Category Archives: News
HPV vaccine is suspected cause of POTs
Research abstract: BACKGROUND Infections with human papilloma virus (HPV) can result in cervical, oropharyngeal, anal, and penile cancer and vaccination programs have been launched in many countries as a preventive measure. We report the characteristics of a number of patients … Continue reading
Response to Vitamin B12 and folic acid in ME and FM
Research abstract: BACKGROUND: Patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME, also called chronic fatigue syndrome) may respond most favorably to frequent vitamin B12 injections, in vital combination with oral folic acid. However, there is no established algorithm for individualized optimal dosages, and … Continue reading
Effect of household tasks on people with chronic fatigue & their partners
Research abstract: This study examined salivary cortisol levels in couples in which one member had unexplained chronic fatigue (CF). The couples completed questionnaires and seven household activities in a laboratory setting and provided salivary cortisol samples prior to and immediately … Continue reading
CBT & GET in clinical practice
Research abstract: BACKGROUND Studies have reported that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) are effective treatments for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). METHOD One hundred and seventy-one patients undertook a course of either CBT (n = 116) or … Continue reading
Pregabalin useful for chronic pain
Research abstract Pregabalin is frequently prescribed for chronic non-cancer pain. No previous study has examined its off-label use. Objectives: Our primary aim was to assess the proportion of patients taking pregabalin for conditions approved by Health Canada (“on-label”) and compare … Continue reading
CFS & FM in sleep disorders
Research abstract: Background: Since chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia (FM) often co-exist, some believe they reflect the same process, somatization. Against that hypothesis are data suggesting FM but not CFS was common in patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). The … Continue reading
FM and CFS: underlying biology
Article abstract: There is an increasing interest in understanding the biological mechanism underpinning fibromyalgia (FM) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Despite the presence of mixed findings in this area, a few biological systems have been consistently involved, and the increasing number … Continue reading
Muscle cell abnormalities in CFS: AMPK & IL6
Research abstract: Background: Post exertional muscle fatigue is a key feature in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Abnormalities of skeletal muscle function have been identified in some but not all patients with CFS. To try to limit potential confounders that might … Continue reading
Mindfulness as effective as anti-depressants for depression
From the BBC website: A mindfulness-based therapy could offer a “new choice for millions of people” with recurrent depression, a Lancet report suggests. Scientists tested it against anti-depressant pills for people at risk of relapse and found it worked just … Continue reading
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentration may not be depressed in CFS
Research abstract: Due to its effect on the central nervous system, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been hypothesized to be involved in a number of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Recently, BDNF was also reported to be significantly lower in patients … Continue reading
