Fatigue Syndrome In Children Research Articles

Chronic fatigue syndrome in children

The article provides an overview of scientific publications devoted to the study of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The results of works devoted to the study of the epidemiology of this pathology in childhood and adults are considered. The authors presented different views on the etiology and basic mechanisms of the pathogenesis of CFS, current diagnostic criteria for this disease and features of clinical manifestations in childhood. Special attention is paid to the description of the main neurocognitive deficits observed in CFS in children. Also reviewed are studies aimed at finding effective approaches to the treatment of CFS in children.

Severe myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome in children and young people: a British Paediatric Surveillance Unit study

ObjectivesPrimary objective: to determine the point prevalence and incidence rate of severe myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) in children aged 5–16 years over 13 months. Secondary objectives: to describe the...

Post-viral fatigue syndrome in children: does it need to be treated?

Acute respiratory viral diseases continue to dominate among the causes for seeking medical help. In the pediatric population, about 60 % of cases have a recurrent course, which in turn often leads to the development of post-viral asthenic syndrome. In such children, one can find rapid fatigability, attention disorders and inability to concentrate, impaired information processing, emotional lability, and sleep disorders. All this disrupts the usual way of life of both the child and his relatives that undoubtedly requires the treatment of this condition and complete restoration of the state of the body after episodes of acute respiratory diseases. Phytotherapy has found its place in the management of children with post-viral asthenia due to the polyvalence of the pharmacological action, proven efficiency, safety of long-term therapy with phytopreparations and economic attractiveness for the majority of the population. In modern realities, phytotherapy is used as a reductive therapy, which makes up for the lack of products of intermediate metabolism in the body; as detoxification therapy that provides adsorption or chemical binding of exo- and endotoxins, increasing the body’s resistance to them and stimulating the excretory systems. It is important to use the neurotropic, immunotropic, hormone-like action of biologically active substances of plants; natural compounds, actively modifying the functions of regulatory systems, have prospects in the treatment of complex diseases. Analysis of the search databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, RSCI, Index Copernicus, BMJ, MEDLINE on the possibility of use, efficacy and safety of phytocomponents of Alleva in children of different ages with symptoms of post-viral asthenia allowed to ensure the application of this drug to control manifestations of asthenic syndrome. The article analyzes the options for correcting childhood asthenia with dry concentrates of linden flowers, lemon balm, chamomile, extracts of passionflower, hop, orange tree and lavender.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in children population – current knowledge summary

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelits (CFS/ME) is a chronic disease with complex pathophysiology and unknown etiology. It occurs both in children and adolescents, as well as in adults, with equal frequency. The clinical course is characterized by progressive fatigue, a significant reduction in the body's efficiency, lack of relief despite rest, and numerous accompanying symptoms. Pathognomonic symptom for PE is the increase in fatigue after physical or mental exertion and the persistence of these symptoms for several hours or days. The basis for effective treatment is primarily non-pharmacological treatment, including determining the optimal balance between physical activity and rest, which is aimed at preventing post-workout fatigue. Pain, insomnia, IO, and other symptoms can be treated with medication. So far, little research has been done on the diagnosis and treatment of this disease in children. This publication aims to summarize the knowledge currently available on the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in children and adolescents.

Effects of Sleep Habits and Attention Control on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Children

Effects of Sleep Habits and Attention Control on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Children

Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome in children

Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by widespread persistent pain and the presence of multiple discrete tender points. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a syndrome characterized by debilitating fatigue associated with a variable number of non-specific complaints. Because neither condition had necessarily been recognized in children until recently, those patients have been treated as having school refusal without being diagnosed as having either syndrome. There is a considerable overlap of clinical symptoms between these two syndromes. It is therefore controversial as to whether these syndromes have the same pathogenesis or not. The aim of the present study was to clarify the relationship between these syndromes in children. Fifteen patients with FM and 21 patients with CFS were investigated both clinically and immunologically. Immunological assessments included thorough analysis of autoantibodies using several techniques. Anti-nuclear antibody titers were higher and the prevalence of anti-Sa antibody was far more frequent in CFS patients than in FM patients. CFS and FM are different from each other at least in childhood, from an immunological aspect, although some patients could have both conditions.

Phenotypes of chronic fatigue syndrome in children and young people

ObjectiveTo investigate the heterogeneity of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME) in children and young people.SettingRegional specialist CFS/ME service Patients Children and young people aged <19 years old.MethodsExploratory factor analysis was performed...

A Follow-up Study of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Children and Adolescents: Symptom Persistence and School Absenteeism

This is a follow-up study of 28 young people aged between 7 and 17 meeting the Oxford criteria for the diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome treated in a specialist paediatric/psychiatric service. Retrospective case note analysis revealed a wide range and duration of symptoms together with high levels of school absenteeism prior to the diagnosis. The mean follow-up interval after discharge from the specialist service was 3 years and although most of the young people regarded themselves as fully recovered by this time, improvement was variable and about one third were still experiencing disabling symptoms. The illness had impacted on the education or career plans of all the young people to some extent with 15 experiencing difficulty returning to school. This article highlights the need for early recognition and diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome in young people and the importance of continuing paediatric support to reduce symptom persistence in the sensitive recovery period. Maintaining school attendance by close liaison between health and education services both before and after diagnosis and treatment is also vital if long-term morbidity is to be reduced.

Recognizing Pediatric CFS in the Primary Care Practice

Pediatricians and primary care physicians may be uncomfortable diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in children because a good diagnostic tool has not been available. Deferring a diagnosis, however, may lead to apprehension, over-utilization of medical resources in a search for validity, a delay in treatment, and possibly inappropriate coping techniques. This case-based article discusses symptoms and signs seen in adolescent patients with CFS, evaluation of suspect cases, and both current and future diagnostic case definitions.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Children and Adolescents

AbstractObjective: An overview of the unique aspects of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in children and adolescents (CACFS) is herein provided for healthcare professionals who may be called upon to diagnose and/or treat this illness. Young age of onset, puberty, and interactions with peers and the educational system provide greater diagnostic and treatment challenges than found with adult onset CFS.Method: A review of diagnostic procedures and treatment protocols found in the contemporary literature is coupled with the professional experiences of the authors in treating CACFS to delineate the roles and responsibilities of family, healthcare providers and educators in diagnosing, treating and supporting the CACFS patient.Results: Areas discussed include: pathogenesis, patient evaluation, clinical evaluation, laboratory evaluation, treatment options, psychological issues, role of schools, and the roles of primary and tertiary care providers.Conclusion: CACFS can be diagnosed and treated with varying levels of succ...

Chronic fatigue syndrome in children

Summary Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalopathy (CFS/ME) is a heterogeneous condition that causes significant morbidity in young people. Its cause is unknown with current evidence suggesting that, in mild and moderate cases, cognitive behaviour therapy and/or graded exercise should be the treatment of choice. The majority of adolescents will improve or get better. Further research is required to determine aetiology and optimum management.

Epidemiology of chronic fatigue syndrome and self reported myalgic encephalomyelitis in 5-15 year olds: cross sectional study

Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterised by severe physical and mental fatigue associated with disability, which by definition markedly affects people's lives. At one end of the spectrum, newspaper headlines imply...

Subclinical Sjögren's syndrome and anti-Ro/SSA-positive autoimmune fatigue syndrome in children

Although Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is quite rare among children, subclinical conditions without any sicca symptoms have been reported. This condition is characterized by nonspecific rheumatic symptoms and histopathological findings in salivary glands which are equivalent to SS. Many children with subclinical SS are positive for anti-Ro/SSA. On the other hand, autoimmune fatigue syndrome (AIFS) is characterized by chronic nonspecific complaints and positive antinuclear antibodies, with or without fulfilling the criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome. Although a novel autoantibody against a 62 kD nuclear protein (anti-Sa) is detected in about 40% of AIFS patients, few marker antibodies for autoimmune diseases, such as anti-DNA, anti-Sm, anti-U1-ribonucleoprotein (RNP), or anticardiolipin, are found in AIFS patients. In this study, however, anti-Ro/SSA was detected in sera from 8 out of 122 AIFS patients. Seven of the 8 anti-Ro/SSA-positive patients were female. All 8 patients had fatigue and low-grade fever, but none complained of xerosis. Western immunoblot analysis revealed that 7 sera reacted with Ro52, and that none was positive for anti-La/SSB or anti-Sa. Two of the 8 patients had histories of recurrent parotitis. Lip biopsies showed mild chronic inflammation compatible with subclinical SS in these 2 patients, although the other 6 patients had no abnormal histopathology. Thus, at least some anti-Ro/SSA-positive patients could be diagnosed as having SS.

Subclinical Sjögren's syndrome and anti-Ro/SSA-positive autoimmune fatigue syndrome in children

Although Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is quite rare among children, subclinical conditions without any sicca symptoms have been reported. This condition is characterized by nonspecific rheumatic symptoms and histopathological findings in salivary glands which are equivalent to SS. Many children with subclinical SS are positive for anti-Ro/SSA. On the other hand, autoimmune fatigue syndrome (AIFS) is characterized by chronic nonspecific complaints and positive antinuclear antibodies, with or without fulfilling the criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome. Although a novel autoantibody against a 62 kD nuclear protein (anti-Sa) is detected in about 40% of AIFS patients, few marker antibodies for autoimmune diseases, such as anti-DNA, anti-Sm, anti-U1-ribonucleoprotein (RNP), or anticardiolipin, are found in AIFS patients. In this study, however, anti-Ro/SSA was detected in sera from 8 out of 122 AIFS patients. Seven of the 8 anti-Ro/SSA-positive patients were female. All 8 patients had fatigue and low-grade fever, but none complained of xerosis. Western immunoblot analysis revealed that 7 sera reacted with Ro52, and that none was positive for anti-La/SSB or anti-Sa. Two of the 8 patients had histories of recurrent parotitis. Lip biopsies showed mild chronic inflammation compatible with subclinical SS in these 2 patients, although the other 6 patients had no abnormal histopathology. Thus, at least some anti-Ro/SSA-positive patients could be diagnosed as having SS.

Annotation: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in children and adolescents.

Over the past two decades Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) of childhood has gained increasing prominence. A number of clinical reports and case-control studies have examined the nature of the disorder, its associations, response to treatment and outcome. A review of publications on childhood CFS was undertaken and reference to work on adult CFS made. Most studies on childhood CFS have been on markedly affected children attending specialist pediatric clinics and very little is known about the condition as it presents in the community or to general medical services. The main symptom is fatigue in association with a variety of physical symptoms and with marked and prolonged functional impairment. CFS is commonly reported as being brought on by acute infections. Co-morbid psychiatric (usually mood) disorders are present in at least a half. Personality problems and health attitudes have been described as possible predisposing and maintaining factors. Clinical reports indicate that family work focused on engagement and on a rehabilitation programme (including graded increasing activity and treatment of psychiatric co-morbidity) can help even the more severely impaired children. Recovery may be expected in over two-thirds. CFS presents as a distinct, markedly impairing disorder of childhood. In its severe form, it is often associated with mood disorders. Further research into milder forms and into the efficacy of different treatment interventions is specially needed.

Thirteen-year follow-up of children and adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome.

To describe the educational, social, and symptomatic outcome of children and adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome 13 years after illness onset. Between January 1984 and December 1987, 46 children and adolescents developed an illness suggestive of chronic fatigue syndrome. Follow-up questionnaires were obtained from 35 participants an average of 13 years after illness onset. Data were obtained concerning subsequent medical diagnoses, amount of school missed, presence and severity of current symptoms, and subjective assessment of degree of illness resolution. Of the 35 participants, 24 were female (68.6%) and 11 were male (31.4%). Average age at illness onset was 12.1 years. Eight participants (22.9%) had an acute onset of symptoms, 27 (77.1%) had a gradual onset. No participant received an alternative medical diagnosis that could have explained the symptom complex between illness onset and follow-up. Thirteen participants (37.1%) considered themselves resolved of illness at follow-up; 15 participants (42.9%) considered themselves well but not resolved; 4 (11.4%) considered themselves chronically ill; and 3 (8.6%) considered themselves more ill than during the early years of illness. Correlation with the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Health Survey was good for current level of symptoms and degree of recovery. Eight participants (22.9%) missed >2 years of school, and 5 of these were still ill at follow-up. Amount of school missed correlated with both illness severity at follow-up and perceived social impact of the illness. These data demonstrate the presence of an illness consistent with the current definition of chronic fatigue syndrome. Eighty percent of children and adolescents affected had a satisfactory outcome from their fatiguing illness, although the majority of these participants had mild to moderate persisting symptoms. Twenty percent of participants remain ill with significant symptoms and activity limitation 13 years after illness onset. Chronic fatigue syndrome in children and adolescents may result in persistent somatic symptoms and disability in a minority of those affected.

PSYCHOLOGY SELECTION Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry (2000) J. Richards. Chronic fatigue syndrome in children and adolescents. Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 31–51.

PSYCHOLOGY SELECTION Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry (2000) J. Richards. Chronic fatigue syndrome in children and adolescents. Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 31–51.

Management of chronic fatigue syndrome in children

Certain areas of child and adolescent mental health generate a degree of polarised debate, both within and outside the profession. Media attention, the development of self-help groups and the Internet lead to the publishing of papers and opinion, which exist alongside peer-reviewed research and evidence-based medicine. Parents reading such material may find it hard to know what advice is best. One area that falls into this category is chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and myofascial pain syndrome.

Fibromyalgia and widespread pain were common in Gulf War veterans with unexplained illness referred to a rheumatology clinic. Increased tenderness was demonstrated in the postmenstrual phase of the cycle compared with the intermenstrual phase in normally cycling women but not in users of oral contraceptives. Patients with fibromyalgia had high levels of symptoms that have been used to define silicone implant-associated syndrome. Tender points were found to be a common transient finding associated with acute infectious mononucleosis, but fibromyalgia was an unusual long-term outcome. The common association of fibromyalgia with other rheumatic and systemic illnesses was further explored. A preliminary study revealed a possible linkage of fibromyalgia to the HLA region. Patients with fibromyalgia were found to have an impaired ability to activate the hypothalamic pituitary portion of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis as well as the sympathoadrenal system, leading to reduced corticotropin and epinephrine response to hypoglycemia. Much interest has been expressed in the literature on the possible role of autonomic dysfunction in the development or exacerbation of fatigue and other symptoms in chronic fatigue syndrome. Mycoplasma genus and mycoplasma fermentans were detected by polymerase chain reaction in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. It was reported that myofascial temporomandibular disorder does not run in families. No major therapeutic trials in fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or myofascial pain syndrome were reported over the past year. The effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy and behavior therapy for chronic pain in adults was emphasized. A favorable outcome of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome in children and adolescents was reported.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Children and Adolescents: A Review Article

Clinicians have been describing individuals with chronic fatigue states for over 100 years, although chronic fatigue syndrome is often regarded as a modern disease. The aetiology of chronic fatigue syndrome is uncertain. For young individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome there are neither reliable prevalence figures nor scientific evidence concerning the effectiveness of treatments. Information obtained from research into adult individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome may be helpful but is not necessarily directly applicable to children and adolescents. Developmental factors and the influence of other family members on the course of the disorder in young sufferers should be considered. The uncertainties surrounding chronic fatigue syndrome should not deter child and adolescent mental health workers from becoming involved in the assessment and management of individual patients. The mainstay of treatment is rehabilitation with an emphasis on gradually increasing activities. Considerable attention will need to be given to engaging the young people and their families and working effectively with a multidisciplinary team. If mental health workers do not become involved in treating young people with chronic fatigue syndrome there is a risk that psychological factors will not be addressed and that chronic functional impairment will ensue.