Tag: review

Chronic fatigue syndrome: review of the literature

Abstract:

Chronic fatigue syndrome, previously known as chronic mononucleosis or post-infectious fatigue, is a poorly understood illness characterized by chronic debilitating fatigue, recurrent flu-like symptoms, and few clinical or laboratory abnormalities. Attention was briefly focused on the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) as a causal agent, but that hypothesis is now in serious doubt. While a significant incidence of psychiatric illness has been demonstrated among patients with the chronic fatigue syndrome, there is also evidence of subtle immune system abnormalities, leading some researchers to postulate a multi-factorial psycho-immune cause.

 

Source: Turgeon SA. Chronic fatigue syndrome: review of the literature. Can Fam Physician. 1989 Oct;35:2061-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21249084

Note: You can read the full article here:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2280912/

 

Epstein-Barr virus and the chronic fatigue syndrome: a short review

Abstract:

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), previously known as neuroasthenia is often considered to be due to psychiatric causes. Evidence for a possible role for the Epstein-Barr virus in CFS is summarized. A plea is made for physicians to accept CFS as a non-psychiatric chronic illness to encourage further research into a clear definition of the syndrome.

 

Source: Jones JF. Epstein-Barr virus and the chronic fatigue syndrome: a short review. Microbiol Sci. 1988 Dec;5(12):366-9.  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2856301

 

The chronic fatigue syndrome (myalgic encephalomyelitis)–myth or mystery?

Abstract:

The chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or myalgic encephalomyelitis has caused great confusion, misunderstanding and perhaps even mismanagement of many persons presenting with a variety of combinations of ill-defined complaints. The history, possible pathogenesis and clinical features, of what is probably in most instances a post-viral infection syndrome, are reviewed. The recent Centers for Disease Control case definition is summarised and simplified. The need for such uniformity of definition, acceptable to most workers in the field, is emphasised in order to facilitate further studies into the cause, diagnosis, course and treatment of CFS. The difficulty in treating this condition and the currently recommended management are described. Double-blind controlled studies are essential in assessing any proposed new treatment.

 

Source: Spracklen FH. The chronic fatigue syndrome (myalgic encephalomyelitis)–myth or mystery? S Afr Med J. 1988 Nov 5;74(9):448-52. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3055363