Forgot your password?
New user?
0-9 - A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
NORD is very grateful to K. Kimberly McCleary, President & CEO, The CFIDS Association of America, for assistance in the preparation of this report.
Synonyms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- CFIDS
- CFS
- Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome
Disorder Subdivisions
- No subdivisions found.
General Discussion
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue and other related symptoms. Standards for the diagnosis of CFS have been defined by researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These include excessive fatigue that does not respond to bed rest, combined with four or more of the following symptoms: substantial impairment in short-term memory or concentration; sore throat; tender lymph nodes; muscle pain; pain in multiple joints without redness or stiffness; headaches of a new type, pattern or severity; unrefreshing sleep; and a general feeling of ill health (malaise) for up to 24 hours after exertion.
Chronic fatigue syndrome has generated significant debate and controversy in the medical community. It remains a poorly understood and potentially debilitating illness. Scientists believe chronic fatigue syndrome is not contagious and that multiple factors including immunological, genetic, environmental ones working in combination cause the development of chronic fatigue syndrome. Laboratory tests (blood, urine, etc.) are of little value in diagnosing the syndrome.
Symptoms
After years of debate and controversy, chronic fatigue syndrome has been defined by an international group of physicians brought together by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To receive a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome, a patient must satisfy two criteria:
Have severe chronic fatigue of six months or longer duration with other known medical conditions excluded by clinical diagnosis, and
Concurrently, have four or more of the following symptoms: substantial impairment in short-term memory or concentration; sore throat; tender lymph nodes; muscle pain; multi-joint pain without swelling or redness; headaches of a new type, pattern or severity; unrefreshing sleep; and post-exertional malaise lasting more than 24 hours.
The symptoms must have persisted or recurred during six or more consecutive months of illness and must not have predated the fatigue.
The onset of these symptoms is usually sudden, sometimes following a flu-like illness. The syndrome may persist for months or years, and disappear without treatment. The many symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome do not always occur with the same degree of severity or at the same time. There are usually instances when symptoms may disappear for periods of time.
Additional symptoms may develop in some individuals including visual disturbances such as light sensitivity or blurred vision; chills; night sweats, gastrointestinal abnormalities; cognitive impairment; a chronic cough; jaw pain; chest pain; difficulty breathing; and morning stiffness. Some individuals may also have psychological problems including depression, anxiety or panic attacks.
Causes
The exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is not known although researchers are continually investigating this disorder. Many clinical researchers believe that chronic fatigue syndrome is overdiagnosed. It is possible that many people diagnosed with CFS have another disease that has similar symptoms, and may be easily confused with CFS. Only those individuals who meet the strict diagnostic criteria set by the CDC actually have chronic fatigue syndrome.
Many researchers believe that chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex disorder in which several different factors contribute to the development of the disorder. Such factors include infectious, immunological, and genetic factors. Researchers have theorized that abnormalities of the immune system, the brain and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HAP) axis may all play a role in the development of chronic fatigue syndrome. Some researchers believe that some affected individuals have a genetic predisposition to the disorder. A genetic predisposition means that a person carries a gene or genes for a disease, but that it may not be expressed unless other additional factors are present. The genetic factors associated with narcolepsy are insufficient to cause the disorder by themselves.
Researchers have investigated the role of viruses as a possible cause of chronic fatigue syndrome. During the 1980's physicians believed that the virus that causes mononucleosis, Epstein Barr virus, was the cause of this illness. However, that theory was disproven and tests for antibodies to this virus are no longer used to diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome. During 1990, a team of scientists at the Wistar Institute isolated a virus from the blood of adults and children with chronic fatigue syndrome. The virus, Human T- Cell Lymphotrophic, Type II (HTLV-2) is a slow virus or "retrovirus." Slow viruses may stay dormant in humans for extended periods of time, then for reasons yet unknown may unexplainably become reactivated. It is not clear how or if the virus may be transmitted, nor is there evidence yet to prove that this HTLV virus is actually associated with the cause or progression of chronic fatigue syndrome. More recent studies indicate that there is no evidence for the involvement of any slow virus as a cause for CFS.
Other studies suggest that HHV-6, a herpes virus, may be partially responsible for the development of chronic fatigue syndrome. However, this evidence remains inconclusive.
Researchers are also investigating abnormalities in the immune system of individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome. Some research suggests that an unknown immune defect, along with a viral disease which triggers the illness, may cause this disorder. Other information suggests that susceptibility to chronic fatigue syndrome may be associated with subtle immune system defects.
Another theory is that chronic fatigue syndrome may occur as the result of the immune system's over-reaction to infectious agents in highly allergic people. Some researchers suspect that chemicals called cytokines, which help regulate the immune system, may cause some symptoms of CFS in individuals with severe allergies. However, none of these theories have been scientifically proven, and the cause of CFS is still unknown.
Affected Populations
Chronic fatigue syndrome was once considered a rare disorder and, although some physicians believe it to be overdiagnosed, studies conducted by the CDC place the incidence at between 1-4 million people in the United States. The CDC also states that fewer than 20 percent of individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome have been properly diagnosed.
Women are affected 2-4 times more often than men. Some researchers believe that this disparity results from women being more likely to report their symptoms to a doctor than men. Chronic fatigue syndrome is most likely to develop in individuals in their 40s or 50s. However, it can affect individuals of any age including children. Chronic fatigue syndrome affects individuals of every race and ethnicity.
In approximately 70 percent of cases, the onset of chronic fatigue syndrome is associated with an acute infectious illness. These illnesses include infectious mononucleosis, influenza, upper respiratory infections, acute inflammation of the liver (hepatitis), and flu-like diseases.
Related Disorders
Symptoms of the following disorders can be similar to those of chronic fatigue syndrome. Comparisons may be useful for a differential diagnosis:
Mononucleosis, also known as "Kissing Disease," is an infectious disease characterized by fever, profound fatigue, swollen glands, and sore throat. Laboratory blood tests may reveal abnormally high levels of white blood cells (lymphocytes). Mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and is a very common disorder. It is most prevalent in places where young people live together such as college dormitories and military posts. A simple blood test can diagnose mononucleosis. In the United States, 80 percent of adults have antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus in their blood suggesting that 80 percent of people have had mononucleosis or been exposed to the virus during childhood or young adulthood.
Fibromyalgia is a group of symptoms characterized by chronic muscle pain and fatigue. The onset of pain is sudden and becomes worse with movement. Other symptoms may include muscle spasms, stiffness, and unrefreshing sleep. The exact cause is not known. Like chronic fatigue syndrome, there is no definite laboratory test that can aid in the diagnosis of this disorder. Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia share many symptoms. This disease is usually diagnosed by a rheumatologist (arthritis specialist). (For more information on this disorder, choose "Fibromyalgia" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.)
Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by the spirochete bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. The bacterium is carried and transmitted by deer ticks (Ixodes dammini). In most cases, Lyme disease is first characterized by the appearance of a red skin lesion (erythema chronicum migrans), which begins as a small elevated round spot (papule) that expands to at least five centimeters in diameter. Symptoms may then progress to include low-grade fever, chills, muscle aches (myalgia), headaches, a general feeling of weakness and fatigue (malaise), and/or pain and stiffness of the large joints (infectious arthritis), especially in the knees. Such symptoms may tend to occur in recurrent cycles. In severe cases, heart muscle (myocardial) and/or neurological abnormalities may occur. (For more information, choose "Lyme" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.)
There are many sleep disorders which can cause profound fatigue during the day. These include narcolepsy which can cause sudden sleep attacks, sleep apnea which deprives people of adequate oxygen during the night and nocturnal myoclonus or restless legs syndrome which prevents people from going into the deepest stages of sleep (REM sleep). All of these sleep disorders can be diagnosed by a sleep specialist after testing in a sleep laboratory. (For more information, choose the specific disorder name as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.)
There are many other disorders that can cause profound fatigue. Affected individuals with excessive fatigue should have a complete physical examination by a physician to rule out other causes such as anxiety, depression, anemia, manic depression, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, thyroid diseases such as hypothyroidism, various cancers, and endocrine and metabolic disorders.
Standard Therapies
Evaluation, Screening and Diagnosis
Chronic fatigue symptom experts have developed a five-stage process for evaluating a patient for CFS. These steps are:
A detailed medical history followed by a complete physical examination
A mental status examination is administered by the physician by means of a short discussion and/or a brief oral test.
A standard set of laboratory tests of the patient's blood and urine is required in order to eliminate or identify other causes of fatigue.
If these lab tests indicate another source for the fatigue, additional tests will be administered in order to confirm the diagnosis.
If the results of the lab tests do not indicate an alternative cause of the fatigue, the physician will determine if the patient meets the CDC criteria for a diagnosis of CFS.
For a comprehensive description of the tests used to screen for CFS see:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/cfs/about/definition/screening.htm
Treatment
There is no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome; treatment is aimed at alleviating symptoms. Treatment is highly individualized; treatment that is effective in one person may not be effective in others. A wide and diverse range of therapies have been used to treat individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Counseling may help individuals adjust to the chronic nature of the illness. Anti-viral medications as well as many other drugs have not proven effective. Although rest, eating a balanced diet, and moderate exercise are recommended, there is no evidence that these measures cure chronic fatigue syndrome. For some people, physical and emotional stress may make the symptoms worse. The choice to begin any drug therapy that presumes to relieve symptoms depends on the patient's specific complaints, the potential for side effects, and the advice of a qualified caregiver.
Various therapies that may be used to treat chronic fatigue syndrome include behavioral modification, physical therapy, stretching exercise and nutritional supplementation. Certain over-the-counter medications can be used to treat specific symptoms such as gastrointestinal abnormalities, sleep problems, allergies and depression.
Investigational Therapies
A variety of drugs such as corticosteroids, immunoglobulins, stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and others are being studied for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. Acupuncture, yoga, massage therapy and other alternative therapies are also being studied. More research is necessary to determine the long-term safety and effectiveness of these potential therapies for individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Information on current clinical trials is posted on the Internet at www.clinicaltrials.gov. All studies receiving U.S. Government funding, and some supported by private industry, are posted on this government web site.
For information about clinical trials being conducted at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD, contact the NIH Patient Recruitment Office:
Tollfree: (800) 411-1222
TTY: (866) 411-1010
Email: prpl@cc.nih.gov
For information about clinical trials sponsored by private sources, contact:
www.centerwatch.com
Organizations related to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
References
TEXTBOOKS
Beers MH, Berkow R., eds. The Merck Manual, 17th ed. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories; 1999:2481-82.
Berkow R., ed. The Merck Manual-Home Edition.2nd ed. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Research Laboratories; 2003:1717-18.
Larson DE. ed. Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. New York, NY: William Morrow and Company, Inc; 1996:1065.
Fauci AS, Braunwald E, Isselbacher KJ, et al. Eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 14th ed.McGraw-Hill Companies. New York, NY; 1998:2483.
REVIEW ARTICLES
Iwakami E, Arashima Y, Kato K, et al., Treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome with antibiotics: pilot study assessing the involvement of Coxiella burnetii infection. Intern Med. 2005;44:1258-63.
Bellanti JA, Sabra A, CastroHJ, et al. Are attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and chronic fatigue syndrome allergy related? What is fibromyalgia? Allergy Asthma Proc. 2005;26:19-28.
Rimes KA, Chalder T.Treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome. Occup Med (Lond). 2005;55:32-39.
Binder LM, Campbell KA. Medically unexplained symptoms and neurophysioligal assessment. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 2004;26:369-92.
Gerrity TR, Papanicolaou DA, Amsterdam JD, et al. Immunologic aspects of chronic fatigue syndrome. Report on a Research Symposium convened by the CFIDS Association of America and co-sponsored by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health. Neuroimmunomodulation. 2004;11:351-57.
Edmonds M, McGuire H, Price J. Exercise therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004;(3):CD003200
Luthra A, Wessely S. Unloading the trunk: neurasthenia, CFS and race. Soc Sci Med. 2004;58:2363-69.
Chaudhuri A, Behan PO. Fatigue in neurological disorders. Lancet. 2004;363:978-88.
Richardson RD, Engel CC Jr. Evaluation and management of medically unexplained physical symptoms. Neurologist. 2004;10:18-30.
Kerr JR, Tyrell DA. Cytokines in parvovirus B19 infection as an aid to understanding chronic fatigue syndrome. Current Pain Headache Rep. 2003;7:333-41.
Lyall M, Peakman M, Wessely S. A systematic review and critical evaluation of the immunology of chronic fatigue syndrome. J Psychosom Res. 2003;55:79-90.
Covelli V, Pellegrino NM, Jirillo E . A point-of-view: The need to identify an antigen in psaychoneuroimmunological disorders. Curr Pharm Des. 2003;9:1951-55.
FROM THE INTERNET
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. National Center for Infectious Diseases. CDC. May 24, 2005. 1p.
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/cfs.htm
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Health Matters. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. May 2004. 6pp.
www.niaid,nih.gov/factsheets/cfs.htm
The information in NORD’s Rare Disease Database is for educational purposes only. It should never be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes. If you have questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional. NORD’s reports provide a brief overview of rare diseases. For more specific information, we encourage you to contact your personal physician or the agencies listed as “Resources” on this report.
The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) web site, its databases, and the contents thereof are copyrighted by NORD. No part of the NORD web site, databases, or the contents may be copied in any way, including but not limited to the following: electronically downloading, storing in a retrieval system, or redistributing for any commercial purposes without the express written permission of NORD. Permission is hereby granted to print one hard copy of the information on an individual disease for your personal use, provided that such content is in no way modified, and the credit for the source (NORD) and NORD’s copyright notice are included on the printed copy. Any other electronic reproduction or other printed versions is strictly prohibited.
Copyright ©1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2005, 2009
Report last updated: 2009/01/26 00:00:00 GMT+0
0-9 - A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z
NORD's Rare Disease Information Database is copyrighted and may not be published without the written consent of NORD.
