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Sommerfelt K, Schei T, Seton KA, Carding SR. Assessing Functional Capacity in Myalgic Encephalopathy/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Patient-Informed Questionnaire. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3486. [PMID: 38930014 PMCID: PMC11204454 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123486] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is an acquired disease with significant morbidity that affects both children and adults. Post-exertional malaise is a cardinal symptom of ME/CFS and impacts a patient's functional capacity (FC). The absence of effective tools to assess FC has significant consequences for timely diagnosis, clinical follow-up, assessments for patient disability benefits, and research studies. In interventional studies, the inability to assess FC can result in an incomplete assessment of the potential benefit of the intervention, leading to beneficial treatment outcomes being missed. Methods: Using extensive, repeated patient feedback, we have developed a new questionnaire, FUNCAP, to accurately assess FC in ME/CFS patients. The questionnaire consists of eight domains divided by activity types: A. personal hygiene/basic functions, B. walking/movement, C. being upright, D. activities in the home, E. communication, F. activities outside the home, G. reactions to light and sound, and H. concentration. Results: Through five rounds of anonymous web-based surveys and a further test-retest validation round, two versions of the questionnaire were developed: a longer version comprising 55 questions (FUNCAP55), developed for improved diagnostic and disability benefit/insurance FC assessments; and a shorter version (FUNCAP27) for clinical patient follow-up and potential use in research. Good reliability and validity and negligible floor and ceiling effects were found, with comparable findings in all aspects in both a large Norwegian (n = 1263) and a separate English-language international sample (n = 1387) demonstrating the validity and reliability of FUNCAP. Conclusions: Our findings support the utility of FUNCAP as an effective, reliable and valid tool for assessing FC in ME/CFS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Sommerfelt
- Children and Youth Clinic, Institute of Clinical Medicine 2, University of Bergen, P.O. Box 7804, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Trude Schei
- Norwegian ME Association, Nedre Slottsgate 4 M, 0157 Oslo, Norway
| | - Katharine A. Seton
- Quadram Institute Biosciences, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK; (K.A.S.)
| | - Simon R. Carding
- Quadram Institute Biosciences, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK; (K.A.S.)
- Norwich Medical School, University East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
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Zayeri ZD, Torabizadeh M, Kargar M, Kazemi H. The molecular fingerprint of neuroinflammation in COVID-19: A comprehensive discussion on molecular mechanisms of neuroinflammation due to SARS-COV2 antigens. Behav Brain Res 2024; 462:114868. [PMID: 38246395 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.114868] [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: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 attacks the neural system directly and indirectly via various systems, such as the nasal cavity, olfactory system, and facial nerves. Considering the high energy requirement, lack of antioxidant defenses, and high amounts of metal ions in the brain, oxidative damage is very harmful to the brain. Various neuropathic pain conditions, neurological disorders, and neuropsychiatric complications were reported in Coronavirus disease 2019, prolonged Coronavirus disease 2019, and after Coronavirus disease 2019 immunization. This manuscript offers a distinctive outlook on the interconnectedness between neurology and neuropsychiatry through its meticulous analysis of complications. DISCUSSION After recovering from Coronavirus disease 2019, approximately half of the patients reported developing Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Long Coronavirus disease 2019 imaging reports illustrated the hypometabolism in various parts of the brain, such as olfactory bulbs, limbic/paralimbic domains, the brainstem, and the cerebellum. Ninety imaging and neuropathological studies of Coronavirus disease 2019 have shown evidence of white matter, brainstem, frontotemporal, and oculofrontal lesions. Emotional functions, such as pleasant, long/short-term memory, movement, cognition and cognition in decision-making are controlled by these regions. The neuroinflammation and the mechanisms of defense are well presented in the discussion. The role of microglia activation, Inducible NO synthase, Cyclooxygenases ½, Reactive oxygen species, neurotoxic toxins and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as Interleukin-1 beta, Interleukin-6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha are highlighted in neuronal dysfunction and death. Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, Mitogen-activated protein kinase, Activator Protein 1, and Interferon regulatory factors are the main pathways involved in microglia activation in Coronavirus disease 2019 neuroinflammation. CONCLUSION The neurological aspect of Coronavirus disease 2019 should be highlighted. Neurological, psychological, and behavioral aspects of Coronavirus disease 2019, prolonged Coronavirus disease 2019, and Coronavirus disease 2019 vaccines can be the upcoming issues. We need a global awareness where this aspect of the disease should be more considered in health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Deris Zayeri
- Golestan Hospital Clinical Research Development Unit, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Torabizadeh
- Golestan Hospital Clinical Research Development Unit, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Masoud Kargar
- Health Research Institute, Research Center of Thalassemia & Hemoglobinopathy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hashem Kazemi
- Department of Biology, Dezful Branch, Islamic Azad University, Dezful, Iran
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Jones B, Bourne C, Gladwell P. Evaluating the ability of patient reported outcome measures to represent the functional limitation of people living with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. FATIGUE: BIOMEDICINE, HEALTH & BEHAVIOR 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/21641846.2023.2175579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bethan Jones
- School of Health and Social Wellbeing, UWE Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Corin Bourne
- Department of Psychology, Newman University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Peter Gladwell
- School of Health and Social Wellbeing, UWE Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Bristol M.E. Service, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
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Bergmans RS, Chambers-Peeple K, Aboul-Hassan D, Dell'Imperio S, Martin A, Wegryn-Jones R, Xiao LZ, Yu C, Williams DA, Clauw DJ, DeJonckheere M. Opportunities to Improve Long COVID Care: Implications from Semi-structured Interviews with Black Patients. THE PATIENT 2022; 15:715-728. [PMID: 35907120 PMCID: PMC9362503 DOI: 10.1007/s40271-022-00594-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long coronavirus disease (COVID) is an emerging condition that could considerably burden healthcare systems. Prior qualitative studies characterize the experience of having long COVID, which is valuable for informing care strategies. However, evidence comes from predominantly White samples. This is a concern because underrepresentation of Black patients in research and intervention development contribute to racial inequities. OBJECTIVE To facilitate racial equity in long COVID care, the purpose of this qualitative study was to inform the development of care strategies that are responsive to the experiences and perspectives of Black patients with long COVID in the United States of America. METHODS Using convenience sampling, we conducted race-concordant, semi-structured, and open-ended interviews with Black adults (80% female, mean age = 39) who had long COVID. We transcribed and anonymized the recorded interviews. We analyzed the transcripts using inductive, thematic analysis. Theme development focused on who can help or hinder strategies for reducing health inequities, what should be done to change care policies or treatment strategies, and when are the critical timepoints for intervention. RESULTS We developed four main themes. Participants reported challenges before and after COVID testing. Many participants contacted primary care physicians as a first step for long COVID treatment. However, not all respondents had positive experiences and at times felt dismissed. Without a qualifying diagnosis, participants could not obtain disability benefits, which negatively influenced their employment and increased financial hardship. CONCLUSIONS There are possible targets for improving long COVID care, from COVID testing through to long-term treatment plans. There is a need to increase long COVID awareness among physicians. Diagnosis and a standardized treatment plan could help patients avoid unnecessary healthcare utilization and obtain comprehensive support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel S Bergmans
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, University of Michigan, Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Keiyana Chambers-Peeple
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, University of Michigan, Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Deena Aboul-Hassan
- College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Samantha Dell'Imperio
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, University of Michigan, Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Allie Martin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, University of Michigan, Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Riley Wegryn-Jones
- College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lillian Z Xiao
- College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Christine Yu
- College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - David A Williams
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, University of Michigan, Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Daniel J Clauw
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, University of Michigan, Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Melissa DeJonckheere
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Mohammadi A, Nematpour L, Dehaghi BF. Reader fatigue - Electroencephalography findings: A case study in students. Work 2021; 71:209-214. [PMID: 34924414 DOI: 10.3233/wor-205121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental fatigue is usually accompanied by a sense of weariness, reduced alertness, and reduced mental performance, which can lead to accidents, decrease of productivity in workplace and several other health hazards. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess mental fatigue of students while reading for a prolonged duration of time by application of electroencephalography (EEG). METHODS Ten healthy students (27.57±3.4 years; 5 females and 5 males), participated in the study. The experimental design consisted of 5 blocks of 15-min length, in total 75 min for each participant. The experiment was done without any reading activities at the first block. In the following, participants studied the texts and corrected the mistakes. In each block EEG (beta, alpha, and theta power), and the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS) were recorded. RESULTS The mean of the self-assessment of sleepiness by KSS from the first to final 15 minutes were 2.3, 3.4, 4.3, 5.2, and 6.1, respectively. The average power in the theta band decreased from 1.23μV2/Hz at the first 15-min period to 1.02μV2/Hz at the last 15-min period. Also, mean power in the alpha band decreased from 0.85μV2/Hz at the first 15-min period to 0.59μV2/Hz at the last 15-min period. CONCLUSION The study showed that the KSS and EEG activity indicate sleepiness which were highly correlated, with both changing along with performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Mohammadi
- Environmental Technologies Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Leila Nematpour
- Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Behzad Fouladi Dehaghi
- Environmental Technologies Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Bateman L, Bested AC, Bonilla HF, Chheda BV, Chu L, Curtin JM, Dempsey TT, Dimmock ME, Dowell TG, Felsenstein D, Kaufman DL, Klimas NG, Komaroff AL, Lapp CW, Levine SM, Montoya JG, Natelson BH, Peterson DL, Podell RN, Rey IR, Ruhoy IS, Vera-Nunez MA, Yellman BP. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Essentials of Diagnosis and Management. Mayo Clin Proc 2021; 96:2861-2878. [PMID: 34454716 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2021.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) affecting millions of people worldwide, many clinicians lack the knowledge to appropriately diagnose or manage ME/CFS. Unfortunately, clinical guidance has been scarce, obsolete, or potentially harmful. Consequently, up to 91% of patients in the United States remain undiagnosed, and those diagnosed often receive inappropriate treatment. These problems are of increasing importance because after acute COVID-19, a significant percentage of people remain ill for many months with an illness similar to ME/CFS. In 2015, the US National Academy of Medicine published new evidence-based clinical diagnostic criteria that have been adopted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Furthermore, the United States and other governments as well as major health care organizations have recently withdrawn graded exercise and cognitive-behavioral therapy as the treatment of choice for patients with ME/CFS. Recently, 21 clinicians specializing in ME/CFS convened to discuss best clinical practices for adults affected by ME/CFS. This article summarizes their top recommendations for generalist and specialist health care providers based on recent scientific progress and decades of clinical experience. There are many steps that clinicians can take to improve the health, function, and quality of life of those with ME/CFS, including those in whom ME/CFS develops after COVID-19. Patients with a lingering illness that follows acute COVID-19 who do not fully meet criteria for ME/CFS may also benefit from these approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alison C Bested
- Integrative Medicine, Dr Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL
| | - Hector F Bonilla
- Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | | | - Lily Chu
- Independent Consultant, Burlingame, CA.
| | | | | | | | | | - Donna Felsenstein
- Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | | | - Nancy G Klimas
- Institute for Neuro Immune Medicine, Dr Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL
| | | | | | | | - Jose G Montoya
- Dr Jack S. Remington Laboratory for Specialty Diagnostics, Palo Alto Medical Foundation Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Benjamin H Natelson
- Pain & Fatigue Study Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | | | | | - Irma R Rey
- Institute for Neuro Immune Medicine, Dr Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL
| | - Ilene S Ruhoy
- Neurology, Chiari/EDS Center, Mount Sinai South Nassau, Oceanside, NY
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