Tag: fatigue

Relationship between chronic fatigue and subjective symptoms of fatigue with performance status (P.S.) and subjective fatigue scale for young adults (SFS-Y)

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: Today, fatigue complaints in adolescence are regarded as an issue for young adults as they may progress to the chronic fatigue syndrome. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between chronic fatigue based on self-reported performance states (P.S.) and subjective symptoms of fatigue assessed with a fatigue scale for young adults (SFS-Y).

METHOD: The SFS-Y consisted of 24 item questions represonting 6 sub-scales, for difficulty in concentrated thinking, languor, reduced activation, reduced motivation, drowsiness and feeling of physical disintegration. The SFS-Y and for assessing fatigue symptoms and P.S. for chronic fatigue were administered to 548 male and female students aged 15-18 yr and to 608 male students aged 16-18 yr, respectively. Discriminant analysis and a logistic analysis model were employed to define the relevance of subjective symptoms of fatigue to chronic fatigue.

RESULTS: It was determined that the SFS-Y can discliminate P.S. with high probability (74.0-81.4%), with accuracy beyond a fixed level. In particular, the correlation with “difficulty in concentrated thinking” was high.

CONCLUSION: It was judged that the SFS-Y is effective as an index for discrimination of chronic fatigue in young adults with a particularly high relationship between “difficulty in centrated thinking” and chronic fatigue.

 

Source: Kobayashi H, Demura S. Relationship between chronic fatigue and subjective symptoms of fatigue with performance status (P.S.) and subjective fatigue scale for young adults (SFS-Y). Nihon Koshu Eisei Zasshi. 2002 Oct;49(10):1062-9. [Article in Japanese] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12462040

 

Fatigue in chronic migraine patients

Abstract:

Fatigue is a common symptom frequently reported in many disorders including headaches, but little is known about its nature. The objective was to determine the prevalence of fatigue in chronic migraine (CM) patients, to define its subtypes and its relationship with other conditions comorbid with CM. Sixty-three CM patients were analysed. The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), the Chalder fatigue scale and the CDC diagnostic criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) were used. Fifty-three (84.1%) patients had FSS scores greater than 27. Forty-two (66.7%) patients met the CDC criteria for CFS. Thirty-two patients (50.8%) met the modified CDC criteria (without headache). Beck depression scores correlated with FSS, mental and physical fatigue scores. Trait anxiety scores also correlated with fatigue scales. Women had higher FSS scores than men, P < 0.05. Physical fatigue was associated with fibromyalgia, P < 0.05. Fatigue as a symptom and CFS as a disorder are both common in CM patients. Therapeutic interventions include a graded aerobic exercise program, cognitive behavioural therapy and antidepressants. Identification of fatigue and its subtypes in headache disorders and recognition of headaches in CFS patients has implications for the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of these disorders.

 

Source: Peres MF, Zukerman E, Young WB, Silberstein SD. Fatigue in chronic migraine patients. Cephalalgia. 2002 Nov;22(9):720-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12421157

 

Brain regions involved in fatigue sensation: reduced acetylcarnitine uptake into the brain

Abstract:

Fatigue is an indispensable sense for ordering rest. However, the neuronal and molecular mechanisms of fatigue remain unclear. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) with long-lasting fatigue sensation seems to be a good model for studying these mechanisms underlying fatigue sensation.

Recently, we found that most patients with CFS showed a low level of serum acetylcarnitine, which well correlated with the rating score of fatigue, and that a considerable amount of acetyl moiety of serum acetylcarnitine is taken up into the brain. Here we show by metabolite analysis of the mouse brain that an acetyl moiety taken up into the brain through acetylcarnitine is mainly utilized for the biosynthesis of glutamate.

When we studied the cerebral uptake of acetylcarnitine by using [2-(11)C]acetyl-L-carnitine in 8 patients with CFS and in 8 normal age- and sex-matched controls, a significant decrease was found in several regions of the brains of the patient group, namely, in the prefrontal (Brodmann’s area 9/46d) and temporal (BA21 and 41) cortices, anterior cingulate (BA24 and 33), and cerebellum.

These findings suggest that the levels of biosynthesis of neurotransmitters through acetylcarnitine might be reduced in some brain regions of chronic fatigue patients and that this abnormality might be one of the keys to unveiling the mechanisms of the chronic fatigue sensation.

 

Source: Kuratsune H, Yamaguti K, Lindh G, Evengård B, Hagberg G, Matsumura K, Iwase M, Onoe H, Takahashi M, Machii T, Kanakura Y, Kitani T, Långström B, Watanabe Y. Brain regions involved in fatigue sensation: reduced acetylcarnitine uptake into the brain. Neuroimage. 2002 Nov;17(3):1256-65. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12414265

 

Role of fatigue in limiting physical activities in humans with neuromuscular diseases

Abstract:

New methods of examining both central and peripheral fatigue are now available. A broader understanding of the mechanisms of fatigue in healthy human subjects has begun to emerge. The mechanisms of fatigue in patients with various neuromuscular diseases are even more complex than in healthy persons. Examples of both central and peripheral fatigue in various neuromuscular diseases and other disorders are presented, including metabolic myopathy, chronic fatigue syndrome, postpolio syndrome, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

 

Source: Miller RG. Role of fatigue in limiting physical activities in humans with neuromuscular diseases. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2002 Nov;81(11 Suppl):S99-107. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12409815

 

Asthenia in adolescents

Abstract:

Fatigue is defined as a subjective sensation of tiredness or weariness that occurs at rest. The perception of fatigue among 12-15 years-old Italian adolescents in a school survey was about 70%. Generally the symptoms are reported after a viral illness or an infection. In adolescents with persistent or severe fatigue a selected screening evaluation to look for an underlying organic disorder is warranted. A practical diagnostic approach is given and a brief description of chronic fatigue syndrome is reported according to CDC revised diagnostic criteria published in 1997.

 

Source: De Sanctis V, Mangiagli A, Campisi S, Raiola G. Asthenia in adolescents. Minerva Pediatr. 2002 Dec;54(6):631-7. [Article in Italian] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12388954

 

Chronic fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome: a co-twin control study of functional status

Abstract:

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and the symptom of chronic fatigue may be accompanied by substantial functional disability. A volunteer sample of twins discordant for fatigue was identified from throughout the US. Fatigued twins were classified using three increasingly stringent definitions: (1) > or = 6 months of fatigue (119 pairs); (2) CFS-like illness based on self-report of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CFS research definition criteria (74 pairs); and (3) CFS assessed by clinical examination (22 pairs). Twins with chronic fatigue were compared with their unaffected co-twins on the eight standard scales and two physical and mental component summary scales from the medical outcomes study short-form health survey (SF-36). Substantial impairment was observed for fatigued twins across all levels of fatigue, while scores in the healthy twins were similar to US population values. Mean scores among fatigued twins on the physical and mental component summary scales were below 97 and 77%, respectively, of the US population scores. Diminished functional status was found across increasingly stringent classifications of fatigue and was associated with a dramatic decrement in physical functioning. The symptom of fatigue has a pronounced impact on functional status, especially in the domain of physical functioning.

 

Source: Herrell R, Goldberg J, Hartman S, Belcourt M, Schmaling K, Buchwald D. Chronic fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome: a co-twin control study of functional status. Qual Life Res. 2002 Aug;11(5):463-71. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12113393

 

Fatigue after breast cancer and in chronic fatigue syndrome: similarities and differences

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: Fatigue is investigated in 57 severely fatigued disease-free breast cancer patients and in 57 gender- and age-matched patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) using multidimensional and multimethod assessment. A comparison between these groups of patients is important to determine whether a cognitive behavioural intervention to reduce fatigue in CFS patients would be appropriate as well for severely fatigued disease-free breast cancer patients.

METHODS: Measurement included computerised questionnaires and a standardised neuropsychological test. Furthermore, patients filled out a daily Self-Observation List (SOL) and wore an actometer during a period of 12 days.

RESULTS: In comparison to severely fatigued disease-free breast cancer patients, CFS patients score more problematic with regard to the level of fatigue, functional impairment, physical activity, pain and self-efficacy. However, a subgroup of severely fatigued disease-free breast cancer patients reports the same amount of problems as CFS patients with regard to psychological well-being, sleep and concentration. Finally, CFS patients and severely fatigued breast cancer patients score equal on measures of social support.

CONCLUSION: There seem to be some similarities but also many differences between severely fatigued breast cancer survivors and females with CFS. Therefore, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) to reduce fatigue after treatment for cancer should also differ in certain aspects from cognitive behaviour therapy as it has been developed for patients with CFS.

 

Source: Servaes P, Prins J, Verhagen S, Bleijenberg G. Fatigue after breast cancer and in chronic fatigue syndrome: similarities and differences. J Psychosom Res. 2002 Jun;52(6):453-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12069869

 

Mediators of inflammation and their interaction with sleep: relevance for chronic fatigue syndrome and related conditions

Abstract:

In humans, activation of the primary host defense system leads to increased or decreased NREM sleep quality, depending on the degree of early immune activation. Modest elevations of certain inflammatory cytokines are found during experimental sleep loss in humans and, in addition, relatively small elevations of cytokines are seen following commencement of pharmacological treatments with clozapine, a CNS active antipsychotic agent, known to have immunomodulatory properties. Cytokines such as TNF-alpha, its soluble receptors, and IL-6, present in the periphery and the CNS, comprise a link between peripheral immune stimulation and CNS-mediated behaviors and experiences such as sleep, sleepiness, and fatigue. The debilitating fatigue experienced in chronic fatigue syndrome and related diseases may also be related to altered cytokine profiles.

 

Source: Mullington JM, Hinze-Selch D, Pollmächer T. Mediators of inflammation and their interaction with sleep: relevance for chronic fatigue syndrome and related conditions.  Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2001 Mar;933:201-10. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12000021

 

Effects of staphylococcus toxoid vaccine on pain and fatigue in patients with fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue syndrome

Abstract:

Positive results of pilot studies of the effect of staphylococcus toxoid vaccine in patients with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome were the incitement to the present, placebo-controlled study. It included 28 patients who fulfilled the criteria for both fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

The effect of vaccination with a staphylococcus toxoid was compared with the effect of injections of sterile water. Psychometric assessment was made using 15 items from the comprehensive psychopathological rating scale (CPRS), Zung’s self-rating depression scale and clinical global impressions (CGI). The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to measure pain levels, and a hand-held electronic pressure algometer was used to measure pressure pain thresholds.

Significant improvement was seen in seven of the 15 CPRS items in the vaccine group when pretreatment values were compared to post-treatment values. In CPRS <<fatiguability>>, there were significant intergroup differences, and in CPRS <<pain>> intergroup differences bordered on significance. There was no significant improvement in CPRS items in the placebo group.

Clinical global impressions showed significant improvement in the vaccine-treated group, and VAS did so in both groups. In a follow-up study of 23 patients, the vaccine treatment was continued for 2-6 years. Fifty percent were rehabilitated successfully and resumed half-time or full-time work. The results of this study support the authors>> hypothesis that treatment with staphylococcus toxoid may be a fruitful strategy in patients with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Copyright 1998 European Federation of Chapters of the International Association for the Study of Pain.

 

Source: Andersson M, Bagby JR, Dyrehag L, Gottfries C. Effects of staphylococcus toxoid vaccine on pain and fatigue in patients with fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue syndrome. Eur J Pain. 1998;2(2):133-142. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10700309

 

Patients with fatigue in family practice: prevalence and treatment

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To gain insight into the prevalence and treatment of severe fatigue in general practice.

DESIGN: Secondary data analysis.

METHOD: By means of an episode-oriented morbidity registration by 54 GPs throughout the Netherlands over the period 1985-1994 it was established how often in the course of one year ‘fatigue’ was listed as the reason for consultation, what diagnoses were then made, how long episodes of care because of ‘fatigue’ lasted and what interventions took place (n = 93,297). Of the patients with a care episode because of ‘fatigue’ lasting at least 6 months, age, sex, comorbidity and consumption of care were established; for this purpose use was also made of a file containing data on 4 years in succession (n = 9630).

RESULTS: Per annum, 92 per 1000 listed patients consulted the GP because of fatigue. Somatic or psychic diagnoses were made in 27.7 per 1000 patients listed. The episode of care lasted 4 weeks at most in 86% and at least 6 months in approximately 4%. The GPs’ management of patients with ‘fatigue’ included physical examination in 63% and blood testing in 34%, conversation in 35%, prescription of medication in 24% and referral to a specialist in 3%. Of the 97 patients with fatigue lasting longer than 6 months, 61% had a chronic disease or psychic problems.

CONCLUSION: Fatigue is frequently encountered in general practice, but the estimate that one per 1000 listed patients meets the criteria of the chronic fatigue syndrome looks a little high. It appears that GPs, in accordance with recommendations, mostly adopt a policy of wait and see.

 

Source: Kenter EG, Okkes IM. Patients with fatigue in family practice: prevalence and treatment. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 1999 Apr 10;143(15):796-801. [Article in Dutch] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10347643