Category: Recovery/Prognosis

Chronic fatigue syndrome in Minnesota

Abstract:

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), an illness characterized by debilitating fatigue and a number of associated symptoms, was identified in 135 patients using the case definition provided in 1988. The demographic features of these patients, 97% of whom resided in Minnesota, were similar to those reported elsewhere.

About three-fourths of the cases occurred between 1984 and 1989, and in 123 (91.1%), the illness began with what appeared to be an acute infection. Patients had been ill for an average of 4.3 years before enrollment in the study.

Fatigue was their most troublesome symptom, although a majority of the patients rated most of the general symptoms and neuropsychological complaints associated with CFS as moderate or severe. Follow-up data obtained on 62 patients one year after initial evaluation revealed that none had completely recovered. However, about 40% reported some improvement in each of the CFS symptoms.

 

Source: Peterson PK, Schenck CH, Sherman R. Chronic fatigue syndrome in Minnesota. Minn Med. 1991 May;74(5):21-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1861659

 

Medical aspects of delayed convalescence

Abstract:

Disease and illness are not synonymous. In most instances, disease is demonstrable by anatomic, physiologic, biochemical, microbiologic, or immunologic abnormalities. Disease is a pathologic process. Not all persons with a disease are sick or ill. Symptoms of illness associated with a disease may be manifest or persist after the disease has disappeared.

The absence of demonstrable disease, however, does not necessarily mean that symptoms of illness are unreal. Recovery from disease and recovery from illness are not always equated. Many factors, including personal characteristics and social circumstances, can be responsible for recovery from disease and illness.

Chronic fatigue syndrome or symptoms of illness can persist in some patients but not in others after many different diseases.

 

Source: Cluff LE. Medical aspects of delayed convalescence. Rev Infect Dis. 1991 Jan-Feb;13 Suppl 1:S138-40.  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2020799