ME Research UK severe ME/CFS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding the clinical characteristics of severe chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME)and its relationship with cognitive and autonomic dysfunction
IRAS ID
154422
Contact name
Julia L Newton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 28 days
Research summary
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME) occurs in 0.2-0.4% of the population and currently its cause is unclear. Recent studies have confirmed that abnormalities of the autonomic nervous system are recognised in about three quarters of CFS/ME sufferers and we believe that it underpins many of the symptoms that are characteristic of CFS/ME. We have recently performed a number of studies in the Newcastle Fatigue Research Group that suggest autonomic symptoms are very common and that they associate with other symptoms such as cognitive (memory and concentration) problems and depressive symptoms. It is not clear however whether this is a problem that is generalizable across all levels of severity of CFS/ME. Patients with severe CFS/ME (ie. those who are housebound) are frequently excluded from research studies as they are unable to attend research units. As a result it is often suggested that their disease may be different from that that is currently studied in the research unit environment. This study therefore sets out to perform measurements in those who are housebound with CFS/ME (ie. the severest form of this disease) in order to explore the clinical characteristics of those with severe CFS/ME and whether the results found in studies performed in research units (ie. those able to physically attend a research unit for assessment) are generalizable. This would be important for those with housebound CFS/ME as it may make new treatments that are developed on the basis of studies performed in research units are also applicable to the broadest group of patients.
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NE/0103
Date of REC Opinion
20 May 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion