = 0.0001). Analysis also revealed difficulties in several processes inherent in episodic verbal memory (storage, retrieval, recognition) and visual memory (recovery) and a low efficiency in attentional abilities. Executive functions seemed to be little or not affected and instrumental functions appeared constantly preserved. With regard to the complexity and heterogeneity of the cognitive phenotype, it turns out that determining a sound clinical picture of ME/CFS cognitive profile must go through a neuropsychological examination allowing a complete evaluation integrating the notion of agreement between the choice and the number of tests and the complexity intrinsic to the pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Aoun Sebaiti
- Neurology Department, Henri Mondor University Hospital, APHP, Créteil, France
- INSERM U955-Team Relaix, Faculty of Health, Paris Est-Creteil University, Créteil, France
- CRP-CPO, UR UPJV 7273, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Mathieu Hainselin
- CRP-CPO, UR UPJV 7273, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Yannick Gounden
- CRP-CPO, UR UPJV 7273, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Carmen Adella Sirbu
- Central Military Emergency University Hospital, Titu Maiorescu University, Bucharest, Romania
- European Network On ME/CFS (EUROMENE), London, UK
| | - Slobodan Sekulic
- European Network On ME/CFS (EUROMENE), London, UK
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine Novi Sad, University of Novio Sad, Novio Sad, Serbia
| | - Lorenzo Lorusso
- European Network On ME/CFS (EUROMENE), London, UK
- Neurology and Stroke Unit, Neuroscience Dept - ASST- Lecco, Merate Hospital, Merate, LC, Italy
| | - Luis Nacul
- European Network On ME/CFS (EUROMENE), London, UK
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - François Jérôme Authier
- INSERM U955-Team Relaix, Faculty of Health, Paris Est-Creteil University, Créteil, France.
- European Network On ME/CFS (EUROMENE), London, UK.
- Neuromuscular Reference Center, Henri Mondor University Hospital, APHP, 51, Av. du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, 94000, Créteil, France.
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Asprusten TT, Sletner L, Wyller VBB. Are there subgroups of chronic fatigue syndrome? An exploratory cluster analysis of biological markers. J Transl Med 2021; 19:48. [PMID: 33516248 PMCID: PMC7847574 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-02713-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is defined according to subjective symptoms only, and several conflicting case definition exist. Previous research has discovered certain biological alterations. The aim of the present study was to explore possible subgroups based on biological markers within a widely defined cohort of adolescent CFS patients and investigate to what extent eventual subgroups are associated with other variables. METHODS The Norwegian Study of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Adolescents: Pathophysiology and Intervention Trial (NorCAPITAL) has previously performed detailed investigation of immunological, autonomic, neuroendocrine, cognitive and sensory processing functions in an adolescent group of CFS patients recruited according to wide diagnostic criteria. In the present study, hierarchical cluster analyses (Ward's method) were performed using representative variables from all these domains. Associations between clusters and constitutional factors (including candidate genetic markers), diagnostic criteria, subjective symptoms and prognosis were explored by standard statistical methods. RESULTS A total of 116 patients (26.7% males, mean age 15.4 years) were included. The final cluster analyses revealed six clusters labelled pain tolerant & good cognitions, restored HPA dynamics, orthostatic intolerance, low-grade inflammation, pain intolerant & poor cognitions, and high vagal (parasympathetic) activity, respectively. There was substantial overlap between clusters. The pain intolerant & poor cognitions-cluster was associated with low functional abilities and quality of life, and adherence to the Canada 2003 diagnostic criteria for CFS. No other statistically significant cluster associations were discovered. CONCLUSION Within a widely defined cohort of adolescent CFS patients, clusters could be delineated, but no distinct subgroups could be identified. Associations between clusters and constitutional factors, subjective symptoms and prognosis were scarce. These results question the clinical usefulness of searching for CFS subgroups, as well as the validity of the most "narrow" CFS diagnostic criteria. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical Trials NCT01040429.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarjei Tørre Asprusten
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Health, Akershus University Hospital, 1478 Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Line Sletner
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Health, Akershus University Hospital, 1478 Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Vegard Bruun Bratholm Wyller
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Health, Akershus University Hospital, 1478 Lørenskog, Norway
- Division of Medicine and Laboratory Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Thomas J, Overeem S, Dresler M, Kessels RPC, Claassen JAHR. Shift-work-related sleep disruption and the risk of decline in cognitive function: The CRUISE Study. J Sleep Res 2020; 30:e13068. [PMID: 32510758 PMCID: PMC8047903 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Acute total sleep deprivation and partial sleep deprivation have negative impacts on cognitive performance. Studies in subjects who regularly experience sleep loss, however, are rare and often restricted to examination of internal sleeping disorders. To address this issue, we set up a pilot study to explore the effects of a week characterized by sleep disruption on cognitive functioning, using a case–control setting in a maritime pilot group with chronic exposure to intermittent extrinsic, work‐related sleep disruption. Twenty maritime pilots (aged 30–50 years) were compared to sex‐ and education‐matched controls with normal sleep behaviour, from the same age range. We assessed subjective and objective cognitive function, including attention, psychomotor speed, memory and executive function using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). Although we were able to confirm poorer sleep in maritime pilots and subjective complaints in some cognitive domains, we did not find objective cognitive deficits in the maritime pilot group compared to controls without sleep disruption. This could suggest that in this group of healthy, young maritime pilots, exposure to sleep disruption resulted in some subjective cognitive complaints, but objective deficits of cognitive function were not detected in comparison with a non‐pilot control group. However, given the small sample size, the absence of an effect does not exclude the possibility that sleep disruption could result in cognitive deficits in general. Therefore, our findings have to be confirmed in future prospective studies with a larger sample size and matched controls, regarding age, education and work history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Thomas
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Radboud Alzheimer Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastiaan Overeem
- Sleep Medicine Centre Kempenhaeghe, Heeze, The Netherlands.,Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Dresler
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Roy P C Kessels
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Radboud Alzheimer Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Psychology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Vincent van Gogh Institute for Psychiatry, Venray, The Netherlands
| | - Jurgen A H R Claassen
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Radboud Alzheimer Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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6
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Zinn MA, Zinn ML, Valencia I, Jason LA, Montoya JG. Cortical hypoactivation during resting EEG suggests central nervous system pathology in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Biol Psychol 2018; 136:87-99. [PMID: 29802861 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2018.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
We investigated central fatigue in 50 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and 50 matched healthy controls (HC). Resting state EEG was collected from 19 scalp locations during a 3 min, eyes-closed condition. Current densities were localized using exact low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (eLORETA). The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20) and the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) were administered to all participants. Independent t-tests and linear regression analyses were used to evaluate group differences in current densities, followed by statistical non-parametric mapping (SnPM) correction procedures. Significant differences were found in the delta (1-3 Hz) and beta-2 (19-21 Hz) frequency bands. Delta sources were found predominately in the frontal lobe, while beta-2 sources were found in the medial and superior parietal lobe. Left-lateralized, frontal delta sources were associated with a clinical reduction in motivation. The implications of abnormal cortical sources in patients with CFS are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Zinn
- Department of Psychology, Center for Community Research, DePaul University, 990 West Fullerton Ave., Suite 3100, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
| | - M L Zinn
- Department of Psychology, Center for Community Research, DePaul University, 990 West Fullerton Ave., Suite 3100, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
| | - I Valencia
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - L A Jason
- Department of Psychology, Center for Community Research, DePaul University, 990 West Fullerton Ave., Suite 3100, Chicago, IL 60614, USA.
| | - J G Montoya
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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Interferon-free therapy in hepatitis C virus (HCV) monoinfected and HCV/HIV coinfected patients: effect on cognitive function, fatigue, and mental health. J Neurovirol 2018; 24:557-569. [PMID: 29785584 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-018-0647-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The efficacy and safety of interferon-free therapies for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have been reported. Considering the accumulating evidence for a direct central nervous system infection by HCV, we aim to evaluate the effect of direct acting antivirals (DAA) therapy on cognitive function in HCV patients. We conducted a longitudinal analysis of the cognitive performance of 22 patients (8 HCV+, 14 HCV+/HIV+) who completed neuropsychological testing at baseline and at week 12 after DAA therapy. In 20 patients, we analyzed specific attention parameters derived from an experimental testing based on the Theory of Visual Attention (TVA). Depression, fatigue, and mental health were assessed as patient reported outcomes. At baseline, 54.5% of the patients met the criteria for cognitive impairment and 40% showed impairment in TVA parameters. Follow-up analysis revealed significant improvements in the domains of visual memory/learning, executive functions, verbal fluency, processing speed, and motor skills but not in verbal learning and attention/working memory. We did not observe significant improvement in visual attention measured by TVA. Fatigue and mental health significantly improved at follow-up. Our findings indicate that successful DAA treatment leads to cognitive improvements in several domains measured by standard neuropsychological testing. The absence of improvement in TVA parameters and of significant improvement in the domain of attention/working memory might reflect the persistence of specific cognitive deficits after HCV eradication. In summary, DAA treatment seems to have a positive effect on some cognitive domains and leads to an improvement in mental health and fatigue in HCV-infected patients.
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Intrinsic Functional Hypoconnectivity in Core Neurocognitive Networks Suggests Central Nervous System Pathology in Patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: A Pilot Study. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2018; 41:283-300. [PMID: 26869373 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-016-9331-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Exact low resolution electromagnetic tomography (eLORETA) was recorded from nineteen EEG channels in nine patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and 9 healthy controls to assess current source density and functional connectivity, a physiological measure of similarity between pairs of distributed regions of interest, between groups. Current source density and functional connectivity were measured using eLORETA software. We found significantly decreased eLORETA source analysis oscillations in the occipital, parietal, posterior cingulate, and posterior temporal lobes in Alpha and Alpha-2. For connectivity analysis, we assessed functional connectivity within Menon triple network model of neuropathology. We found support for all three networks of the triple network model, namely the central executive network (CEN), salience network (SN), and the default mode network (DMN) indicating hypo-connectivity in the Delta, Alpha, and Alpha-2 frequency bands in patients with ME compared to controls. In addition to the current source density resting state dysfunction in the occipital, parietal, posterior temporal and posterior cingulate, the disrupted connectivity of the CEN, SN, and DMN appears to be involved in cognitive impairment for patients with ME. This research suggests that disruptions in these regions and networks could be a neurobiological feature of the disorder, representing underlying neural dysfunction.
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Wallis A, Ball M, Butt H, Lewis DP, McKechnie S, Paull P, Jaa-Kwee A, Bruck D. Open-label pilot for treatment targeting gut dysbiosis in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: neuropsychological symptoms and sex comparisons. J Transl Med 2018; 16:24. [PMID: 29409505 PMCID: PMC5801817 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-018-1392-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preliminary evidence suggests that the enteric microbiota may play a role in the expression of neurological symptoms in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Overlapping symptoms with the acute presentation of D-lactic acidosis has prompted the use of antibiotic treatment to target the overgrowth of species within the Streptococcus genus found in commensal enteric microbiota as a possible treatment for neurological symptoms in ME/CFS. METHODS An open-label, repeated measures design was used to examine treatment efficacy and enable sex comparisons. Participants included 44 adult ME/CFS patients (27 females) from one specialist medical clinic with Streptococcus viable counts above 3.00 × 105 cfu/g (wet weight of faeces) and with a count greater than 5% of the total count of aerobic microorganisms. The 4-week treatment protocol included alternate weeks of Erythromycin (400 mg of erythromycin as ethyl succinate salt) twice daily and probiotic (D-lactate free multistrain probiotic, 5 × 1010 cfu twice daily). 2 × 2 repeated measures ANOVAs were used to assess sex-time interactions and effects across pre- and post-intervention for microbial, lactate and clinical outcomes. Ancillary non-parametric correlations were conducted to examine interactions between change in microbiota and clinical outcomes. RESULTS Large treatment effects were observed for the intention-to-treat sample with a reduction in Streptococcus viable count and improvement on several clinical outcomes including total symptoms, some sleep (less awakenings, greater efficiency and quality) and cognitive symptoms (attention, processing speed, cognitive flexibility, story memory and verbal fluency). Mood, fatigue and urine D:L lactate ratio remained similar across time. Ancillary results infer that shifts in microbiota were associated with more of the variance in clinical changes for males compared with females. CONCLUSIONS Results support the notion that specific microorganisms interact with some ME/CFS symptoms and offer promise for the therapeutic potential of targeting gut dysbiosis in this population. Streptococcus spp. are not the primary or sole producers of D-lactate. Further investigation of lactate concentrations are needed to elucidate any role of D-lactate in this population. Concurrent microbial shifts that may be associated with clinical improvement (i.e., increased Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium or decreased Clostridium in males) invite enquiry into alternative strategies for individualised treatment. Trial Registration Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12614001077651) 9th October 2014. https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=366933&isReview=true.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Wallis
- Psychology Department, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michelle Ball
- Psychology Department, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Henry Butt
- Bioscreen (Aust) Pty Ltd., Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Sandra McKechnie
- College of Engineering and Science, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Amber Jaa-Kwee
- College of Engineering and Science, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Dorothy Bruck
- Psychology Department, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
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McBride RL, Horsfield S, Sandler CX, Cassar J, Casson S, Cvejic E, Vollmer-Conna U, Lloyd AR. Cognitive remediation training improves performance in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Psychiatry Res 2017; 257:400-405. [PMID: 28830024 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Neurocognitive disturbance with subjectively-impaired concentration and memory is a common, disabling symptom reported by patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). We recently reported preliminary evidence for benefits of cognitive remediation as part of an integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)/ graded exercise therapy (GET) program. Here, we describe a contemporaneous, case-control trial evaluating the effectiveness of an online cognitive remediation training program (cognitive exercise therapy; CET) in addition to CBT/GET (n=36), compared to CBT/GET alone (n=36). The study was conducted in an academic, tertiary referral outpatient setting over 12 weeks (11 visits) with structured, home-based activities between visits. Participants self-reported standardized measures of symptom severity and functional status before and after the intervention. Those in the CET arm also completed standardized neurocognitive assessment before, and following, treatment. The addition of formal CET led to significantly greater improvements in self-reported neurocognitive symptoms compared to CBT/GET alone. Subjective improvement was predicted by CET group and lower baseline mood disturbance. In the CET group, significant improvements in objectively-measured executive function, processing speed, and working memory were observed. These subjective and objective performance improvements suggest that a computerized, home-based cognitive training program may be an effective intervention for patients with CFS, warranting randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L McBride
- UNSW Fatigue Clinic, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Sarah Horsfield
- UNSW Fatigue Clinic, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Carolina X Sandler
- UNSW Fatigue Clinic, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Joanne Cassar
- UNSW Fatigue Clinic, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Sally Casson
- UNSW Fatigue Clinic, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Erin Cvejic
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; University of Sydney, School of Public Health, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Uté Vollmer-Conna
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Andrew R Lloyd
- UNSW Fatigue Clinic, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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11
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Andryszak P, Wiłkość M, Żurawski B, Izdebski P. Verbal memory in breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2017; 27. [PMID: 28850754 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Memory is one of the crucial human cognitive functions, and deficits in memory processes may lead to difficulties in everyday functioning. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of anthracycline-based adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) used in breast cancer treatment on verbal memory and learning. We also evaluated the relationship between verbal memory and psychological, somatic and socio-demographic factors. The study was carried out on a group of 31 women with early breast cancer treated with adjuvant chemotherapy and 30 healthy controls. The patients underwent neuropsychological assessment using the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test at three time points: before chemotherapy, mid-chemotherapy and post-chemotherapy. The examination in the controls was conducted at the same time intervals. We found an association between AC-schema chemotherapy and deficits in delayed memory. A deterioration in performance after treatment was observed in 19% of patients. The results showed no deterioration of immediate memory or the verbal learning process. Moreover, a positive relationship was shown between the level of education, physical fitness and the functioning of verbal memory. The results of the study also indicate that age and hormonal status are factors that may increase the possibility of deficits in verbal memory after AC-schema chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Andryszak
- Institute of Psychology, Kazimierz Wielki University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - M Wiłkość
- Institute of Psychology, Kazimierz Wielki University, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Department of Psychiatry, Collegium Medicum w Bydgoszczy, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - B Żurawski
- The Franciszek Lukaszczyk Oncology Center in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - P Izdebski
- Institute of Psychology, Kazimierz Wielki University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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12
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Rasouli O, Fors EA, Borchgrevink PC, Öhberg F, Stensdotter AK. Gross and fine motor function in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. J Pain Res 2017; 10:303-309. [PMID: 28223840 PMCID: PMC5304994 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s127038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This paper aimed to investigate motor proficiency in fine and gross motor function, with a focus on reaction time (RT) and movement skill, in patients with fibromyalgia (FM) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) compared to healthy controls (HC). Methods A total of 60 individuals (20 CFS, 20 FM, and 20 HC), age 19–49 years, participated in this study. Gross motor function in the lower extremity was assessed using a RT task during gait initiation in response to an auditory trigger. Fine motor function in the upper extremity was measured during a precision task (the Purdue Pegboard test) where the number of pins inserted within 30 s was counted. Results No significant differences were found between FM and CFS in any parameters. FM and CFS groups had significantly longer RT than HC in the gait initiation (p=0.001, and p=0.004 respectively). In the Purdue Pegboard test, 20% in the FM group, 15% in the CFS groups, and 0% of HC group, scored below the threshold of the accepted performance. However, there were no significant differences between FM, CFS, and HC in this task (p=0.12). Conclusion Compared to controls, both CFS and FM groups displayed significantly longer RT in the gait initiation task. Generally, FM patients showed the worst results in both tests, although no group differences were found in fine motor control, according to the Purdue Pegboard test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omid Rasouli
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Egil A Fors
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, General Practice Research Unit, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Petter Chr Borchgrevink
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Pain and Palliation Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; National Competence Centre for Complex Symptom Disorders, St. Olav's University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Fredrik Öhberg
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ann-Katrin Stensdotter
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Sofer S, Schweiger A, Blumkin L, Yahalom G, Anikster Y, Lev D, Ben-Zeev B, Lerman-Sagie T, Hassin-Baer S. The neuropsychological profile of patients with 3-methylglutaconic aciduria type III, Costeff syndrome. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2015; 168B:197-203. [PMID: 25657044 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Costeff syndrome is a rare genetic neuro-ophthalmological syndrome consisting of early-onset bilateral optic atrophy along with a progressive complex motor disorder with elevated levels of urinary 3-methylglutaconic acid and 3-methylglutaric acid. While borderline to mild cognitive deficits have been considered to be common in patients with this syndrome, a comprehensive cognitive assessment has never been performed. The aim of the current study was to explore the cognitive profile associated with Costeff syndrome. Sixteen adult patients diagnosed with Costeff syndrome were administered a neuropsychological test battery that was composed of standardized verbal tests adapted for the blind. General intelligence ranged from average to borderline, with a group mean consistent with intact general cognitive functioning (VIQmean = 85, z = -1) in the low-average range of the general population. The auditory immediate and delayed memory indexes were in the average range and were significantly higher than the general cognitive functioning, whereas the working memory index was significantly lower than the general cognitive functioning. Adult patients with Costeff syndrome have intact global cognition and learning abilities and strong auditory memory performance. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sofer
- The Academic College of Tel-Aviv-Yafo, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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14
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Jason LA, Zinn ML, Zinn MA. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: Symptoms and Biomarkers. Curr Neuropharmacol 2015; 13:701-34. [PMID: 26411464 PMCID: PMC4761639 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x13666150928105725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) continues to cause significant morbidity worldwide with an estimated one million cases in the United States. Hurdles to establishing consensus to achieve accurate evaluation of patients with ME continue, fueled by poor agreement about case definitions, slow progress in development of standardized diagnostic approaches, and issues surrounding research priorities. Because there are other medical problems, such as early MS and Parkinson's Disease, which have some similar clinical presentations, it is critical to accurately diagnose ME to make a differential diagnosis. In this article, we explore and summarize advances in the physiological and neurological approaches to understanding, diagnosing, and treating ME. We identify key areas and approaches to elucidate the core and secondary symptom clusters in ME so as to provide some practical suggestions in evaluation of ME for clinicians and researchers. This review, therefore, represents a synthesis of key discussions in the literature, and has important implications for a better understanding of ME, its biological markers, and diagnostic criteria. There is a clear need for more longitudinal studies in this area with larger data sets, which correct for multiple testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard A. Jason
- Department of Psychology, Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, United States
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15
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Zeller B, Ruud E, Havard Loge J, Kanellopoulos A, Hamre H, Godang K, Bruun Wyller V. Chronic Fatigue in Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer: Associated Symptoms, Neuroendocrine Markers, and Autonomic Cardiovascular Responses. PSYCHOSOMATICS 2014; 55:621-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.psym.2013.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Revised: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 12/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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16
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Ickmans K, Clarys P, Nijs J, Meeus M, Aerenhouts D, Zinzen E, Aelbrecht S, Meersdom G, Lambrecht L, Pattyn N. Association between cognitive performance, physical fitness, and physical activity level in women with chronic fatigue syndrome. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 50:795-810. [PMID: 24203542 DOI: 10.1682/jrrd.2012.08.0156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Limited scientific evidence suggests that physical activity is directly related to cognitive performance in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). To date, no other study has examined the direct relationship between cognitive performance and physical fitness in these patients. This study examined whether cognitive performance and physical fitness are associated in female patients with CFS and investigated the association between cognitive performance and physical activity level (PAL) in the same study sample. We hypothesized that patients who performed better on cognitive tasks would show increased PALs and better performance on physical tests. The study included 31 women with CFS and 13 healthy inactive women. Participants first completed three cognitive tests. Afterward, they undertook a test to determine their maximal handgrip strength, performed a bicycle ergometer test, and were provided with an activity monitor. In patients with CFS, lower peak oxygen uptake and peak heart rate were associated with slower psychomotor speed (p < 0.05). Maximal handgrip strength was correlated with working memory performance (p < 0.05). Both choice and simple reaction time were lower in patients with CFS relative to healthy controls (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). In conclusion, physical fitness, but not PAL, is associated with cognitive performance in female patients with CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Ickmans
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PIM), Department of Human Physiology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Filippini N, Zsoldos E, Haapakoski R, Sexton CE, Mahmood A, Allan CL, Topiwala A, Valkanova V, Brunner EJ, Shipley MJ, Auerbach E, Moeller S, Uğurbil K, Xu J, Yacoub E, Andersson J, Bijsterbosch J, Clare S, Griffanti L, Hess AT, Jenkinson M, Miller KL, Salimi-Khorshidi G, Sotiropoulos SN, Voets NL, Smith SM, Geddes JR, Singh-Manoux A, Mackay CE, Kivimäki M, Ebmeier KP. Study protocol: The Whitehall II imaging sub-study. BMC Psychiatry 2014; 14:159. [PMID: 24885374 PMCID: PMC4048583 DOI: 10.1186/1471-244x-14-159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Whitehall II (WHII) study of British civil servants provides a unique source of longitudinal data to investigate key factors hypothesized to affect brain health and cognitive ageing. This paper introduces the multi-modal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol and cognitive assessment designed to investigate brain health in a random sample of 800 members of the WHII study. METHODS/DESIGN A total of 6035 civil servants participated in the WHII Phase 11 clinical examination in 2012-2013. A random sample of these participants was included in a sub-study comprising an MRI brain scan, a detailed clinical and cognitive assessment, and collection of blood and buccal mucosal samples for the characterisation of immune function and associated measures. Data collection for this sub-study started in 2012 and will be completed by 2016. The participants, for whom social and health records have been collected since 1985, were between 60-85 years of age at the time the MRI study started. Here, we describe the pre-specified clinical and cognitive assessment protocols, the state-of-the-art MRI sequences and latest pipelines for analyses of this sub-study. DISCUSSION The integration of cutting-edge MRI techniques, clinical and cognitive tests in combination with retrospective data on social, behavioural and biological variables during the preceding 25 years from a well-established longitudinal epidemiological study (WHII cohort) will provide a unique opportunity to examine brain structure and function in relation to age-related diseases and the modifiable and non-modifiable factors affecting resilience against and vulnerability to adverse brain changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Filippini
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Enikő Zsoldos
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
| | - Rita Haapakoski
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
| | - Claire E Sexton
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
| | - Abda Mahmood
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
| | - Charlotte L Allan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
| | - Anya Topiwala
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
| | - Vyara Valkanova
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
| | - Eric J Brunner
- Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Martin J Shipley
- Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Edward Auerbach
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Steen Moeller
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Kâmil Uğurbil
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Junqian Xu
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Essa Yacoub
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jesper Andersson
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Janine Bijsterbosch
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Stuart Clare
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ludovica Griffanti
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Aaron T Hess
- Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mark Jenkinson
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Karla L Miller
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Natalie L Voets
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Stephen M Smith
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - John R Geddes
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
| | - Archana Singh-Manoux
- Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, University College London, London, UK
- Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Population Health, Hôpital Paul Brousse, INSERM, U1018, 94807 Villejuif, Cedex, France
| | - Clare E Mackay
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
| | - Mika Kivimäki
- Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Klaus P Ebmeier
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK
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Miller AH, Jones JF, Drake DF, Tian H, Unger ER, Pagnoni G. Decreased basal ganglia activation in subjects with chronic fatigue syndrome: association with symptoms of fatigue. PLoS One 2014; 9:e98156. [PMID: 24858857 PMCID: PMC4032274 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Reduced basal ganglia function has been associated with fatigue in neurologic disorders, as well as in patients exposed to chronic immune stimulation. Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) have been shown to exhibit symptoms suggestive of decreased basal ganglia function including psychomotor slowing, which in turn was correlated with fatigue. In addition, CFS patients have been found to exhibit increased markers of immune activation. In order to directly test the hypothesis of decreased basal ganglia function in CFS, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine neural activation in the basal ganglia to a reward-processing (monetary gambling) task in a community sample of 59 male and female subjects, including 18 patients diagnosed with CFS according to 1994 CDC criteria and 41 non-fatigued healthy controls. For each subject, the average effect of winning vs. losing during the gambling task in regions of interest (ROI) corresponding to the caudate nucleus, putamen, and globus pallidus was extracted for group comparisons and correlational analyses. Compared to non-fatigued controls, patients with CFS exhibited significantly decreased activation in the right caudate (p = 0.01) and right globus pallidus (p = 0.02). Decreased activation in the right globus pallidus was significantly correlated with increased mental fatigue (r2 = 0.49, p = 0.001), general fatigue (r2 = 0.34, p = 0.01) and reduced activity (r2 = 0.29, p = 0.02) as measured by the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory. No such relationships were found in control subjects. These data suggest that symptoms of fatigue in CFS subjects were associated with reduced responsivity of the basal ganglia, possibly involving the disruption of projections from the globus pallidus to thalamic and cortical networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H. Miller
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - James F. Jones
- Chronic Viral Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Daniel F. Drake
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Hao Tian
- Chronic Viral Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth R. Unger
- Chronic Viral Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Giuseppe Pagnoni
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical, Metabolic Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Modena E Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Can recovery of peripheral muscle function predict cognitive task performance in chronic fatigue syndrome with and without fibromyalgia? Phys Ther 2014; 94:511-22. [PMID: 24363336 DOI: 10.2522/ptj.20130367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both good physical and cognitive functioning have a positive influence on the execution of activities of daily living. Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) as well as patients with fibromyalgia have marked cognitive deficits. Furthermore, a good physical and functional health status may have a positive impact on a variety of cognitive skills-a link that has been observed in young and old individuals who are healthy, although evidence is limited in patients with CFS. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to examine whether recovery of upper limb muscle function could be a significant predictor of cognitive performance in patients with CFS and in patients with CFS and comorbid fibromyalgia. Furthermore, this study determined whether cognitive performance is different between these patient groups. DESIGN A case-control design was used. METHODS Seventy-eight participants were included in the study: 18 patients with CFS only (CFS group), 30 patients with CFS and comorbid fibromyalgia (CFS+FM group), and 30 individuals who were healthy and inactive (control group) were studied. Participants first completed 3 performance-based cognitive tests designed to assess selective and sustained attention, cognitive inhibition, and working memory capacity. Seven days later, they performed a fatiguing upper limb exercise test, with subsequent recovery measures. RESULTS Recovery of upper limb muscle function was found to be a significant predictor of cognitive performance in patients with CFS. Participants in the CFS+FM group but not those in the CFS group showed significantly decreased cognitive performance compared with the control group. LIMITATIONS The cross-sectional nature of this study does not allow for inferences of causation. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that better physical health status could predict better mental health in patients with CFS. Furthermore, they underline disease heterogeneity, suggesting that reducing this factor in future research is important to better understand and uncover mechanisms regarding the nature of diverse impairments in these patients.
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Abstract
PURPOSE To experimentally assess visual attention difficulties commonly reported by those with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). METHODS Twenty-nine ME/CFS patients and 29 controls took part in the study. Performance was assessed using the Useful Field of View (UFOV), a spatial cueing task and visual search. RESULTS Patients and controls performed similarly on the processing speed subtest of the UFOV. However, patients exhibited marginally worse performance compared with controls on the divided attention subtest and significantly worse performance on the selective attention subtest. In the spatial cueing task, they were slower than controls to respond to the presence of the target, particularly when cues were invalid. They were also impaired, relative to controls, on visual search tasks. CONCLUSIONS We have provided experimental evidence for ME/CFS-related difficulties in directing visual attention. These findings support the subjective reports of those with ME/CFS and could represent a potential means to improve diagnosis.
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Attree EA, Arroll MA, Dancey CP, Griffith C, Bansal AS. Psychosocial factors involved in memory and cognitive failures in people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2014; 7:67-76. [PMID: 24596470 PMCID: PMC3940708 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s50645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is characterized by persistent emotional, mental, and physical fatigue accompanied by a range of neurological, autonomic, neuroendocrine, immune, and sleep problems. Research has shown that psychosocial factors such as anxiety and depression as well as the symptoms of the illness, have a significant impact on the quality of life of people with ME/CFS. In addition, individuals may suffer from deficits in memory and concentration. This study set out to explore the relationships between variables which have been found to contribute to cognitive performance, as measured by prospective and retrospective memory, and cognitive failures. METHODS Eighty-seven people with ME/CFS answered questionnaires measuring fatigue, depression, anxiety, social support, and general self-efficacy. These were used in a correlational design (multiple regression) to predict cognitive function (self-ratings on prospective and retrospective memory), and cognitive failures. RESULTS Our study found that fatigue, depression, and general self-efficacy were directly associated with cognitive failures and retrospective (but not prospective) memory. CONCLUSION Although it was not possible in this study to determine the cause of the deficits, the literature in this area leads us to suggest that although the pathophysiological mechanisms of ME/CFS are unclear, abnormalities in the immune system, including proinflammatory cytokines, can lead to significant impairments in cognition. We suggest that fatigue and depression may be a result of the neurobiological effects of ME/CFS and in addition, that the neurobiological effects of the illness may give rise to both fatigue and cognitive deficits independently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Attree
- Chronic Illness Research Team, School of Psychology, University of East London, London, UK
| | - Megan A Arroll
- Chronic Illness Research Team, School of Psychology, University of East London, London, UK
| | - Christine P Dancey
- Chronic Illness Research Team, School of Psychology, University of East London, London, UK
| | - Charlene Griffith
- Chronic Illness Research Team, School of Psychology, University of East London, London, UK
| | - Amolak S Bansal
- Chronic Illness Research Team, School of Psychology, University of East London, London, UK ; Department of Immunology and the Sutton CFS Service, St Helier Hospital, Carshalton, UK
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Goedendorp MM, van der Werf SP, Bleijenberg G, Tummers M, Knoop H. Does neuropsychological test performance predict outcome of cognitive behavior therapy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and what is the role of underperformance? J Psychosom Res 2013; 75:242-8. [PMID: 23972413 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2013.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2013] [Revised: 07/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/17/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A subgroup of patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) has cognitive impairments, reflected by deviant neuropsychological test performance. However, abnormal test scores can also be caused by suboptimal effort. We hypothesized that worse neuropsychological test performance and underperformance were related to each other and to a smaller reduction in fatigue, functional impairments, physical limitations and higher dropout rates following cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for CFS. METHODS Data were drawn from a previous trial, in which CFS patients were randomized to two conditions; 1) guided self-instruction and additional CBT (n=84) or 2) waiting period followed by regular CBT for CFS (n=85). Underperformance was assessed using the Amsterdam Short Term Memory Test (<84). To test neuropsychological test performance, the Symbol Digit Modalities Task, a simple reaction time task and a choice reaction time task were used. Interaction effects were determined between underperformance and neuropsychological test performance on therapy outcomes. RESULTS Underperformance was associated to worse neuropsychological test performance, but there were no significant interaction effects of these two factors by therapy on fatigue severity, functional impairments and physical limitations, but there was a significant main effect of underperformance on functional impairments, physical limitations and dropout rates. CONCLUSION Underperformance or neuropsychological test performance was not related to the change in fatigue, functional impairments, and physical limitations following CBT for CFS. However, underperforming patients did drop out more often. Therapists should pay attention to beliefs and behavioral or environmental factors that might maintain underperformance and increase the risk of dropout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine M Goedendorp
- Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Santamarina-Perez P, Eiroa-Orosa FJ, Rodriguez-Urrutia A, Qureshi A, Alegre J. Neuropsychological Impairment in Female Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Preliminary Study. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY-ADULT 2013; 21:120-7. [DOI: 10.1080/09084282.2013.771264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Santamarina-Perez
- a Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology , Institut Clínic de Neurociències, Hospital Clínic Universitari , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Francisco Jose Eiroa-Orosa
- b Department of Psychiatry , University Hospital Vall d'Hebron, CIBERSAM, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain
- c Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine , Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain
- e Section of Clinical & Health Psychology, School of Health in Social Sciences , The University of Edinburgh , Edinburgh , United Kingdom
| | - Amanda Rodriguez-Urrutia
- b Department of Psychiatry , University Hospital Vall d'Hebron, CIBERSAM, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Adil Qureshi
- b Department of Psychiatry , University Hospital Vall d'Hebron, CIBERSAM, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Jose Alegre
- d Chronic Fatigue Unit, Department of Internal Medicine , University Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain
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Characterising eye movement dysfunction in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2013; 251:2769-76. [PMID: 23918092 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-013-2431-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Revised: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who suffer from myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) often report that their eye movements are sluggish and that they have difficulties tracking moving objects. However, descriptions of these visual problems are based solely on patients' self-reports of their subjective visual experiences, and there is a distinct lack of empirical evidence to objectively verify their claims. This paper presents the first experimental research to objectively examine eye movements in those suffering from ME/CFS. METHODS Patients were assessed for ME/CFS symptoms and were compared to age, gender, and education matched controls for their ability to generate saccades and smooth pursuit eye movements. RESULTS Patients and controls exhibited similar error rates and saccade latencies (response times) on prosaccade and antisaccade tasks. Patients showed relatively intact ability to accurately fixate the target (prosaccades), but were impaired when required to focus accurately in a specific position opposite the target (antisaccades). Patients were most markedly impaired when required to direct their gaze as closely as possible to a smoothly moving target (smooth pursuit). CONCLUSIONS It is hypothesised that the effects of ME/CFS can be overcome briefly for completion of saccades, but that continuous pursuit activity (accurately tracking a moving object), even for a short time period, highlights dysfunctional eye movement behaviour in ME/CFS patients. Future smooth pursuit research may elucidate and improve diagnosis of ME/CFS.
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The neuropsychiatric and neuropsychological features of chronic fatigue syndrome: revisiting the enigma. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2013; 15:353. [PMID: 23440559 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-013-0353-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive and updated review of the key neuropsychiatric and neuropsychological complaints associated with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Neuropsychiatric and neuropsychological difficulties are common in CFS and are linked primarily to disorders of mood, affect and behaviour. The neuropsychiatric complaint most frequently encountered amongst CFS patients is depression and in particular major depressive disorder (MDD). Despite decades of research, the precise aetiological relationship between CFS and MDD remains poorly understood. This has resulted in the development of a number of interesting and polarised hypotheses regarding the aetiological nature of CFS. Recent scientific advances have however begun to unravel a number of interesting inflammatory and immunological explanations that suggest CFS and MDD are distinct yet interrelated conditions. The possibility that the overlap between CFS and MDD might be explained in terms of shared oxidative and nitrosative (IO&NS) pathways is an area of intense research interest and is reviewed in detail in this article. The overlap between CFS and MDD is further differentiated by variations in HPA axis activity between the two disorders. Important immunological differences between MDD and CFS are also reviewed with particular emphasis on antiviral RNase L pathways in CFS. In addition to the presence of neuropsychiatric complaints, CFS is also associated with neuropsychological symptoms such as impaired attention, memory and reaction time. The key neuropsychological problems reported by CFS patients are also included in the review in an effort to understand the significance of cognitive impairment in CFS.
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Brinkman TM, Zhang N, Ullrich NJ, Brouwers P, Green DM, Srivastava DK, Zeltzer LK, Stovall M, Robison LL, Krull KR. Psychoactive medication use and neurocognitive function in adult survivors of childhood cancer: a report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor study. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60:486-93. [PMID: 22848025 PMCID: PMC3494805 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.24255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2012] [Accepted: 06/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adult survivors of childhood cancer are at risk for long-term morbidities, which may be managed pharmacologically. Psychoactive medication treatment has been associated with adverse effects on specific neurocognitive processes in non-cancer populations, yet these associations have not been examined in adult survivors of childhood cancer. PROCEDURE Outcomes were evaluated in 7,080 adult survivors from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) using a validated self-report Neurocognitive Questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for neurocognitive impairment using demographic and treatment factors and survivors' report of prescription medication use. RESULTS Controlling for cranial radiation, pain, psychological distress, and stroke/seizure, use of antidepressant medications was associated with impaired task efficiency (OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.47-2.21), organization (OR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.48-2.25), memory (OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.27-1.84), and emotional regulation (OR = 2.06, 95% CI = 1.70-2.51). Neuroleptics and stimulants were associated with impaired task efficiency (OR = 2.46, 95% CI = 1.29-4.69; OR = 2.82, 95% CI = 1.61-4.93, respectively) and memory (OR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.13-3.82; OR = 2.69, 95% CI = 1.59-4.54, respectively). Anticonvulsants were associated with impaired task efficiency, memory, and emotional regulation, although survivors who use these medications may be at risk for neurocognitive impairment on the basis of seizure disorder and/or underlying tumor location (CNS). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that specific psychoactive medications and/or mental health conditions may be associated with neurocognitive function in adult survivors of childhood cancer. The extent to which these associations are causal or indicative of underlying neurological impairment for which the medications are prescribed remains to be ascertained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara M. Brinkman
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
| | | | - Pim Brouwers
- Division of AIDS Research, National Institute of Mental Health
| | - Daniel M. Green
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
| | | | | | - Marilyn Stovall
- Department of Radiation Physics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
| | - Leslie L. Robison
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
| | - Kevin R. Krull
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
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Smith AK, Fang H, Whistler T, Unger ER, Rajeevan MS. Convergent genomic studies identify association of GRIK2 and NPAS2 with chronic fatigue syndrome. Neuropsychobiology 2011; 64:183-94. [PMID: 21912186 PMCID: PMC3701888 DOI: 10.1159/000326692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2010] [Accepted: 02/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is no consistent evidence of specific gene(s) or molecular pathways that contribute to the pathogenesis, therapeutic intervention or diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). While multiple studies support a role for genetic variation in CFS, genome-wide efforts to identify associated loci remain unexplored. We employed a novel convergent functional genomics approach that incorporates the findings from single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and mRNA expression studies to identify associations between CFS and novel candidate genes for further investigation. METHODS We evaluated 116,204 SNPs in 40 CFS and 40 nonfatigued control subjects along with mRNA expression of 20,160 genes in a subset of these subjects (35 CFS subjects and 27 controls) derived from a population-based study. RESULTS Sixty-five SNPs were nominally associated with CFS (p<0.001), and 165 genes were differentially expressed (≥4-fold; p≤0.05) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of CFS subjects. Two genes, glutamate receptor, ionotropic, kinase 2 (GRIK2) and neuronal PAS domain protein 2 (NPAS2), were identified by both SNP and gene expression analyses. Subjects with the G allele of rs2247215 (GRIK2) were more likely to have CFS (p=0.0005), and CFS subjects showed decreased GRIK2 expression (10-fold; p=0.015). Subjects with the T allele of rs356653 (NPAS2) were more likely to have CFS (p=0.0007), and NPAS2 expression was increased (10-fold; p=0.027) in those with CFS. CONCLUSION Using an integrated genomic strategy, this study suggests a possible role for genes involved in glutamatergic neurotransmission and circadian rhythm in CFS and supports further study of novel candidate genes in independent populations of CFS subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia K. Smith
- Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Ga., USA
| | - Hong Fang
- Z-Tech Corporation, an ICF International Company at NCTR/Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, Ark., USA
| | - Toni Whistler
- Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Ga., USA
| | - Elizabeth R. Unger
- Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Ga., USA
| | - Mangalathu S. Rajeevan
- Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Ga., USA
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Jongsma MLA, Postma SAE, Souren P, Arns M, Gordon E, Vissers K, Wilder-Smith O, van Rijn CM, van Goor H. Neurodegenerative properties of chronic pain: cognitive decline in patients with chronic pancreatitis. PLoS One 2011; 6:e23363. [PMID: 21876748 PMCID: PMC3158076 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0023363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2011] [Accepted: 07/13/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain has been associated with impaired cognitive function. We examined cognitive performance in patients with severe chronic pancreatitis pain. We explored the following factors for their contribution to observed cognitive deficits: pain duration, comorbidity (depression, sleep disturbance), use of opioids, and premorbid alcohol abuse. The cognitive profiles of 16 patients with severe pain due to chronic pancreatitis were determined using an extensive neuropsychological test battery. Data from three cognitive domains (psychomotor performance, memory, executive functions) were compared to data from healthy controls matched for age, gender and education. Multivariate multilevel analysis of the data showed decreased test scores in patients with chronic pancreatitis pain in different cognitive domains. Psychomotor performance and executive functions showed the most prominent decline. Interestingly, pain duration appeared to be the strongest predictor for observed cognitive decline. Depressive symptoms, sleep disturbance, opioid use and history of alcohol abuse provided additional explanations for the observed cognitive decline in some of the tests, but to a lesser extent than pain duration. The negative effect of pain duration on cognitive performance is compatible with the theory of neurodegenerative properties of chronic pain. Therefore, early and effective therapeutic interventions might reduce or prevent decline in cognitive performance, thereby improving outcomes and quality of life in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijtje L. A. Jongsma
- Donders Centre for Cognition, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Learning and Development, Behavioral Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Simone A. E. Postma
- Donders Centre for Cognition, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Pierre Souren
- Research Technical Support Group (RTOG), Department of Social Psychology, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn Arns
- Research Institute Brainclinics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Evian Gordon
- The Brain Resource International Database and the Brain Resource Company, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Kris Vissers
- Pain and Nociception Neuroscience Research Group, Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Oliver Wilder-Smith
- Pain and Nociception Neuroscience Research Group, Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Clementina M. van Rijn
- Donders Centre for Cognition, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Harry van Goor
- Pain and Nociception Neuroscience Research Group, Department of Surgery, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Oldershaw A, Hambrook D, Rimes K, Tchanturia K, Treasure J, Richards S, Schmidt U, Chalder T. Emotion recognition and emotional theory of mind in chronic fatigue syndrome. Psychol Health 2011; 26:989-1005. [DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2010.519769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Van Den Eede F, Moorkens G, Hulstijn W, Maas Y, Schrijvers D, Stevens SR, Cosyns P, Claes SJ, Sabbe BGC. Psychomotor function and response inhibition in chronic fatigue syndrome. Psychiatry Res 2011; 186:367-72. [PMID: 20797797 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2010.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2009] [Revised: 07/20/2010] [Accepted: 07/23/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Most research points to cognitive slowing in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), although there have been negative reports. The present study is one of few that examines fine motor processing and the inhibition of automatic responses in a well-characterised CFS population. A total of 35 female CFS patients without current major depression and 25 female controls performed two computerised figure-copying tasks. The cognitive and fine motor processing of visual-spatial information was measured by recording reaction time (RT) and movement time (MT), respectively. The inhibition of automatic responses was assessed by introducing 'conflicting patterns' (i.e., patterns that were difficult to draw from the preferred left to right). A multivariate general linear model was adopted for the statistical analysis of the movement recordings. As a result, CFS was significantly associated with longer RT and MT in the pooled and in the task-specific analyses. However, there was no interaction between disease status and conflicting character of the patterns. In conclusion, these performance data on the figure-copying tasks provide confirmatory evidence for psychomotor slowing in CFS, but not for a disturbed inhibition of automatic responses. Computerised figure-copying tasks may be promising tools for use in neurobiological research and clinical trials in CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Van Den Eede
- Department of Psychiatry, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium.
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Clanton NR, Klosky JL, Li C, Jain N, Srivastava DK, Mulrooney D, Zeltzer L, Stovall M, Robison LL, Krull KR. Fatigue, vitality, sleep, and neurocognitive functioning in adult survivors of childhood cancer: a report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. Cancer 2011; 117:2559-68. [PMID: 21484777 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.25797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2010] [Revised: 10/04/2010] [Accepted: 10/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term survivors of childhood cancer are at risk for fatigue, sleep problems, and neurocognitive impairment, although the association between these outcomes has not been previously examined. METHODS Outcomes were evaluated in 1426 survivors from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study using a validated Neurocognitive Questionnaire. Relative risks for neurocognitive impairment were calculated using demographic and treatment factors, and survivors' report on the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue, the Short Form-36 Vitality Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. RESULTS Neurocognitive impairment was identified in >20% of survivors, using sibling-based norms for comparison. Multivariate logistic regression models revealed that fatigue (risk ratio [RR], 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-1.59), daytime sleepiness (RR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.55-1.83), poor sleep quality (RR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.01-1.49), and decreased vitality (RR, 1.75; 95% CI 1.33-2.30) were all associated with impaired task efficiency. Likewise, fatigue (RR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.23-2.55), sleepiness (RR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.14-1.67), and decreased vitality (RR, 3.08; 95% CI, 1.98-4.79) were predictive of emotional regulation problems. Diminished organization was associated with increased sleepiness (RR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.31-2.48) and decreased vitality (RR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.37-2.63). Impaired memory was associated with poor sleep quality (RR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.19-1.76), increased sleepiness (RR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.63-2.58), and decreased vitality (RR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.42-2.86). The impact of fatigue, sleepiness, sleep quality, and vitality on neurocognitive outcomes was independent of the effects of cranial radiation therapy, steroids and antimetabolite chemotherapy, sex, and current age. CONCLUSIONS Neurocognitive function in long-term survivors of childhood cancer appears particularly vulnerable to the effects of fatigue and sleep disruption. These findings suggest sleep hygiene should be emphasized among survivors, as it may provide an additional mechanism for intervention to improve neurocognitive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy R Clanton
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
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Metacognitions and negative emotions as predictors of symptom severity in chronic fatigue syndrome. J Psychosom Res 2011; 70:311-7. [PMID: 21414450 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2010.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2010] [Revised: 09/21/2010] [Accepted: 09/28/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) describes a condition that is primarily characterized by fatigue and flu-like symptoms that are not alleviated by rest. This study investigated the relationship among metacognitions, negative emotions, and symptom severity in CFS. METHODS A total of 96 patients who had received a diagnosis of CFS according to the Oxford Criteria completed a battery of self-report measures that consisted of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, the 30-Item Metacognitions Questionnaire, the Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire (CFQ), and the RAND 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey-Physical Functioning. RESULTS Correlation analyses showed that negative emotions and metacognitions were positively correlated with measures of symptom severity and that metacognitions were a better predictor of symptom severity than anxiety and depression. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that (1) lack of cognitive confidence predicted both mental and physical factors of the CFQ and physical functioning independently of negative emotions and (2) beliefs about the need to control thoughts predicted the mental factor of the CFQ independently of negative emotions and lack of cognitive confidence. CONCLUSION The data support the potential application of the metacognitive model of psychological disorder to understanding CFS.
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Avellaneda Fernández A, Izquierdo Martínez M. Trastorno cognitivo: una realidad en el síndrome de fatiga crónica. Med Clin (Barc) 2011; 136:248-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2010.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2010] [Accepted: 10/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive problems are commonly reported in persons with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and are one of the most disabling symptoms of this condition. A number of cognitive deficits have been identified, although the findings are inconsistent and hindered by methodological differences. The current study therefore conducted a meta-analysis of research examining cognitive functioning in persons with CFS in order to identify the pattern and magnitude of any deficits that are associated with this condition. METHOD A comprehensive search of the PubMed and PsycINFO databases for studies that examined cognitive functioning in CFS between 1988 and 2008 identified 50 eligible studies. Weighted Cohen's d effect sizes, 95% confidence intervals and fail-safe Ns were calculated for each cognitive score. RESULTS Evidence of cognitive deficits in persons with CFS was found primarily in the domains of attention, memory and reaction time. Deficits were not apparent on tests of fine motor speed, vocabulary, reasoning and global functioning. CONCLUSIONS Persons with CFS demonstrate moderate to large impairments in simple and complex information processing speed and in tasks requiring working memory over a sustained period of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Cockshell
- School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Clauw DJ. Perspectives on fatigue from the study of chronic fatigue syndrome and related conditions. PM R 2010; 2:414-30. [PMID: 20656623 PMCID: PMC7185768 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2010.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2010] [Accepted: 04/09/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Fatigue is a symptom whose causes are protean and whose phenotype includes physical, mood, and behavioral components. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is an illness that has strong biological underpinnings and no definite etiology. Diagnostic criteria established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have helped classify CFS as an overlap of mood, behavioral, and biological components. These include the presence of fatigue for more than 6 months associated with a diminution of functional activity and somatic symptoms, and pain not attributable to a specific diagnosis or disease. Four of the following criteria need to be present: sore throat, impaired memory or cognition, unrefreshing sleep, postexertional fatigue, tender glands, aching stiff muscles, joint pain, and headaches. Many researchers have observed that CFS shares features in common with other somatic syndromes, including irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Correlations between inflammation and infection, augmented sensory processing, abnormalities of neurotransmitters, nerve growth factors, low levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, abnormalities of homeostasis of the stress system, and autonomic dysfunction may be hallmarks of CFS. The relative contributions of each of these abnormalities to the profound fatigue associated with CFS need to be explored further to better evaluate and treat the syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Clauw
- Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, The University of Michigan, 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, USA.
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Attree EA, Dancey CP, Pope AL. An assessment of prospective memory retrieval in women with chronic fatigue syndrome using a virtual-reality environment: an initial study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 12:379-85. [PMID: 19591619 DOI: 10.1089/cpb.2009.0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
People with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) have increased rates of depression, anxiety, and illness intrusiveness; they may also suffer from cognitive problems such as retrospective memory (RM) deficits and concentration difficulties that can stem from diminished information-processing capability. We predicted that this diminished capacity may also lead to deficits in other cognitive functions, such as prospective memory (ProM). Event-, time-, and activity-based ProM was assessed in 11 women with CFS and 12 healthy women using a computer-generated virtual environment (VE). RM was assessed using a free-recall test, and subjective assessment of both ProM and RM was assessed by questionnaire. Groups were equivalent in age and measures of IQ. People with CFS performed slightly worse than healthy controls on both the event- and time-based ProM measures, although these were not statistically significant. However, the CFS group performed significantly worse than the healthy controls on both the free recall-task and on subjective assessment of both RM and ProM. Women with CFS do have some subtle decrements in memory, particularly RM. However, it is possible that the decrements found in the present sample would be greater in real life. Further studies utilizing both healthy controls and illness controls are now needed to ascertain how sensitive the VE measure is and to inform the development of tasks in the VE that place progressively increasing demands on working memory capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Attree
- University of East London, School of Psychology, London, United Kingdom.
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Schrijvers D, Van Den Eede F, Maas Y, Cosyns P, Hulstijn W, Sabbe BGC. Psychomotor functioning in chronic fatigue syndrome and major depressive disorder: a comparative study. J Affect Disord 2009; 115:46-53. [PMID: 18817977 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2008.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2008] [Revised: 08/16/2008] [Accepted: 08/17/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies comparing chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and major depressive disorder (MDD) reported similarities as well as differences between the two disorders. However, whereas psychomotor symptoms have been studied extensively in MDD, such research in CFS is more limited. Moreover, the few studies that compared cognitive and motor performance in MDD and CFS yielded inconsistent results. This study hence directly compares fine psychomotor functioning in both syndromes. METHODS Thirty-eight patients diagnosed with CFS without a current major depressive episode (MDE), 32 MDD patients with a current MDE and 38 healthy controls performed two computerized copying tasks differing in complexity: a line-copying task that mainly requires motor effort and a figure-copying task requiring additional cognitive efforts. All participants were female. A multivariate general linear model was used to compute group differences. RESULT Overall, both patient groups performed more slowly than the controls. Compared to CFS patients, patients with MDD needed significantly more time to copy the single lines but no such between-group performance difference was observed for the figure reproductions. In this latter copying task, the increasing complexity of the figures resulted in prolonged reaction times for all three participant groups with the effect being larger and the magnitude similar for the two patient groups. LIMITATIONS All patients were female and most were on psychotropic medication. CONCLUSIONS Both the MDD and CFS patients tested demonstrated an overall fine motor slowing, with the motor component being more affected in the MDD patients than in the CFS patients while both patient groups showed similar cognitive impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Schrijvers
- Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
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Thomas M, Smith A. An investigation into the cognitive deficits associated with chronic fatigue syndrome. Open Neurol J 2009; 3:13-23. [PMID: 19452031 PMCID: PMC2682840 DOI: 10.2174/1874205x00903010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2008] [Revised: 09/27/2008] [Accepted: 11/16/2008] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
This study addresses, among other things, the debate as to whether cognitive deficits do occur with a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Previous studies have indicated a potential mismatch between subjective patient ratings of impairment and clinical assessment. In an attempt to tackle some of the methodological problems faced by previous research in this field, this study recruited a large sample of CFS patients where adequate diagnosis had been made and administered an extensive battery of measures. In doing so this study was able to replicate previous published evidence of clear cognitive impairment in this group and demonstrate also that these deficits occurred independent of psychopathology. The conclusion drawn is that cognitive impairments can be identified if appropriate measures are used. Furthermore, the authors have shown that performance changes in these measures have been used to assess both efficacy of a treatment regime and rates of recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Thomas
- Centre for Occupational and Health Psychology, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, UK
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Freedland KE, de Geus EJC, Golden RN, Kop WJ, Miller GE, Vaccarino V, Brumback B, Llabre MM, White VJ, Sheps DS. What's in a name? Psychosomatic medicine and biobehavioral medicine. Psychosom Med 2009; 71:1-4. [PMID: 19124618 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0b013e3181954848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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