Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026

Evaluating the Role of Mitochondrial Function in Cancer-related Fatigue
Published on: May 17, 2018
[Prevalence of atopy in chronic fatigue syndrome]
L Ferré Ybarz1, V Cardona Dahl, A Cadahía García
1Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain. laiafy@vodafone.es
Background:
Several hypotheses have been postulated to explain the etiopathogenesis of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Among these, immunologic dysfunction has been proposed. Up to 30 % of these patients have a history of allergic disease. The aim of this study was to investigate whether allergic sensitization is higher in patients with CFS than in the general population.
Methods:
Twenty-five patients with CFS and 20 controls were evaluated. A clinical history for allergy was taken and immediate hypersensitivity tests were performed.
Results:
Twelve patients (48 %) and eight controls (40 %) had a family history of atopy. Personal histories of atopy were as follows: rhinoconjunctivitis: 12 patients (48 %), seven controls (35 %); asthma: five patients (20 %), two controls (10 %); food allergy: three patients (12 %); atopic dermatitis: two patients; contact dermatitis: two patients. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups in any of the variables (p > 0.05). In the CSF group, 3.4 % (15/441) of the inhalant prick tests were positive, and in the control group 3.8 % (16/420) were positive. None of the tests for hypersensitivity to food or latex were positive.
Conclusions:
In our study atopy was not more prevalent in patients with CFS than in healthy controls, although the CSF group tended to report more respiratory symptoms and drug allergies.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation, but...
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Myasthenia Gravis ll: Pathophysiology
Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

