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Child and adolescent chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: where are we now?
Anna Gregorowski1, Jane Simpson2, Terry Y Segal1
1Paediatric and Adolescent Department, University College Hospital, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Insights
Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) in children and young people presents a complex challenge with limited evidence for effective treatments. Further research is crucial to understand causes and improve care for this debilitating condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Neurology
- Immunology
Background:
- Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a debilitating illness affecting children and young people (CYP).
- The exact cause of CFS/ME remains unclear, presenting a heterogeneous clinical picture.
- The condition significantly impacts the affected CYP and their families, with comorbidities like mood disorders and pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent evidence on the cause, impact, treatment, and prognosis of CFS/ME in CYP.
- To inform ongoing guideline reviews and identify research needs.
- To synthesize current knowledge amidst evolving research calls.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of recent evidence.
- Analysis of studies on CFS/ME in children and young people.
- Discussion of aetiological hypotheses and precipitating factors.
Main Results:
- Evidence for effective CFS/ME treatment in CYP is limited, especially for severely affected individuals.
- Online cognitive behavioral therapy trials are underway for teenagers.
- The Lightning Process, as an adjunct to medical care, shows effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence is limited by diagnostic heterogeneity and small studies.
- There is a significant need for more research and larger studies.
- Further investigation into the causes and optimal treatments for pediatric CFS/ME is essential.
Purpose Of Review:
The current review aims to determine the recent evidence regarding cause, impact, effective treatment and prognosis of children and young people (CYP) affected by chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) at a time when the National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines in the United Kingdom are being reviewed and more research is called for worldwide.
Recent Findings:
CFS/ME is a debilitating illness with no clear cause. This review describes the heterogeneous clinical picture and the effects on the young person and family. Comorbidities such as mood disorders and pain are discussed including evidence for treatment. The various aetiological hypotheses are discussed and the precipitating factors identified. The evidence base is limited regarding effective treatment for CYP with CFS/ME, particularly the severely affected group. A large trial of online cognitive behavioural therapy with teenagers is being explored in the United Kingdom. The Lightning Process has been shown to be effective when added to medical care.
Summary:
Current evidence is hampered by different diagnostic criteria, the heterogeneous nature of the condition, and limited number of small studies. There is a clear need for more research and larger studies exploring the cause of and most effective treatment for CYP with CFS/ME.
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