{"id":41083,"date":"2023-10-12T07:42:59","date_gmt":"2023-10-12T06:42:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wames.org.uk\/cms-english\/?p=41083"},"modified":"2023-10-12T07:42:59","modified_gmt":"2023-10-12T06:42:59","slug":"research-me-cfs-pregnancy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wames.org.uk\/cms-english\/research-me-cfs-pregnancy\/","title":{"rendered":"Research: ME\/CFS & pregnancy"},"content":{"rendered":"

ME\/CFS and pregnancy: a systematic review<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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When reviewing studies of pregnancy in women living with ME\/CFS, researchers from Newcastle University found the impact of pregnancy on ME\/CFS severity varied within and between the small number of relevant studies.<\/p>\n

The importance of both individualised care, and of healthcare professionals learning about ME\/CFS in relation to family planning and pregnancy was however highlighted.<\/p>\n

\"\"There are currently no evidence-based guidelines for management of ME\/CFS and pregnancy. People with ME\/CFS, their partners and healthcare professionals are unable to make informed, evidence-based decisions around family planning, pregnancy, labour and birth.<\/p>\n

“More research is urgently needed, considering all aspects of pregnancy and ME\/CFS for patients and healthcare professionals. In particular, research should explore what would constitute high-quality care for those with ME\/CFS relating to pregnancy and family planning.”<\/p>\n

Better quality research is also needed, with larger sample sizes, healthy control groups, clearly defined research questions and a standard diagnostic criteria for ME\/CFS.<\/p>\n

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Identifying, synthesising and appraising existing evidence relating to myalgic encephalomyelitis\/chronic fatigue syndrome and pregnancy: a mixed-methods systematic review<\/a>, by Emma Slack<\/span>, Katrina Anne Pears<\/span>, Judith Rankin<\/span>, Julia L Newton<\/span>, Mark Pearce in<\/span> BMJ Open <\/em>Volume 13, Issue 10, 2023<\/span><\/p>\n

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Research abstract: <\/strong><\/p>\n

Objectives<\/strong><\/p>\n

To identify, synthesise and appraise evidence relating to myalgic encephalomyelitis\/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME\/CFS) and pregnancy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Design<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mixed-methods systematic review, using convergent segregated design.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Data sources<\/strong><\/p>\n

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, PsycINFO, CINAHL, MedRxiv, PROSPERO and grey literature sources through 6 August 2023.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Eligibility criteria<\/strong><\/p>\n

We included original research studies, expert opinion and grey literature reporting on ME\/CFS and pregnancy\/post partum (up to 2\u2009years), risk of pregnancy outcomes with ME\/CFS or experiences during pregnancy for mother, partner or health and social care professionals following ME\/CFS during pregnancy, all where the evidence was relevant to a confirmed ME\/CFS diagnosis prior to pregnancy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Data extraction and synthesis<\/strong><\/p>\n

Three independent reviewers completed all screening, data extraction and quality assessment. Risk of bias was assessed using the mixed-methods appraisal tool V.2018. Qualitative<\/a> and quantitative<\/a> literature was analysed separately using thematic and descriptive syntheses. Findings were integrated through configuration<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Results<\/strong><\/p>\n

Searches identified 3675 articles, 16 met the inclusion criteria: 4 quantitative (1 grey), 11 qualitative (9 grey) and 1 grey mixed-methods study. Of the four quantitative studies that reported on ME\/CFS severity during pregnancy:<\/p>\n