Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: To review the literature and current research about the causes of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
DATA SOURCES: Recent research articles about CFS and data gathered by the author.
STUDY SELECTION: Performed by the author.
DATA EXTRACTION: Performed by the author.
DATA SYNTHESIS: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disease of pain, excessive fatigue after minor exertion, cognitive difficulties, and other symptoms-all occurring in cycles. While its etiology is unclear, CFS is associated with abnormal results of immune system tests. There is no specific marker for the illness. Treatment is symptomatic, and the long-term outlook for recovery is good.
CONCLUSION: A rational, symptomatic approach to treating CFS patients can be made using the model developed at the author’s institution. Research into the causes of CFS must continue.
Source: Lanham RJ. Chronic fatigue syndrome: a diagnostic challenge for the laboratory. Clin Lab Sci. 1994 Sep-Oct;7(5):279-82. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10150382