Prolonged Fatigue Research Articles

Factors correlating with prolonged fatigue among emergency department nurses.

Fatigue affects nurses negatively and leads to physical, cognitive and emotional problems that may influence nurses' quality of life. However, there is a lack of studies about prolonged fatigue and its relationship with socio-demographic characteristics and job-related psychosocial factors among nurses, especially emergency nurses, worldwide and in Jordan. This study aims to assess the relationship between demographic factors, physical health, psychological distress and job-related psychosocial factors (psychological job demands, job control and social support) and prolonged fatigue among emergency department nurses in Jordan. A descriptive correlational study using a convenience sample was used to recruit 153 emergency nurses. Physical health Questionnaire, General Health Questionnaire, Job Content Questionnaire and Checklist Individual Strength were used. The majority of emergency nurses experienced abnormally prolonged fatigue, moderate health, high psychological distress, high job demands and low job control and social support. Significant negative relationships were addressed between job control, social support and prolonged fatigue, whereas income had a negative weak relationship. Psychological distress and job demands had a positive weak relationship with prolonged fatigue. There was a significant positive weak relationship between psychological distress, job demands and prolonged fatigue. Job-related psychosocial factors (with exception of social support) and mental health were the predictors of prolonged fatigue. Prolonged fatigue is a multidimensional phenomenon that can be affected by several factors such as job-related psychosocial factors and psychological health. These factors should be taken into consideration when testing and developing interventions to minimise prolonged fatigue among emergency nurses.

Commentary: Factors correlating with prolonged fatigue among emergency department nurses.

Commentary: Factors correlating with prolonged fatigue among emergency department nurses.

Relative adrenal insufficiency post-discontinuation of topical steroids in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Abstract Accelerated cortisol production is observed in patients with severe infections, trauma, burns, illness, and surgery. The cortisol levels observed in relative adrenal insufficiency are insufficient for controlling the inflammatory response. Sudden discontinuation of glucocorticoid therapy is one of the causes of relative adrenal insufficiency. A 63-year-old-man who had undergone cord blood transplantation for T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and had shown complete remission for 2 years was admitted to our hospital because of high fever, general fatigue, lowering blood pressure, and tachycardia. Physical, laboratory, and imaging examinations revealed T-ALL relapse and pneumonia. Although administration of antibacterial drugs and vasopressors relieved his symptoms and temporarily resolved his fever, he showed prolonged fatigue and mild fever; thus, we could not stop administering vasopressors. He had been using the following three types of topical steroids for chronic eczema for several years: betamethasone butyrate propionate, prednisolone valerate acetate, and hydrocortisone acetate. Thereafter, he had himself discontinued topical steroids because of general fatigue. We suspected his symptoms were caused by relative adrenal insufficiency due to sudden discontinuation of topical steroids; thus, we administered 100 mg of hydrocortisone intravenously. His fever resolved remarkably, and he resumed application of topical steroids and started oral steroid supplementation. His temperature was maintained in the normal range. He successfully achieved complete remission with salvage chemotherapy followed by a second transplantation; with the use of low-dose oral steroids, he did not develop relative adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency is known to be caused by sudden discontinuation of oral steroids. Furthermore, we should pay attention to sudden discontinuation of topical steroids, which could cause relative adrenal insufficiency.

A New Threshold Estimation Method of SEMG Wavelet De-noising for Prolonged Fatigue Identification

In sports training, fatigue management is very important to avoid muscle injury and chronic fatigue syndrome. It occurs due to untreated normal fatigue (NF) which leads to a higher level of fatigue. This paper refers to the higher level of fatigue condition as prolonged fatigue (PF). Fatigue can be identified based on musculoskeletal, physiological, psychological, immunological and endocrinal system condition. Presently, musculoskeletal or muscle condition can be accessed quantitatively based on an invasive technique known as biopsies. It is accurate to evaluate muscle condition, but not suitable for frequent measurements. The non-invasive method used through self-evaluation tools such as questionnaire is not a quantitative measurement and sometimes is difficult to quantify. There are other non-invasive methods to evaluate muscle condition known as surface electromyography (SEMG). Before this, SEMG were only widely used to classify between non-fatigue and NF conditions. However, NF prediction might not be accurate and suitable to be used on athletes since they are required to undergo high-intensive training every day and this involves PF condition. Recently, SEMG signals characteristics found out to be able to evaluate ionic concentration changes in the muscle due to intensive training. The signals characteristics are different compared to NF identification. Therefore, high quality SEMG plays an important role in PF detection to avoid misinterpretation. In this study, twenty healthy participants were recruited and performed five consecutive days of intensive training to induce PF symptoms. The training was based on Bruce Protocol treadmill test and SEMG data were collected from the participants’ rectus femoris muscle. This paper pre-processed SEMG signals using Stationary Wavelet Transform (SWT) ‘db’ 45 with different threshold estimation techniques of de-noising such as RigRSURE, HeurSURE, minimax, universal threshold and a new estimation of threshold method. The new method able to overcome the limitation of conventional methods which estimate threshold based on statistical principles. Most importantly, the new method can preserve significant SEMG information, remove corner frequency and mitigate baseline noises. The performance of conventional and propose methods can then be evaluated based on PF classification performance. The de-noised signals extracted based on time, frequency and time-frequency features. Naive Bayes classification results using time and frequency features indicate that the new estimation of threshold method with time and frequency features have the highest accuracy (98%), compared to RigRSURE (85%), HuerSURE (68%), Universal Threshold (74%) and minimax (76%) in PF identification.

The low-cycle fatigue deformation mechanisms of two single crystal superalloys at room temperature and 600 °C

The LCF behaviors of two Ni-based single-crystal superalloys at room temperature and 600 °C have been studied. Superalloy with 3 wt% Ru-containing (3Ru alloy) had more excellent fatigue performances than that of non-Ru superalloy (0Ru alloy). Microstructures observed by transmission electron microscope showed that 0Ru alloy exhibited slip bands with orthogonal slip directions after the test. (1ī1) [011] and (1ī1) [0ī1] slip systems were activated in plastic deformation process. While (111) [0ī1] and (1ī1) [0ī1] slip systems of 3Ru alloy were along the single slip direction. Therefore, adding alloying element Ru to the superalloy promoted uniform deformation and prolonged fatigue life.

Asynchronous effect of N+Cr alloying on the monotonic and cyclic deformation behaviors of Hadfield steel

Alloying treatment has always been an effective way to improve the mechanical performance of Hadfield steel. In the present study, Hadfield steel was alloyed with N + Cr, named Mn12CrN steel. Its monotonic and cyclic deformation behaviors were comparatively studied with traditional Hadfield steel, named Mn12 steel. Results showed that the stress responses during monotonic and cyclic deformations were different for these two steels, presenting an asynchronous effect of N + Cr alloying. During monotonic deformation, high-density deformation twins were formed in the Mn12CrN steel at large strain. Together with the solid solution strengthening effect, the Mn12CrN steel obtained higher yield and tensile strengths than the Mn12 steel. However, the maximum cyclic peak stress of the Mn12CrN steel was lower than that of the Mn12 steel during cyclic deformation, though a higher initial cyclic peak stress was obtained in the Mn12CrN steel. The cyclic deformation strain was much smaller than the monotonic deformation. In the strain range of cyclic deformation, planar dislocation configuration was mainly formed in the Mn12CrN steel at the total strain amplitude of 0.4 × 10−2–0.6 × 10−2. While deformation twins and mixed dislocation configurations were observed in the Mn12CrN steel when the total strain amplitude was above 0.8 × 10−2. With these microstructure evolutions in the Mn12CrN steel, low maximum cyclic peak stress but prolonged fatigue life was obtained compared with the Mn12 steel.

PB1836 BURKITT LEUKEMIA/LYMPHOMA IN CHILDREN: CYTOGENETIC CHARACTERISTICS AND OUTCOME

Background: Burkitt Leukemia/Lymphoma (BL/L) is a rare, highly aggressive hematological malignancy. Although children diagnosed with advanced stage disease have a poorer prognosis, current therapeutic protocols achieve an overall survival rate in children of up to 90%. Cytogenetically, BL/L is characterized by the translocations t(8;14) and the variant t(8;22) and t(2;8) which juxtapose immunoglobulin sequences with the c-MYC oncogene, leading to its constitutional expression which is crucial for the BL/L pathogenesis. Aims: The aim of our study is: a) to present the clinical characteristics, the immunophenotype and the chromosomal abnormalities of BL/L patients, b) to estimate the therapeutic efficacy of the current treatment protocols. Methods: Four children, diagnosed with BL/L and treated in our center in the last decade are included in this study. Five colour FACS immunophenotype and cytogenetics were applied at diagnosis. All children were treated according to the FAB/LMB96 protocol for BL/L. All remain in follow-up. Results: The age of diagnosis ranged from 4 to 14 years (mean: 8.5yrs). The male to female ratio was 4/0, and confirmed the male preponderance that is described in the literature.The most common clinical manifestations were prolonged mild fever, fatigue and lack of appetite. One child presented with lower limb myalgia, caused by an abdominal paravertebral lymphoid mass. WBC count ranged from 6.000 to 12.000/ml for all children except one case where excessive leukocytosis, with WBC count over 85.000/ml, was observed. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ranged from 3.031 to 7.075U/L (mean:5.000). All 4 patients's blasts shared the same immunophenotypic features, ie: CD45+++CD19+CD10+CD20+skappa+. Cytogenetic evaluation revealed aneuploidy in two patients, including one case with monosomy 4 and one case with heavy hyperploidy (78,XY). Immunoglobulin-MYC translocation was found in all patients, including 3 cases with the t(8;14) translocation and one case with the t(8;22) variant. In the case with the heavy hyperploidy, a double t(8;14) was observed. All patients were treated according to the FAB/LMB96 protocol, and achieved complete first remission. All remain in first complete remission, with a mean follow-up time of 4.4 years, without late effects Summary/Conclusion: Immunophenotypic features were typical for the diagnosis and did not show any variations related to cytogenetics. Cytogenetic abnormalities such as monosomy 4, heavy hyperploidy (78,XY) or a double t(8;14) that were observed in our cases had no negative impact on the outcome. Despite the small number of patients, our findings appear promising and confirm the favorable prognosis of children with BL/L. Our results confirm that FAB/LMB96 is an effective protocol for the treatment of childhood BL/L.

A possible role for mitochondrial-derived peptides humanin and MOTS-c in patients with Q fever fatigue syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome

BackgroundQ fever fatigue syndrome (QFS) is a well-documented state of prolonged fatigue following around 20% of acute Q fever infections. It has been hypothesized that low grade inflammation plays a role in its aetiology. In this study, we aimed to identify transcriptome profiles that could aid to better understand the pathophysiology of QFS.MethodsRNA of monocytes was collected from QFS patients (n = 10), chronic fatigue syndrome patients (CFS, n = 10), Q fever seropositive controls (n = 10), and healthy controls (n = 10) who were age- (± 5 years) and sex-matched. Transcriptome analysis was performed using RNA sequencing.ResultsMitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP)-coding genes MT-RNR2 (humanin) and MT-RNR1 (MOTS-c) were differentially expressed when comparing QFS (− 4.8 log2-fold-change P = 2.19 × 10−9 and − 4.9 log2-fold-change P = 4.69 × 10−8), CFS (− 5.2 log2-fold-change, P = 3.49 × 10−11 − 4.4 log2-fold-change, P = 2.71 × 10−9), and Q fever seropositive control (− 3.7 log2-fold-change P = 1.78 × 10−6 and − 3.2 log2-fold-change P = 1.12 × 10−5) groups with healthy controls, resulting in a decreased median production of humanin in QFS patients (371 pg/mL; Interquartile range, IQR, 325–384), CFS patients (364 pg/mL; IQR 316–387), and asymptomatic Q fever seropositive controls (354 pg/mL; 292–393).ConclusionsExpression of MDP-coding genes MT-RNR1 (MOTS-c) and MT-RNR2 (humanin) is decreased in CFS, QFS, and, to a lesser extent, in Q fever seropositive controls, resulting in a decreased production of humanin. These novel peptides might indeed be important in the pathophysiology of both QFS and CFS.

Deformation and retentive force following in vitro cyclic fatigue of cobalt-chrome and aryl ketone polymer (AKP) clasps

ObjectiveTo compare the retention force of individual clasps made from cobalt chromium (CoCr) or new aryl ketone polymer (AKP) material, Ultaire™ AKP, following prolonged fatigue testing along ideal and non-ideal paths of removal and to assess 3D deformation of the active and passive clasp tips. MethodsCoCr and AKP clasps were manufactured in their standard, respective processes, digitally scanned prior to testing, then cycled 15,000 times over an e.max analogue crown in artificial saliva. Retentive load was measured in situ, as a function of cycles. Clasps were rescanned to assess deformation and along with their antagonists subjected to SEM to assess localised wear. ResultsDistortion of the CoCr clasps was consistently larger than Ultaire™ AKP clasps, irrespective of removal path. CoCr clasps had significantly higher retentive forces than AKP clasps, for both removal paths. Ultaire™ AKP clasps showed a lower but relatively constant retentive force. The non-ideal path of removal affected retentive forces for both clasp materials. SEM showed localised removal of glaze for e.max crowns used with CoCr clasps. SignificanceUltaire™ AKP clasps showed significantly less permanent deformation and lower retentive force than CoCr clasps. Unlike CoCr, the Ultaire™ AKP clasps did not work harden, nor had as large a reduction in retentive force and accompanying permanent deformation; the retentive force for the Ultaire™ AKP clasps was consistent over 15,000 cycles of fatigue mimicking prolonged clinical use. The AKP material was more robust; showing minimal deformation even in non-ideal paths of removal, as many patients would routinely use.

Lifestyle factors during acute Epstein-Barr virus infection in adolescents predict physical activity six months later.

Acute Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is a trigger of prolonged fatigue. This study investigated baseline predictors of physical activity six months after an acute EBV infection. A total of 200 adolescents (12-20years old) with acute EBV infection were assessed for 149 possible baseline predictors and followed prospectively. In this exploratory study, we performed linear regression analysis to assess possible associations between baseline predictors and steps per day at six months. In the final multiple linear regression model, physical activity six months after acute EBV infection was significantly and independently predicted by baseline physical activity (steps per day), substance use (alcohol and illicit drugs) and human growth hormone (adjusted R2 =0.20). Baseline physical activity, substance use and plasma growth hormone are independent predictors of physical activity six months after an acute EBV infection in adolescents, whereas markers of the infection and associated immune response do not seem to be associated with physical activity six months later.

The Invisible Burden of Chronic Fatigue in the Community: a Narrative Review.

Unexplained fatigue is commonly reported in the general population, with varying severity. Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) sits at the extreme of the fatigue continuum, yet more individuals experience unexplained prolonged fatigue (1-6-month duration) or chronic fatigue (> 6months) that, although debilitating, does not fulfil ME/CFS criteria. This review examines the empirical literature comparing symptoms for those with prolonged fatigue, chronic fatigue and ME/CFS. Substantial overlap of self-reported psychological, physical and functional impairments exists between chronic fatigue and ME/CFS. The conversion rate from prolonged or chronic fatigue to ME/CFS is not understood. Current research has failed to uncover factors accounting for differences in fatigue trajectories, nor incorporate comprehensive, longitudinal assessments extending beyond self-reported symptoms. Distinguishing factors between prolonged fatigue, chronic fatigue and ME/CFS remain poorly understood, highlighting a need for longitudinal studies integrating biopsychosocial approaches to inform early management and targeted rehabilitation strategies.

Cytokine profiles in patients with Q fever fatigue syndrome

Q fever fatigue syndrome (QFS) is a state of prolonged fatigue following around 20% of acute Q fever cases. It is thought that chronic inflammation plays a role in its etiology. To test this hypothesis we measured circulating cytokines and the ex-vivo cytokine production in patients with QFS and compared with various control groups. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), whole blood, and serum were collected from 20 QFS patients, 19 chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients, 19 Q fever seropositive controls, and 25 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Coxiella-specific ex-vivo production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and interferon (IFN) was measured, together with a total of 92 circulating inflammatory proteins. PBMCs of QFS patients produced more IL-6 (P = 0.0001), TNFα (P = 0.0002), and IL-1β (P = 0.0005) than the various control groups when stimulated with Coxiella antigen. QFS patients had distinct differences in circulating inflammatory markers compared to the other groups, including higher concentrations of circulating IL-6 and IFNγ. QFS patients showed signs of chronic inflammation compared to asymptomatic Q fever seropositive controls, CFS patients, and healthy controls, of which the monocyte-derived cytokines TNFα, IL-1β, and especially IL-6, are likely crucial components.

Differences of Stress, Sleep Quality and Metabolic Syndrome by Prolonged Fatigue in Early Adulthood

Differences of Stress, Sleep Quality and Metabolic Syndrome by Prolonged Fatigue in Early Adulthood

Cyclic damage behavior of Sanicro 25 alloy at 700 °C: Dispersed damage and concentrated damage

The damage evolution behavior of a novel Sanicro 25 alloy was investigated based on low-cycle fatigue tests at 700 °C. The results show that at relatively low total strain amplitude (Δεt/2), the dispersed damage was dominant, which led to prolonged fatigue life. However, at relatively high Δεt/2, the concentrated damage was dominant, which led to reduced fatigue life. Based on the damage characteristics, a modified Coffin-Manson equation that accounts for microporosity (f) was derived. The curved surface of plastic strain amplitude (Δεp/2) - f - number of reversals to failure (2Nf) shifts upward with increasing fatigue ductility exponent c. However, this curved surface shifts downward when the cyclic strength coefficient K′ increases. A new model of micro-crack initiation considering the precipitates at the grain boundary was derived. The Gibbs free energy change of crack nucleation (ΔG) decreased with decreasing Δεt/2. Finally, based on the prediction model of energy-based fatigue life, the theoretical formulas of the fatigue toughness Wf and the fatigue cracking exponent β were derived. Wf increases and β decreases with increasing Δεp/2.

The canonical stewart platform as a six DOF pose sensor for automotive applications

The growing demand for prolonged fatigue life of automotive parts and components requires elaboration of their motion in Cartesian space having six degrees of freedom (DOF). Recently, the canonical Steward platform, consisting of six displacement sensors mounted on two parallel platforms, was introduced to comply with this request. In order to apply this pose sensor to automotive applications, the following two important matters are investigated in this study. First, update Jacobian is proposed as a faster and more stable numerical method to solve the forward kinematic problem without any iteration process. Second, the attachment position and initial configuration of the Stewart platform must be adjustable to avoid the interference with other components due to space constraints under the hood of automotive vehicle. In this case, however, the Jacobian matrix which converts six displacement components into a six DOF pose vector is prone to be ill-conditioned so that the converting accuracy becomes worse. The L1-norm of each row in the Jacobian matrix quantifies how much the error would be provoked according to the given kinematic geometry. Hence, it can be used here as a reliable error indicator. Furthermore, several numerical examples are discussed to demonstrate what to consider when designing a six DOF pose sensor for automotive applications.

Time course of recovery after two successive night shifts: A diary study among Austrian nurses.

To explore how nurses recover from night shift work during periods off duty. Given the large number of affected individuals globally, detrimental health outcomes of night shift work are an important public health issue. Sufficient recovery opportunities are essential to prevent prolonged fatigue associated with demanding tasks and high workload as experienced in nurses working long shifts during the night. Nurses (n=53, 96% females) who worked in two public nursing homes in Austria completed a 5-day diary to collect data on well-being conceptualized by fatigue, distress and vigour. Nurses experienced worse well-being post night shift days than during rest days. Well-being improved from post night shift day 2 to the following rest day 1 and continued improvement from rest day 1 to rest day 2. Nurses who work at nights are at risk for experiencing prolonged fatigue. Our results suggest that after two consecutive 12-hr night shifts full recovery needs at least threedays off work. Strategies for maintaining nurses' good health and caring attitudes as well as vigilance for patient safety should include fatigue management plans and optimised schedules for night shift work.

Three-Component Herbal Tea Alleviates Prolonged Fatigue and Improves Sleep Quality: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

IntroductionProlonged fatigue is common among adults, yet only a small percentage of affected individuals seek medical attention. Following findings that complementary and alternative medicine can be effective strategies for improving fatigue, we evaluated the effect of an herbal tea regimen on prolonged fatigue. MethodsIn this pilot randomized controlled trial, participants with prolonged fatigue were randomly allocated to either a tea (n = 20) or control (n = 20) group. The tea group consumed herbal tea consisting of Astragali Radix, Angelicae gigantis Radix, and Zizyphi Fructus twice daily for 4 weeks, whereas the control group received no intervention. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and 4 and 8 weeks. The primary outcome was fatigue severity, measured using the Chalder Fatigue Scale. Secondary outcomes included sleep quality, depression symptoms, and quality of life. ResultsAmong the 40 individuals screened, 35 completed the study. Fatigue severity was significantly lower in the tea group than the control group at 4 weeks, and within the tea group, fatigue severity and sleep quality improved at the 4- and 8-week follow-ups vs. baseline in the tea group. Depression also significantly improved in the tea group at 8 weeks. There were no changes within the control group on any measure. ConclusionThe findings suggest that our herbal tea formulation reduces fatigue severity and improves sleep quality in adults with prolonged fatigue.

Quantitative and non-invasive measurement of exercise-induced fatigue

Prolonged exercise-induced muscular fatigue adversely affects physical performance. The fatigue increases the risk of sport injuries, whereas early fatigue detection and assessment can prevent injuries. An assessment of the most crucial impacts of fatigue on physical performance leads to the development of an accurate, non-invasive and objective muscular fatigue measurement method. The most common manifestation of exercise-induced fatigue is a significant decline in force produced by the muscles that in turn affects motion characteristics. This directly alters body postural behaviour and decreases the amount of kinetic energy produced by the subject. The current non-invasive and objective methods to measure fatigue and analyse motion characteristics cannot provide a comprehensive information about muscular fatigue because of their limited ability to record different aspects of motion. An objective and non-invasive assessment method of exercise-induced fatigue, in which the variations in postural behaviour and kinetic energy are quantified to determine the fatigue effects on the motion characteristics, is proposed. The inertial parameters associated with 23 body segments of 20 healthy subjects (males and females) were measured during stair climbing tests before and after a fatigue protocol. The degree of fatigue was assessed by a score measuring the total differences in kinetic energy and postural behaviour between the first and second stair climbing tests. A Gaussian mixture model was used to classify the body postures and the total variation in postural behaviour caused by the two stair climbing tests was determined. The validity of the method to measure the degree of fatigue induced by this fatigue protocol was ascertained by benchmarking it against the degree of fatigue experienced by the subjects during fatigue protocol and reported in a questionnaire based on the Rate of Perceived Exertion Scale. A Pearson product-moment correlation measuring the linear correlation between the objective and subjective fatigue scores shows a strong correlation of 0.95 for male subjects and 0.70 for female subjects. The findings demonstrate that inertial motion analysis proposed in this study provides a reliable, non-invasive and accurate fatigue measurement tool.

Enhanced surface and mechanical properties of bioinspired nanolaminate graphene-aluminum alloy nanocomposites through laser shock processing for engineering applications

The combination of interlocked lamellae grains is the primary feature of biological material “nacre” to constitute its highest strength. The mimic of this hierarchical assembly of biological material combinations remains the challenge for the future trending bioinspired engineering materials. In this study, the interlocked nanolaminated architecture of graphene-reinforced aluminum alloy nanocomposite achieved via multi-step powder metallurgy route and industrial extrusion process followed by laser shock peening. Interrupted re-nucleation to obtain lamellae grains, controlled laminates sliding through interlock mechanism and inhibited large dislocation loop formation in the nanocomposites during laser shock peening was significantly influenced the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. Consequently, enhancement in the hardness, tensile strength, wettability characteristic properties and prolonged fatigue life cycles were achieved significantly for nanocomposites.

Metabolic abnormalities in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a mini-review.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), commonly known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), is a debilitating disease of unknown etiology. CFS/ME is a heterogeneous disease associated with a myriad of symptoms but with severe, prolonged fatigue as the core symptom associated with the disease. There are currently no known biomarkers for the disease, largely due to the lack of knowledge surrounding the eitopathogenesis of CFS/ME. Numerous studies have been conducted in an attempt to identify potential biomarkers for the disease. This mini-review offers a brief summary of current research into the identification of metabolic abnormalities in CFS/ME which may represent potential biomarkers for the disease. The progress of research into key areas including immune dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase activation, skeletal muscle cell acidosis, and metabolomics are presented here. Studies outlined in this mini-review show many potential causes for the pathogenesis of CFS/ME and identify many potential metabolic biomarkers for the disease from the aforementioned research areas. The future of CFS/ME research should focus on building on the potential biomarkers for the disease using multi-disciplinary techniques at multiple research sites in order to produce robust data sets. Whether the metabolic changes identified in this mini-review occur as a cause or a consequence of the disease must also be established.