Hypothesis: mechanisms that prevent recovery in prolonged ICU patients also underlie Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), by Dominic Stanculescu,  Lars Larsson and Jonas Bergquist in Frontiers in Medicine (2021) 8(41) [doi: 10.3389/fmed.2021.628029] (This article is part of the research topic: Current Insights into Complex Post-Infection Fatigue Syndromes with Unknown Aetiology: the Case of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Beyond)

Article abstract:

Here the hypothesis is advanced that maladaptive mechanisms that prevent recovery in some intensive care unit (ICU) patients may also underlie Myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

Specifically, these mechanisms are: (a) suppression of the pituitary gland’s pulsatile secretion of tropic hormones, and (b) a “vicious circle” between inflammation, oxidative and nitrosative stress (O&NS), and low thyroid hormone function.

This hypothesis should be investigated through collaborative research projects.