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Hieber H, Pricoco R, Gerrer K, Heindrich C, Wiehler K, Mihatsch LL, Haegele M, Schindler D, Donath Q, Christa C, Grabbe A, Kircher A, Leone A, Mueller Y, Zietemann H, Freitag H, Sotzny F, Warlitz C, Stojanov S, Hattesohl DBR, Hausruckinger A, Mittelstrass K, Scheibenbogen C, Behrends U. The German Multicenter Registry for ME/CFS (MECFS-R). J Clin Med 2024; 13:3168. [PMID: 38892879 PMCID: PMC11172639 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating multisystemic disease characterized by a complex, incompletely understood etiology. Methods: To facilitate future clinical and translational research, a multicenter German ME/CFS registry (MECFS-R) was established to collect comprehensive, longitudinal, clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory data from adults, adolescents, and children in a web-based multilayer-secured database. Results: Here, we present the research protocol and first results of a pilot cohort of 174 ME/CFS patients diagnosed at two specialized tertiary fatigue centers, including 130 (74.7%) adults (mean age 38.4; SD 12.6) and 43 (25.3%) pediatric patients (mean age 15.5; SD 4.2). A viral trigger was identified in 160/174 (92.0%) cases, with SARS-CoV-2 in almost half of them. Patients exhibited severe functional and social impairment, as reflected by a median Bell Score of 30.0 (IQR 30.0 to 40.0) and a poor health-related quality of life assessed with the Short Form-36 health survey, resulting in a mean score of 40.4 (SD 20.6) for physical function and 59.1 (SD 18.8) for mental health. Conclusions: The MECFS-R provides important clinical information on ME/CFS to research and healthcare institutions. Paired with a multicenter biobank, it facilitates research on pathogenesis, diagnostic markers, and treatment options. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05778006.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Hieber
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany; (H.H.); (R.P.); (L.L.M.)
| | - Rafael Pricoco
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany; (H.H.); (R.P.); (L.L.M.)
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Katrin Gerrer
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany; (H.H.); (R.P.); (L.L.M.)
| | - Cornelia Heindrich
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Wiehler
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany; (H.H.); (R.P.); (L.L.M.)
| | - Lorenz L. Mihatsch
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany; (H.H.); (R.P.); (L.L.M.)
| | - Matthias Haegele
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany; (H.H.); (R.P.); (L.L.M.)
| | - Daniela Schindler
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany; (H.H.); (R.P.); (L.L.M.)
| | - Quirin Donath
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany; (H.H.); (R.P.); (L.L.M.)
| | - Catharina Christa
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany; (H.H.); (R.P.); (L.L.M.)
| | - Annika Grabbe
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany; (H.H.); (R.P.); (L.L.M.)
| | - Alissa Kircher
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany; (H.H.); (R.P.); (L.L.M.)
| | - Ariane Leone
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany; (H.H.); (R.P.); (L.L.M.)
| | - Yvonne Mueller
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany; (H.H.); (R.P.); (L.L.M.)
| | - Hannah Zietemann
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany; (H.H.); (R.P.); (L.L.M.)
| | - Helma Freitag
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Franziska Sotzny
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Cordula Warlitz
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany; (H.H.); (R.P.); (L.L.M.)
| | - Silvia Stojanov
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Child and Adolescent Psychosomatics, Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany
| | | | - Anna Hausruckinger
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany; (H.H.); (R.P.); (L.L.M.)
| | - Kirstin Mittelstrass
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany; (H.H.); (R.P.); (L.L.M.)
| | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- German Association for ME/CFS, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Uta Behrends
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany; (H.H.); (R.P.); (L.L.M.)
- German Association for ME/CFS, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), 81675 Munich, Germany
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Paffrath A, Kim L, Kedor C, Stein E, Rust R, Freitag H, Hoppmann U, Hanitsch LG, Bellmann-Strobl J, Wittke K, Scheibenbogen C, Sotzny F. Impaired Hand Grip Strength Correlates with Greater Disability and Symptom Severity in Post-COVID Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2153. [PMID: 38610918 PMCID: PMC11012649 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13072153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Post-COVID syndrome (PCS) encompasses a diverse array of symptoms persisting beyond 3 months after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, with mental as well as physical fatigue being the most frequent manifestations. Methods: In 144 female patients with PCS, hand grip strength (HGS) parameters were assessed as an objective measure of muscle fatigue, with 78 meeting the Canadian Consensus Criteria for postinfectious myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The severity of disability and key symptoms was evaluated using self-reported questionnaires. Results: Patients with ME/CFS exhibited heightened overall symptom severity, including lower physical function (p < 0.001), a greater degree of disability (p < 0.001), more severe fatigue (p < 0.001), postexertional malaise (p < 0.001), and autonomic dysfunction (p = 0.004) compared to other patients with PCS. While HGS was impaired similarly in all patients with PCS and exhibited a significant correlation with physical function across the entire patient group, HGS of patients with ME/CFS uniquely demonstrated associations with key symptoms. Conclusions: Thus, impaired HGS serves as an objective marker of physical function in patients with PCS. Only in patients meeting ME/CFS criteria is impaired HGS also associated with the severity of hallmark symptoms. This suggests a common mechanism for muscle fatigue and other symptoms in the ME/CFS subtype, distinct from that in other types of PCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Paffrath
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (A.P.); (C.K.); (E.S.); (R.R.); (H.F.); (U.H.); (L.G.H.); (K.W.); (C.S.); (F.S.)
| | - Laura Kim
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (A.P.); (C.K.); (E.S.); (R.R.); (H.F.); (U.H.); (L.G.H.); (K.W.); (C.S.); (F.S.)
| | - Claudia Kedor
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (A.P.); (C.K.); (E.S.); (R.R.); (H.F.); (U.H.); (L.G.H.); (K.W.); (C.S.); (F.S.)
| | - Elisa Stein
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (A.P.); (C.K.); (E.S.); (R.R.); (H.F.); (U.H.); (L.G.H.); (K.W.); (C.S.); (F.S.)
| | - Rebekka Rust
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (A.P.); (C.K.); (E.S.); (R.R.); (H.F.); (U.H.); (L.G.H.); (K.W.); (C.S.); (F.S.)
- Experimental and Research Center (ECRC), Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Helma Freitag
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (A.P.); (C.K.); (E.S.); (R.R.); (H.F.); (U.H.); (L.G.H.); (K.W.); (C.S.); (F.S.)
| | - Uta Hoppmann
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (A.P.); (C.K.); (E.S.); (R.R.); (H.F.); (U.H.); (L.G.H.); (K.W.); (C.S.); (F.S.)
| | - Leif G. Hanitsch
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (A.P.); (C.K.); (E.S.); (R.R.); (H.F.); (U.H.); (L.G.H.); (K.W.); (C.S.); (F.S.)
| | - Judith Bellmann-Strobl
- Experimental and Research Center (ECRC), Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Kirsten Wittke
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (A.P.); (C.K.); (E.S.); (R.R.); (H.F.); (U.H.); (L.G.H.); (K.W.); (C.S.); (F.S.)
| | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (A.P.); (C.K.); (E.S.); (R.R.); (H.F.); (U.H.); (L.G.H.); (K.W.); (C.S.); (F.S.)
| | - Franziska Sotzny
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (A.P.); (C.K.); (E.S.); (R.R.); (H.F.); (U.H.); (L.G.H.); (K.W.); (C.S.); (F.S.)
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Long- und Post-COVID versus Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. DIE NEUROLOGIE & PSYCHIATRIE 2022; 23. [PMCID: PMC9529321 DOI: 10.1007/s15202-022-5508-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Jason LA, Katz BZ, Sunnquist M, Torres C, Cotler J, Bhatia S. The Prevalence of Pediatric Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in a Community‑Based Sample. CHILD & YOUTH CARE FORUM 2020; 49:563-579. [PMID: 34113066 PMCID: PMC8186295 DOI: 10.1007/s10566-019-09543-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most pediatric prevalence studies of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) have been based upon data from tertiary care centers, a process known for systematic biases such as excluding youth of lower socioeconomic status and those less likely to have access to health care. In addition, most pediatric ME/CFS epidemiologic studies have not included a thorough medical and psychiatric examination. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of pediatric ME/CFS from an ethnically and sociodemographically diverse community-based random sample. METHOD A sample of 10,119 youth aged 5-17 from 5622 households in the Chicagoland area were screened. Following evaluations, a team of physicians made final diagnoses. Youth were given a diagnosis of ME/CFS if they met criteria for three selected case definitions. A probabilistic, multi-stage formula was used for final prevalence calculations. RESULTS The prevalence of pediatric ME/CFS was 0.75%, with a higher percentage being African American and Latinx than Caucasian. Of the youth diagnosed with ME/CFS, less than 5% had been previously diagnosed with the illness. CONCLUSIONS Many youth with the illness have not been previously diagnosed with ME/CFS. These findings point to the need for better ways to identify and diagnose youth with this illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard A. Jason
- Center for Community Research, DePaul University, 990 W. Fullerton Ave., Suite 3100, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
| | - Ben Z. Katz
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, USA
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Wright B, Partridge I, Williams C. Management of chronic fatigue syndrome in children. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1192/apt.6.2.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Certain areas of child and adolescent mental health generate a degree of polarised debate, both within and outside the profession. Media attention, the development of self-help groups and the Internet lead to the publishing of papers and opinion, which exist alongside peer-reviewed research and evidence-based medicine. Parents reading such material may find it hard to know what advice is best. One area that falls into this category is chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
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Rowe PC, Underhill RA, Friedman KJ, Gurwitt A, Medow MS, Schwartz MS, Speight N, Stewart JM, Vallings R, Rowe KS. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosis and Management in Young People: A Primer. Front Pediatr 2017; 5:121. [PMID: 28674681 PMCID: PMC5474682 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2017.00121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex disease that affects children and adolescents as well as adults. The etiology has not been established. While many pediatricians and other health-care providers are aware of ME/CFS, they often lack essential knowledge that is necessary for diagnosis and treatment. Many young patients experience symptoms for years before receiving a diagnosis. This primer, written by the International Writing Group for Pediatric ME/CFS, provides information necessary to understand, diagnose, and manage the symptoms of ME/CFS in children and adolescents. ME/CFS is characterized by overwhelming fatigue with a substantial loss of physical and mental stamina. Cardinal features are malaise and a worsening of symptoms following minimal physical or mental exertion. These post-exertional symptoms can persist for hours, days, or weeks and are not relieved by rest or sleep. Other symptoms include cognitive problems, unrefreshing or disturbed sleep, generalized or localized pain, lightheadedness, and additional symptoms in multiple organ systems. While some young patients can attend school, on a full or part-time basis, many others are wheelchair dependent, housebound, or bedbound. Prevalence estimates for pediatric ME/CFS vary from 0.1 to 0.5%. Because there is no diagnostic test for ME/CFS, diagnosis is purely clinical, based on the history and the exclusion of other fatiguing illnesses by physical examination and medical testing. Co-existing medical conditions including orthostatic intolerance (OI) are common. Successful management is based on determining the optimum balance of rest and activity to help prevent post-exertional symptom worsening. Medications are helpful to treat pain, insomnia, OI and other symptoms. The published literature on ME/CFS and specifically that describing the diagnosis and management of pediatric ME/CFS is very limited. Where published studies are lacking, recommendations are based on the clinical observations and practices of the authors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter C Rowe
- Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | - Kenneth J Friedman
- Pharmacology and Physiology, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Alan Gurwitt
- Yale Child Study Center, Harvard Medical School, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Newton Highlands, MA, United States
| | - Marvin S Medow
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | | | | | - Julian M Stewart
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Rosamund Vallings
- Primary Care/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Clinic, Howick Health and Medical, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Katherine S Rowe
- Department of General Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Jason LA, Katz BZ, Mears C, Jantke R, Brown A, Sunnquist M, O'Connor K. Issues in Estimating Rates of Pediatric Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis in a Community-based Sample. AVICENNA JOURNAL OF NEUROPSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY 2015; 2:e37281. [PMID: 28261672 PMCID: PMC5336218 DOI: 10.17795/ajnpp-37281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
There is a need to examine the prevalence of pediatric chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) in the general community, as well as the relative frequency of CFS and ME among various groups (e.g., different age groups, genders, racial/ethnic groups, and socioeconomic strata) and to compare these individuals with community controls. In the present study, we describe an ongoing NIH-funded study, which uses a multiple-stage design, beginning with a brief screening for CFS- and ME-like symptomatology, followed by a more rigorous medical and psychiatric diagnostic evaluation to determine the prevalence of pediatric CFS and ME status in the general community. We provide two case studies showing the types of data we are collecting, and how the data are being used to inform diagnostic decisions.
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Management advice for children with chronic fatigue syndrome: a systematic study of information from the internet. Ir J Psychol Med 2014. [DOI: 10.1017/s0790966700005218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AbstractObjectives:Parents often present practising clinicians who see children with chronic fatigue syndrome with printouts from the internet. These are then brought into the discussion about the management and aetiology of this debilitating condition. We set out to systematically study the information on the internet on this subject and to explore the diversity of advice in relation to current research knowledge.Method:Systematic search by means of the internet browser Netscape Navigator and search engines AltaVista and Yahoo! Advice about levels of rest, exercise, medication, psychological interventions and suggestions about return to school is critically compared with current research evidence.Results:Thirteen websites were accessed. All have some treatment advice. Six offer conflicting advice about levels of rest, with two suggesting large amounts of rest, two suggesting some rest and two suggesting graded exercise. Nine suggest medications (with a wide variety of pharmacological activities) despite the lack of research evidence showing a significant contribution from medication. Four suggest psychological treatments but some advise that it is unnecessary despite the established evidence in chronic fatigue (and other chronic illnesses) that appropriate psychological treatments are helpful. There are a wide variety of differing diets recommended.Conclusions:Few websites provide useful management advice. Advice offered is often in conflict. Some of the advice is either contrary to current research evidence or not supported by it. This raises concerns about inaccurate information reaching families who have a child with chronic fatigue syndrome, with potentially damaging consequences. This suggests a need for a debate about the availability and validation of health related information on the internet.
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Illness Onset Characteristics in Children with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Idiopathic Chronic Fatigue. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1300/j092v03n02_05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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A Pediatric Case Definition for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1300/j092v13n02_01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Prevalence of Fatigue and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome-Like Illness in Children and Adolescents. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1300/j092v06n01_02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Moss J. Development of a functional ability scale for children and young people with myalgic encephalopathy (ME)/chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). J Child Health Care 2005; 9:20-30. [PMID: 15684437 DOI: 10.1177/1367493505049644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The numerous symptoms and unpredictable pattern of myalgic encephalopathy (ME) make it difficult to describe, especially for children. It was left to carers to guess what the child could achieve each day, often leading to over/underestimates. A functional ability scale was needed, which measured from 0 to 100 percent able and that children and young people themselves designed. A new scale was developed from the Moss Ability Scale using the critique of 251 children and young people from the Association of Young People with ME (AYME). Responding to the shift in emphasis towards patients taking an active role in their own care, it was felt these young people would know whether the scale measured what it had set out to measure, and were asked questions on the face and content validity of the scale. There was a 99 percent agreement between the young people that the final scale was 'workable' or better.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Moss
- Association of Young People with ME, Milton Keynes MK2 2XD, UK.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Sample sizes in studies of childhood chronic fatigue remain small and there is a need to integrate research findings and establish common criteria. METHOD This is a detailed report of 20 children with medically unexplained fatigue, referred to as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). It includes an uncontrolled outcome study of treatment based on a pragmatic cognitive-behavioural model adapted for children at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children. RESULTS The data revealed psychological distress at 30 times the prevalence found in the normal child population, with specific high-ranking symptoms, including headache, social withdrawal and decreased appetite. Onset tended to occur at 11 years of age with some earlier problems at school age, suggesting it might be possible to identify those most at risk. Follow-up demonstrated improvement in 87% of the sample (parental report), a significant increase in school attendance and a significant decrease in symptom severity. Factors associated with good outcome were short duration of fatigue (less than a year) and behaviours that tended to combat the cycle of avoidance, such as carefully planned home-tuition. CONCLUSIONS Recording a comprehensive range of symptoms and factors facilitates comparisons within and between child studies. It is proposed that symptom severity is a particularly relevant measure for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome which is characterised by persisting symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Lines
- Clinical Psychology Department, Oxleas NHS Trust, Philipot Path, off Passey Place, Eltham, UK
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Tillett A, Glass S, Reeve A, Burt A. Provision of health and education services in school children with chronic fatigue syndrome. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2001. [DOI: 10.1046/j.1467-0658.2000.00065.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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van Middendorp H, Geenen R, Kuis W, Heijnen CJ, Sinnema G. Psychological adjustment of adolescent girls with chronic fatigue syndrome. Pediatrics 2001; 107:E35. [PMID: 11230616 DOI: 10.1542/peds.107.3.e35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine psychosocial problems and adaptation of adolescent girls with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). METHODOLOGY Thirty-six adolescent girls with CFS (mean age: 15.2 years; mean syndrome duration: 19.7 months) who fulfilled the criteria of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were examined by interviews regarding premorbid problems and by questionnaires regarding psychosocial functioning and distress, psychological attitudes, and coping resources. Data were compared with normative data. RESULTS Of the adolescents, 86.1% reported 1 or more premorbid problems (58.3% physical, 38.9% psychological, and 52.8% familial). Normal adjustment was reported for psychosocial self-esteem, social abilities, and attentional abilities. High adjustment to adult social standards of behavior was found, but low perceived competence in specific adolescent domains, such as athletic ability, romance, and participation in recreational activities. The girls reported predominantly internalizing problems. Normal achievement motivation, no debilitating fear of failure, and high internal locus of control were observed. Palliative reaction patterns and optimism were predominantly used as coping strategies. CONCLUSIONS The large number of premorbid problems suggests a possible contributing factor to the onset of the syndrome, although there were no reference data of healthy adolescents. In distinct domains of psychosocial adjustment, the adolescent girls with CFS showed strengths such as adequate self-esteem and scholastic and social abilities, and weaknesses such as low competence in adolescent-specific tasks and internalizing distress, which may partly be explained by syndrome-specific somatic complaints. The use of optimistic and palliative reaction patterns as coping strategies in this patient group indicates that the patients with CFS seem to retain an active and positive outlook on life, which may result in a rather adequate psychological adaptation to the syndrome, but also in maintenance of the syndrome by exceeding the physical limits brought about by the CFS. Our results on adjustment and coping strategies may be helpful to implement (individual) rehabilitation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- H van Middendorp
- Department of Pediatric Psychology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, The Netherlands
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Hinds PS, Hockenberry-Eaton M, Gilger E, Kline N, Burleson C, Bottomley S, Quargnenti A. Comparing patient, parent, and staff descriptions of fatigue in pediatric oncology patients. Cancer Nurs 1999; 22:277-88; quiz 288-9. [PMID: 10452204 DOI: 10.1097/00002820-199908000-00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Fatigue in children and adolescents with cancer is a disruptive symptom meriting clinical intervention by nurses, but has eluded definition, measurement, and intervention. Fatigue in these patients exists within a greater context of illness, treatment, and child and family development. Any effort to define, measure, and intervene with fatigue needs to take into consideration the major components of these children and adolescents' treatment context. The purpose of this descriptive study was to learn from three perspectives (patient, parent, and staff) how fatigue is identified and defined in 7- to 12-year-old children and in 13- to 18-year-old adolescents with cancer, and what factors contribute to or alleviate this fatigue. To elicit this information, separate focus groups were conducted with patients, parents, and staff at two pediatric oncology centers. Resulting interview data were analyzed using pragmatic and semantic content analysis techniques and the Wilson concept analysis process. Findings clearly indicated that children, adolescents, parents, and staff define patient fatigue differently. The conceptual definition from the child data emphasizes the physical sensation of the fatigue; alternating and at times merging physical and mental tiredness are emphasized in the adolescent's definition. Parents and staff view themselves as responsible for alleviating patient fatigue; patients viewed rest and distraction as their primary sources of improving fatigue. The conceptual definitions of fatigue as rendered by our three groups of participants can assist pediatric oncology patients, their parents, and staff in identifying fatigue. Factors identified by these participants as contributing or alleviating fatigue could be the basis for future interventions designed to reduce fatigue in pediatric oncology patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- P S Hinds
- St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA
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21
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Stewart JM, Gewitz MH, Weldon A, Arlievsky N, Li K, Munoz J. Orthostatic intolerance in adolescent chronic fatigue syndrome. Pediatrics 1999; 103:116-21. [PMID: 9917448 DOI: 10.1542/peds.103.1.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To demonstrate the association between orthostatic intolerance and the chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in adolescents and to delineate the form that orthostatic intolerance takes in these children. STUDY DESIGN We investigated the heart rate and blood pressure (BP) responses to head-up tilt (HUT) in 26 adolescents aged 11 to 19 years with CFS compared with responses in adolescents referred for the evaluation of simple faint and to responses in 13 normal healthy control children of similar age. RESULTS A total of 4/13 of the controls and 18/26 simple faint patients experienced typical faints with an abrupt decrease in BP and heart rate associated with loss of consciousness. One CFS patient had a normal HUT. A total of 25/26 CFS patients experienced severe orthostatic symptoms associated with syncope in 7/25, orthostatic tachycardia with hypotension in 15/25, and orthostatic tachycardia without significant hypotension in 3/25. Acrocyanosis, cool extremities, and edema indicated venous pooling in 18/25. None of the control or simple faint patients experienced comparable acral or tachycardic findings. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that chronic fatigue syndrome is highly related to orthostatic intolerance in adolescents. The orthostatic intolerance of CFS often has heart rate and BP responses similar to responses in the syndrome of orthostatic tachycardia suggesting that a partial autonomic defect may contribute to symptomatology in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Stewart
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
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Jordan KM, Landis DA, Downey MC, Osterman SL, Thurm AE, Jason LA. Chronic fatigue syndrome in children and adolescents: a review. J Adolesc Health 1998; 22:4-18. [PMID: 9436061 DOI: 10.1016/s1054-139x(97)00212-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- K M Jordan
- Department of Psychology, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois 60614, USA
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