Category: Treatment

Open-label study of s-citalopram therapy of chronic fatigue syndrome and co-morbid major depressive disorder

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating disorder with prominent symptoms of malaise, fatigue, myalgia, arthralgia, and impaired concentration. The symptoms of CFS may often overlap those of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Treatment of CFS has generally been disappointing. We hypothesized that s-citalopram therapy may improve the symptoms of both disorders in CFS patients with co-morbid depression.

METHODS: 16 patients received s-citalopram 10 mg to 20 mg daily for up to 12 weeks. Outcome measures of CFS included the Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire (CFQ), the multi-dimensional Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS), the CFS symptom rating (CFS-SR) 100 mm visual analogue scale, and the clinical global impressions severity (CGI/S) and change (CGI/C) ratings. Secondary outcomes of MDD included the Hamilton Depression Rating (HAM-D), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the CGI/S and CGI/C ratings of MDD.

RESULTS: We observed reductions in the mean CFQ score (p<0.0005), FIS score (p<0.0005), and CGI/S (p<0.0005) and CGI/C (p<0.0005) ratings over time. There was a significant improvement in 5 of the 8 CFS-SR symptoms: post-exertion malaise (p=0.001), headaches (p<0.0005), un-refreshing sleep (p<0.0005), and impaired memory and concentration (p<0.0005). There was also a reduction in mean HAM-D (p<0.0005), BDI (p<0.0005), CGI/S (p=0.001) and CGI/C (p<0.0005) ratings of MDD.

LIMITATIONS: The sample size was limited and the study design was not double-blind or placebo controlled.

CONCLUSION: We observed a significant reduction in both CFS and co-morbid MDD symptom severity ratings, and improvement in 5 of 8 core somatic symptoms of CFS during s-citalopram therapy.

 

Source: Amsterdam JD, Shults J, Rutherford N. Open-label study of s-citalopram therapy of chronic fatigue syndrome and co-morbid major depressive disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2008 Jan 1;32(1):100-6. Epub 2007 Aug 3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17804135

 

Considerations for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome

Abstract:

The etiology of chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS) is still unknown and under active discussion, but involvement of psychosocial factors appear to be essential for the onset and clinical course of CFS. As CFS patients complain of many stress-related physical and psychological symptom, it is important to understand the CFS from psychosomatic point of view. Not only for the pharmaceutical treatment, attentive consideration is required for treatment of exhaustion of body and mind of CFS patients. Use of anti-depressants or oriental herb medicine is often effective to relieve the anxiety and depressive condition. Furthermore to augment the self-healing potential, psychosomatic approach is important to modify the life style and behavioral characteristics.

 

Source: Murakami M. Considerations for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. Nihon Rinsho. 2007 Jun;65(6):1089-92. [Article in Japanese] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17561702

 

Treatment of chronic fatigue and orthostatic intolerance with propranolol

Abstract:

We describe the effect of propranolol in an adolescent with chronic fatigue syndrome and orthostatic intolerance. Our observations suggest that the head-up tilt-test and beta-blocker treatment might be considered in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and that enhanced sympathetic nervous activity might be part of the underlying pathophysiology.

 

Source: Wyller VB, Thaulow E, Amlie JP. Treatment of chronic fatigue and orthostatic intolerance with propranolol. J Pediatr. 2007 Jun;150(6):654-5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17517256

 

Fibromylagia, chronic fatigue, and adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in the adult: a case study

Abstract:

Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may share common features with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS). In an outpatient psychiatric clinic, a number of adult patients who presented primarily with symptoms of ADHD, predominately inattentive type, also reported unexplained fatigue, widespread musculoskeletal pain or a pre-existing diagnosis of CFS or FMS.

As expected, ADHD pharmacotherapy usually attenuated the core ADHD symptoms of inattention, distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Less expected was the observation that some patients also reported amelioration of pain and fatigue symptoms. The utility of ADHD medications in FMS and CFS states may be their innate arousal and enhanced filtering properties.

This model supposes that FMS and CFS are central processing problems rather than peripheral disorders of muscles and joints.

 

Source: Young JL, Redmond JC. Fibromylagia, chronic fatigue, and adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in the adult: a case study. Psychopharmacol Bull. 2007;40(1):118-26. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17285103

 

Use of valganciclovir in patients with elevated antibody titers against Human Herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) who were experiencing central nervous system dysfunction including long-standing fatigue

Abstract:

BACKGROUND:Twelve patients with long-standing symptoms of central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction were found to have elevated antibody titres to human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). All patients had four or more of the following neurocognitive symptoms: impaired cognitive functioning, slowed processing speed, sleep disturbance, short-term memory deficit, fatigue and symptoms consistent with depression.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine whether elevated antibodies to EBV and HHV-6 indicated chronic viral activation in patients with CNS dysfunction and if their symptoms could be improved by suppressing viral activity with oral valganciclovir.

STUDY DESIGN: Patients with high IgG antibody titers against HHV-6 and EBV who were suffering from central nervous system dysfunction and debilitating fatigue for more than one year (median 3 years, range 1-8 years) were treated with 6 months of valganciclovir in an open label study.

RESULTS: Nine out of 12 (75%) patients experienced near resolution of their symptoms, allowing them all to return to the workforce or full time activites. In the nine patients with a symptomatic response to treatment, EBV VCA IgG titers dropped from 1:2560 to 1:640 (p = 0.008) and HHV-6 IgG titers dropped from a median value of 1:1280 to 1:320 (p = 0.271). Clinically significant hematological toxicity or serious adverse events were not observed among the 12 patients.

CONCLUSION: These preliminary clinical and laboratory observations merit additional studies to establish whether this clinical response is mediated by an antiviral effect of the drug, indirectly via immunomodulation or by placebo effect.

 

Source: Kogelnik AM, Loomis K, Hoegh-Petersen M, Rosso F, Hischier C, Montoya JG. Use of valganciclovir in patients with elevated antibody titers against Human Herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) who were experiencing central nervous system dysfunction including long-standing fatigue. J Clin Virol. 2006 Dec;37 Suppl 1:S33-8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17276366

 

A step backwards for the patients

During the publication of the report on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome / myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS / ME) 9.6.2006 I expressed strong concerns that the report would have negative consequences for patients. Especially I expressed the requirement to undergo graded exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy for the granting of benefits would have disastrous consequences for those affected.

It was unfortunately not many weeks before the statement was true – discounts in insurance law with reference to the findings of the report. In the meta-analysis of the Knowledge Centre  is included internationally criticized studies. They have methodological weaknesses, partly because treatment trials are done on heterogeneous populations (selection bias). It is problematic to generalize findings to patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis, because one cannot know which patients in a heterogeneous group that has benefited from the treatment. Those who wrote the report chose knowingly omitting information about major user surveys showing that graded exercise therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy generally either do not work or are injured.

You can read the rest of this comment here:  http://tidsskriftet.no/2006/10/brev-til-redaktoren/et-tilbakeskritt-pasientene

 

Source: Stormorken E. A step backwards for the patients. Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 2006 Oct 19;126(20):2688-9; author reply 2689. [Article in Norwegian] http://tidsskriftet.no/2006/10/brev-til-redaktoren/et-tilbakeskritt-pasientene (Full article)

Favourable results of a rehabilitation programme with cognitive behavioural therapy and graded physical activity in patients with the chronic-fatigue syndrome

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a specific course of interdisciplinary rehabilitation might lead to clinically significant changes in fatigue, experienced disability and physical function in patients with the chronic-fatigue syndrome (CFS).

DESIGN: Prospective and uncontrolled.

METHOD: ‘Het Roessingh’, a rehabilitation centre in Enschede, the Netherlands, has developed an interdisciplinary clinical rehabilitation programme for patients with CFS in cooperation with the ‘Nijmeegs Kenniscentrum Chronische Vermoeidheid’ [Chronic-Fatigue Knowledge Centre] in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. In this programme, physical, mental and social activities are gradually increased on the basis of cognitive behavioural principles and graded activity. Of the 127 successive persons who enrolled for the therapy during the period from August 2000 to December 2004, 99 fulfilled the inclusion criteria; they had a median duration of symptoms of 6 years. The results of treatment were evaluated by a measurement with the ‘Checklist individuele spankracht’ [Checklist individual muscle tone] before and after treatment and the scores on the ‘Patiëntspecifieke beperkingen’ [Patient-specific disability] and the Short form-36. The measured data were complete in 74 patients.

RESULTS: Before rehabilitation, the levels of fatigue, disability and distress were high. After treatment, the studied population showed significant improvement in fatigue, experienced disability and physical function. The magnitude of the improvement was generally ‘average’. At the end of treatment, 70% of the patients were clinically less fatigued, 68% experienced less disability and 55% functioned better physically. In 34% the level of fatigue was normalised after treatment, but 9.5% of the patients was more fatigue.

CONCLUSION: The rehabilitation programme offered for CFS led to significant improvements in function and fatigue.

Comment in: [Treatment of patients with the chronic-fatigue syndrome]. [Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2006]

 

Source: Torenbeek M, Mes CA, van Liere MJ, Schreurs KM, ter Meer R, Kortleven GC, Warmerdam CG. Favourable results of a rehabilitation programme with cognitive behavioural therapy and graded physical activity in patients with the chronic-fatigue syndrome. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2006 Sep 23;150(38):2088-94. [Article in Dutch] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17036861

 

 

Treatment of patients with the chronic-fatigue syndrome

Abstract:

In the last few years, the chronic-fatigue syndrome has been recognised as an important health problem. In a recent report, the Health Council of the Netherlands suggested that the capacity for treatment be increased. Cognitive behavioural therapy and graded exercise training are treatment options of first choice.

A recently published, uncontrolled evaluation of a Dutch clinical rehabilitation programme based partly on these methods proved to be successful. Unfortunately, due to the uncontrolled character of the study, it remains unclear which elements in the treatment were responsible for the success. Which patients should be included in a costly clinical rehabilitation programme also remains unclear. More in general, there is room for empirical studies of treatment allocation, not in the least because of the frequently occurring comorbidity. Good progress has been made in the treatment of the chronic-fatigue syndrome, but we are still far removed from evidence-based, stepped care, treatment programmes.

Comment on: [Favourable results of a rehabilitation programme with cognitive behavioural therapy and graded physical activity in patients with the chronic-fatigue syndrome]. [Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2006]

 

Source: Jonker K, van Hemert AM. Treatment of patients with the chronic-fatigue syndrome. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2006 Sep 23;150(38):2067-8. [Article in Dutch] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17036854

 

An investigation of the long-term benefits of antidepressant medication in the recovery of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome

Abstract:

Two hundred and seventy-five patients fulfilling the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) criteria for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) completed measures assessing illness history, global ratings of well being, sleep, activity and psychopathology at baseline, 6 months, 18 months and 3 year follow-up. Forty-nine of these patients had been prescribed antidepressant medication, namely Tricyclic drugs or Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRI).

Data from the current study suggests that patients in the antidepressant medication group recover at a faster rate over time when compared to the untreated patient sample. In addition, the positive effects of antidepressant therapy are maintained at the 3-year follow-up point. It appears from these data that the SSRI in particular are responsible for improvements in the condition. Most importantly, these improvements include a reduction in the levels of fatigue recorded by patients. These findings have not been demonstrated in previous studies of the effect of antidepressant therapy for patients with this illness and this may reflect the short time periods studied in the earlier research.

 

Source: Thomas MA, Smith AP. An investigation of the long-term benefits of antidepressant medication in the recovery of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Hum Psychopharmacol. 2006 Dec;21(8):503-9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16981220

 

Azithromycin in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), an analysis of clinical data

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: CFS is a clinical state with defined symptoms, but undefined cause. The patients may show a chronic state of immune activation and treatment with an antibiotic in this subgroup has been suggested.

METHODS: In a retrospective study, the response of CFS patients to azithromycin, an antibiotic and immunomodulating drug, has been scored from the patients records and compared with clinical and laboratory data. Azithromycin was not the first choice therapy, but offered when the effect of counseling and L-carnitine was considered insufficient by the patient and the clinician.

RESULTS: Of the 99 patients investigated, 58 reported a decrease in the symptoms by the use of azithromycin. These responding patients had lower levels of plasma acetylcarnitine.

CONCLUSION: The efficacy of azithromycin in the responsive patients could be explained by the modulating effect on a chronic primed state of the immune cells of the brain, or the activated peripheral immune system. Their lower acetylcarnitine levels may reflect a decreased antioxidant defense and/or an increased consumption of acetylcarnitine caused by oxidative stress.

 

Source: Vermeulen RC, Scholte HR. Azithromycin in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), an analysis of clinical data. J Transl Med. 2006 Aug 15;4:34. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1562448/ (Full article)