Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Question 1

What is another name for chronic fatigue syndrome?

Answer 1

Myalgic encephalomyelitis

Question 2

What are possible causes of chronic fatigue syndrome?

Answer 2

1. Long covid
2. Viral and bacterial infections: EPBV and Pneumonia
3. Genetic

Question 3

What is the usual onset for chronic fatigue syndrome?

Answer 3

adolescence or 30-50yrs

Question 4

What are RF from chronic fatigue syndrome?

Answer 4

1. Female sex
2. EB infection in adolescents
3. COVID-19

Question 5

What are symptoms and signs of chronic fatigue syndrome?

Answer 5

1. Debilitating fatigue for more than 6 months
2. Cognitive dysfunction
3. Total body pain
4. Unrefreshing sleep
5. Post-exertional malaise
6. Generalised arthralgia without inflammation

Question 6

What are possible DDx for chronic fatigue syndrome?

Answer 6

1. COVID-19
2. Migraine
3. Anxiety
4. Sleep apnoea
5. Major depressive disorder

Question 7

What investigations are used from chronic fatigue syndrome?

Answer 7

DePaul symptom questionnaire

Question 8

What blood tests are used in chronic fatigue syndrome?

Answer 8

1. FBC with WBC differential
2. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
3. CRP
4. Comprehensive metabolic panel
5. TSH
6. ANA, rheumatoid factor
7. HIV antibody test
   - All normal

Question 9

What investigations are used for chronic fatigue syndrome?

Answer 9

1. Manage symptoms and improve functionality

2. Graded exercise and CBT

Question 10

What are possible complications for chronic fatigue syndrome?

Answer 10

major depressive disorder

Question 11

What is the prognosis of chronic fatigue syndrome like?

Answer 11

1. t 17% to 64% of patients improve with treatment
2. less than 10% meet criteria for full recovery
3. up to 20% of patients may worsen over time