Category: Alternative Treatments

The use of transfer factors in chronic fatigue syndrome: prospects and problems

Abstract:

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by severe prolonged unexplained fatigue and a variety of associated symptoms such as arthralgias, myalgias, cognitive dysfunction, and severe sleep disturbances.

Many patients initially present with an acute onset of apparent infectious origin with either an upper respiratory or gastrointestinal illness, fever, chills, tender lymphadenopathy, and malaise suggestive of a flu-like illness. In some cases, specific viral infections can be identified at the outset, particularly herpes viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6), and cytomegalovirus (CMV).

Transfer factors (TF) with specific activity against these herpes viruses has been documented. With some studies suggesting that persistent viral activity may play a role in perpetuation of CFS symptoms, there appears to be a rationale for the use of TF in patients with CFS and recent reports have suggested that transfer factor may play a beneficial role in this disorder.

This report focuses on the heterogeneity of CFS, the necessity for randomized coded studies, the importance of patient selection and sub-classification in clinical trials, and the need to utilize specific end-points for determining efficacy of treatment.

 

Source: Levine PH. The use of transfer factors in chronic fatigue syndrome: prospects and problems. Biotherapy. 1996;9(1-3):77-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8993762

 

EEG biofeedback as a treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome: a controlled case report

Abstract:

EEG neurofeedback has been identified as a potential diagnostic and treatment protocol with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) symptoms. In the present case study, the authors applied an EEG neurofeedback biofeedback paradigm as a treatment modality with a CFS patient. Baseline data were acquired using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised and qualitative and subjective ratings of cognitive improvement. Test results and clinical findings revealed improvements in the patient’s cognitive abilities, functional skill level, and quality of life. The patient showed significant differences in pre- and posttest levels on the Wechsler scale.

 

Source: James LC, Folen RA. EEG biofeedback as a treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome: a controlled case report. Behav Med. 1996 Summer;22(2):77-81. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8879459

 

Eicosanoids and essential fatty acid modulation in chronic disease and the chronic fatigue syndrome

Erratum in: Med Hypotheses 1995 Aug;45(2):219.

 

Abstract:

Abnormalities of Essential Fatty Acid (EFA) incorporation into phospholipid are found in chronic diseases. More recently changes in circulating EFA metabolites (EFAM) together with EFAM hypo-responsiveness of immune cells and EFAM production from cells have been found associated with disease.

We hypothesize that changes in ratio of EFAMs are the normal physiological responses to stressors, but when stressors are excessive or prolonged, EFAM systems may become unpredictably hypo-responsive owing to factors such as receptor down regulation and substrate depletion. In time, many homeostatic system become deranged and held in that state by minor stressors.

Literature review of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) shows hyper and hypo-responsiveness in immune function, several Hypothalamo-Pituitary (HP) axes and sympathetic nervous system, all relatable to dysfunctional changes in EFA metabolism.

For the first time, we explain chronic immune system activation and hypo-responsive immune function in CFS; through EFAMs. Dietary EFA modulation (DEFA) can alter ratios of both membrane EFAs and produced EFAMs, and if maintained can restore hypo-responsive function.

We discuss dietary strategies and relevance in CFS, and a case series of CFS patients applying DEFA with other titrated published managements which saw 90% gaining improvement within 3 months and more than 2/3 fit for full time duties. This hypothesis and DEFA may have relevance in other chronic conditions.

 

Source: Gray JB, Martinovic AM. Eicosanoids and essential fatty acid modulation in chronic disease and the chronic fatigue syndrome. Med Hypotheses. 1994 Jul;43(1):31-42. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7968718

 

Breathing retraining: effect on anxiety and depression scores in behavioural breathlessness

Abstract:

Thirty-six patients underwent assessment of behavioural breathlessness which included monitoring of breathing patterns and end tidal CO2 concentration and completion of questionnaires relating to hyperventilation (HV), anxiety and depression. Twenty-two patients had a positive assessment and underwent breathing retraining. Assessments were repeated immediately after re-training and 2 months later. Ten of the patients (Group A) had behavioural breathlessness either as the primary problem or secondary to an established clinical condition, and twelve (Group B) in association with chronic fatigue.

Before re-training, resting end-tidal PCO2 was significantly lower in Group A than Group B (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in mean scores for HV-related symptoms, anxiety or depression. Following breathing retraining, both groups showed improvements in breathing patterns, end tidal CO2 levels and scores for HV-related symptoms which were sustained. In Group A the mean score for anxiety decreased (p < 0.01) and the score for depression was significantly lower than in Group B (p < 0.05). Although mean scores for anxiety and depression in Group B did not change significantly, some individuals in the group did show sustained improvement.

There was no improvement in symptoms associated with chronic fatigue in Group B. In behavioural breathlessness, breathing retraining is of benefit, not only in restoring more normal patterns of breathing but also in reducing anxiety, particularly in patients without the complication of chronic fatigue.

 

Source: Tweeddale PM, Rowbottom I, McHardy GJ. Breathing retraining: effect on anxiety and depression scores in behavioural breathlessness. J Psychosom Res. 1994 Jan;38(1):11-21. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8126685

 

Amma therapy: a holistic approach to chronic fatigue syndrome

Abstract:

A significant number of people suffering with chronic fatigue syndrome have become more and more discouraged by the traditional medical approach, which seems to lack the proper perspective on the disease. Unfortunately, very little published information is available about specific holistic health management practices used for these patients. It is the purpose of this article to examine a specific holistic practice, called Amma Therapy, as an alternative approach for the management of this syndrome.

 

Source: Young A. Amma therapy: a holistic approach to chronic fatigue syndrome. J Holist Nurs. 1993 Jun;11(2):172-82. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8277135

 

Disagreeing on how to treat CFS patients

Comment on: Chronic fatigue syndrome. A fresh look at an old problem. [Can Fam Physician. 1993]

 

There are some unfortunate inaccuracies in the article “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.”‘ While the general information is useful in a very basic sense, two of the so-called “fresh look” items are inaccurate and misleading.

First, Dr McSherry suggests that “Oral magnesium supplements are indicated for CFS patients with subnormal red blood cell magnesium levels….” Presumably this recommendation comes from Dr McSherry’s reference to the study done by Cox et al. In this paper, red blood cell magnesium levels were found to be lower in patients diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) than in a matched normal group, and patients were found to improve with intramuscular injections of 50% magnesium sulphate (1 g in 2 mL) every week for 6 weeks. However, oral magnesium has not been tested for its effectiveness in patients with CFS. Dr McSherry’s recommendation to use oral magnesium is, therefore, inaccurate and misleading.

You can read the rest of this comment here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2379656/pdf/canfamphys00111-0026b.pdf

 

Source: Leyton E. Disagreeing on how to treat CFS patients. Can Fam Physician. 1993 May;39:1022-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2379656/

 

Unproven diet therapies in the treatment of the chronic fatigue syndrome

Abstract:

This report is a review of the unproven diet therapies recommended for individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Diet therapies promoted for the relief of CFS symptoms by the authors of five CSF self-help books were evaluated on the basis of nutritional adequacy and scientific rationale.

Unproven diet therapies for patients with CFS include megavitamin/mineral supplements; royal jelly and other dietary supplements; and elimination, avoidance, and rotation diets. Claims that these therapies relieve CFS symptoms and promote recovery are anecdotal and have not been substantiated by clinical research.

The yeast-avoidance and sugar-free diets, both promoted to combat Candida albicans overgrowth, are of questionable value in treating patients with CFS. The rotation diet is not balanced and does not meet the current recommended dietary intake levels. Diet strategies that call for the avoidance of food additives, preservatives, sweeteners, and other ingredients are not supported by available evidence and are not practical for patients with CFS.

A diet plan for patients with CFS should be based on sound nutritional principles and common sense. Until the results of studies demonstrating the benefits of particular diet therapies in the management of CFS are available, patients with CFS are advised to eat a varied diet selected from among and within the basic food groups to ensure an adequate nutrient intake and to reach and maintain a reasonable body weight.

 

Source: Morris DH, Stare FJ. Unproven diet therapies in the treatment of the chronic fatigue syndrome. Arch Fam Med. 1993 Feb;2(2):181-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8275187

 

Isolated diastolic dysfunction of the myocardium and its response to CoQ10 treatment

Abstract:

Symptoms of fatigue and activity impairment, atypical precordial pain, and cardiac arrhythmia frequently precede by years the development of congestive heart failure.

Of 115 patients with these symptoms, 60 were diagnosed as having hypertensive cardiovascular disease, 27 mitral valve prolapse syndrome, and 28 chronic fatigue syndrome. These symptoms are common with diastolic dysfunction, and diastolic function is energy dependent. All patients had blood pressure, clinical status, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) blood levels and echocardiographic measurement of diastolic function, systolic function, and myocardial thickness recorded before and after CoQ10 replacement.

At control, 63 patients were functional class III and 54 class II; all showed diastolic dysfunction; the mean CoQ10 blood level was 0.855 micrograms/ml; 65%, 15%, and 7% showed significant myocardial hypertrophy, and 87%, 30%, and 11% had elevated blood pressure readings in hypertensive disease, mitral valve prolapse and chronic fatigue syndrome respectively. Except for higher blood pressure levels and more myocardial thickening in the hypertensive patients, there was little difference between the three groups.

CoQ10 administration resulted in improvement in all; reduction in high blood pressure in 80%, and improvement in diastolic function in all patients with follow-up echocardiograms to date; a reduction in myocardial thickness in 53% of hypertensives and 36% of the combined prolapse and fatigue syndrome groups; and a reduced fractional shortening in those high at control and an increase in those initially low.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

 

Source: Langsjoen PH, Langsjoen PH, Folkers K. Isolated diastolic dysfunction of the myocardium and its response to CoQ10 treatment. Clin Investig. 1993;71(8 Suppl):S140-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8241699

 

A case of chronic fatigue syndrome who showed a beneficial effect by intravenous administration of magnesium sulphate

Abstract:

We have treated a case of chronic fatigue syndrome with atopic diathesis was had suffered general malaise, low grade fever, swelling of the lymph nodes, myalgias and arthralgias for a long time.

A 29-year-old female, who had been treated for atopic dermatitis for 5 years, complained of general malaise in May 1990. She was admitted to the nearest hospital in December 1990 because of low grade fever, swelling of the lymph nodes and an elevation of antinuclear antibody (2520x). She was transferred to our hospital in May 1991.

A diagnosis of collagen disease was not compatible with her condition. In addition to general malaise, fever and lymph node swelling, headache, myalgias, muscle weakness, arthralgias and insomnia were observed, and a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome was made based on the working case definition proposed by Holmes et al.

Although eosinophilia, a high serum level of IgE, and elevation of RAST scores, low NK and ADCC activity, and a reduced level of NK cells in the peripheral blood were detected, serum antibodies to a number of viruses were in the normal range.

Treatments with non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, minor tranquilizers and antidepressant drugs were not effective at all. An administration of magnesium sulphate was intravenously performed once a week in order to improve her condition, especially severe general malaise. After about 6-week’s administration of magnesium sulphate, she noticed reduced easy fatigability and an improvement in her impaired daily activities. Finally she was able to leave the hospital in January 1992.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

 

Source: Takahashi H, Imai K, Katanuma A, Sugaya T, Hisano K, Motoya S, Aoki S, Sugiyama T, Yachi. A case of chronic fatigue syndrome who showed a beneficial effect by intravenous administration of magnesium sulphate. Arerugi. 1992 Nov;41(11):1605-10. [Article in Japanese] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1492795

 

Chronic fatigue syndrome: studies on skeletal muscle

Abstract:

Chronic fatigue syndrome represents a poorly defined disease with protean clinical manifestations, the majority of them expressed as a muscle fatigue or as inability to maintain the expected muscle strength.

In the present work we studied muscle function and muscle histopathology in 20 patients fulfilling the proposed criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome. Special interest is directed towards the immunoreactive expression of class I MHC molecules comparing some inflammatory and virus-related myopathies with muscles from chronic fatigue syndrome.

Only minor morphological changes were detected in 9 out of 20 patients of the series. The nonspecific morphological changes in muscle tissue and the lack of class I MHC expression does not support the viral etiology of muscle fatigue in chronic fatigue syndrome. In contrast with the reported clinical improvement with high doses of essential fatty acids, our patients’ clinical condition did not improve after three months of L-carnitine therapy.

 

Source: Grau JM, Casademont J, Pedrol E, Fernández-Solà J, Cardellach F, Barros N, Urbano-Márquez A. Chronic fatigue syndrome: studies on skeletal muscle. Clin Neuropathol. 1992 Nov-Dec;11(6):329-32. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1473316