Chronic fatigue syndrome Flashcards

1
Q

What is chronic fatigue syndrome?

A

Diagnosed after at least 4 months of disabling fatigue affecting mental and physical function more than 50% of the time in the absence of other disease which may explain symptoms

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2
Q

Epidemiology of chronic fatigue syndrome

A

more common in females

past psychiatric history has not been shown to be a risk factor

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3
Q

Fatigue is the central feature, other recognised features include:

A

sleep problems, such as insomnia, hypersomnia, unrefreshing sleep, a disturbed sleep-wake cycle
muscle and/or joint pains
headaches
painful lymph nodes without enlargement
sore throat
cognitive dysfunction, such as difficulty thinking, inability to concentrate, impairment of short-term memory, and difficulties with word-finding
physical or mental exertion makes symptoms worse
general malaise or ‘flu-like’ symptoms
dizziness
nausea
palpitations

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4
Q

Investigations of chronic fatigue syndrome?

A

NICE guidelines suggest carrying out a large number of screening blood tests to exclude other pathology e.g. FBC, U&E, LFT, glucose, TFT, ESR, CRP, calcium, CK, ferritin, coeliac screening and also urinalysis

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5
Q

Diagnosis is typically made if the symptoms persist for?

A

3 months

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6
Q

Management of chronic fatigue syndrome

A

Refer to a specialist CFS service if the diagnostic criteria are met and symptoms have persisted for 3 months

Energy management

  • a self-management strategy that involves a person with ME/CFS managing their activities to stay within their energy limit, with support from a healthcare professional

Physical activity and exercise

  • do not advise people with ME/CFS to undertake exercise that is not part of a programme overseen by an ME/CFS specialist team
  • should only be recommended if patients ‘feel ready to progress their physical activity beyond their current activities of daily living’
  • graded exercise therapy used to be recommended but is now specifically not recommended by NICE

Cognitive behavioural therapy

  • NICE stress this is ‘supportive’ rather than curative for CFS
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