B-cell Depletion Using the Monoclonal Anti-CD20 Antibody Rituximab in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Fatigue SyndromeMyalgic EncephalomyelitisBased on pilot patient observations, and experience from the prior study KTS-1-2008, the investigators anticipate that chronic fatigue syndrome patients may benefit from B-cell depletion therapy using Rituximab induction with maintenance treatment. The hypothesis is that at least a subset of CFS patients have an activated immune system involving B-lymphocytes, and that prolonged B-cell depletion may alleviate symptoms.
Quercetin Phytosome® Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Fatigue SyndromeSleep2 moreThe purpose of this study is to evaluate whether a 3-month period of quercetin supplementation (500 mg of Quercetin Phytosome®) is useful in the treatment of chronic fatigue, as assessed by the Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS-40). Secondary end points are sleep assessment through Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and muscle performance assessment through the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and body composition assessment using DXA.
Treatment of CFS & Fibromyalgia With Recovery Factors
FibromyalgiaChronic Fatigue SyndromeThe study will explore if Recovery Factors improve symptoms in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome
A Computer-Based Intervention for Medically Unexplained Physical Symptoms
FibromyalgiaIrritable Bowel Syndrome1 moreIn this study 60 people with medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) will receive either a 6-session resilience skill building intervention provided fully online or a weekly computerized journaling assignment. Both programs can be completed from home. Participants will complete questionnaires both before and after the intervention and changes in symptoms, mood and satisfaction with life will be assessed.
Use of Sildenafil (Viagra) to Alter Fatigue, Functional Status and Impaired Cerebral Blood Flow...
Chronic Fatigue SyndromeUse of Viagra to Alter Symptoms in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Hyporeactivity and Gulf War Illness
Gulf War SyndromeChronic Fatigue Syndrome1 moreThis research project is a follow-up to the prior VA-funded study that found that chronic fatigue reported by many Gulf War veterans may be a symptom of dysfunctional cardiovascular stress response regulation. Specifically, ill veterans had diminished autonomic responses during demanding psychosocial tasks involving high level cognitive processing and emotional stress. There was a close relationship between clinical status of ill veterans and their inability to mount an appropriate physiological response under stress. The main objective of the present investigation is to determine the specific mechanism through which this abnormality may contribute to Gulf War-related chronic fatigue. We also observed that Gulf veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) had the most dampened autonomic activation to stressors involving higher brain activities. The second major focus of this study is to explore the role of a psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD, as a factor in abnormalities in stress response regulation. This aspect of the study may also provide pertinent information as to the role of stress of military deployment as a contributing factor in post-Gulf War illnesses.
Effect of Ginko and Cistanche Against Fatigue Symptoms
Mental FatigueFatigue1 moreTo evaluate the efficacy of Nutrilite® ginkgo biloba cistanche tablets in relieving the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS), the investigators randomly recruit189 subjects with CFS, aged 35-60 yrs. The relief of fatigue and improvement of sexual function are evaluated by World Health Organization Quality Of Life Brief (WHOQoL-Bref), Sexual Life Quality Questionnaire (SLQQ), chronic fatigue syndrome, symptoms of self-assessment at the baseline and the end of intervention. Subjects also underwent a blood test measuring the concentration of biochemical indicators. Cistanche is mainly used to strengthen the renal function, nourish essence and blood in the treatment of lumbar debility, impotence, infertility and muscles weakness, constipation. etc. The study is to test the hypothesis that consecutive 60-day intake of the study tablets can relieve the symptoms of CFS; according to the change of blood biology indicators, the investigators will also evaluate the association between the change of plasma outcome measures and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Efficacy and Safety of Fermented Velvet Antler Extract on Fatigue Recovery After Exercise
Chronic Fatigue SyndromeThe investigators performed a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Fermented Velvet Antler extract on fatigue recovery after exercise. The investigators measured fatigue recovery parameters , including lactate, ammonia, inorganic phosphorus, creatine kinase and LDH, and monitored their blood pressure.
Sodium Oxybate in Patients With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Chronic Fatigue SyndromeChronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disabling, unexplained disorder characterized by physical and mental exhaustion. Complaints of disturbed and unrefreshing sleep are very common in CFS patients, however, the relationship between (disturbed) sleep quality and fatigue is still not fully elucidated. To evaluate the effect of sodium oxybate on fatigue and to explore the interdependence of sleep quality and fatigue in CFS, a double blind, randomized, placebo controlled cross-over trial with sodium oxybate is carried out in CFS patients. The aim of this study is to address the issue of the effect of sodium oxybate on fatigue as a presenting symptom in chronic fatigue (CF) and CFS patients, in the absence of underlying medical or psychiatric illness. The answer to this question may shed further light on the enigmatic relationship between sleep and fatigue. We also want to investigate the effect of sodium oxybate on sleepiness and general health in the same target population. Zero-hypothesis: there is no effect.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Presumptive Mitochondrial Disorder
Chronic Fatigue SyndromeThe pathogenesis of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is poorly understood and no effective therapy has been developed. Recent studies suggest that a preceding viral infection causes mitochondrial dysfunction of the brain and skeletal muscle of genetically susceptible individuals. There is no specific laboratory test to identify patients with CFS. However, certain clinical manifestations are similar to those seen in mitochondrial disorders. Both patients with mitochondrial disorders and CFS manifest elevated serum lactate levels after exercise, and demonstrate elevated brain cerebrospinal fluid levels and decreased brain glutathione levels on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Therapy consisting of daily conditioning exercise, dietary recommendations, and nutraceutical supplements (ENT) has been show to be beneficial in treating patients with mitochondrial disorders. Similar therapy has been instituted in individual patients with CFS and has been shown to also improve their clinical conditions. A placebo-controlled trial will be undertaken in 24 CFS patients aged 25-55. Patients fulfilling the CDC criteria for CFS will participate in this 6 month study. Other medical causes for fatigue will be excluded. Half the patients will receive treatment consisting of daily conditioning exercise plus nutraceutical supplements (ENT), that has been shown to be beneficial for patients with mitochondrial dysfunction, while the other half will receive daily conditioning exercise and placebo tablets. Response to ENT will be evaluated by maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) and circulating lactate levels during & after treadmill exercise, a 6-minute walk test, and a fatigue questionnaire. In addition, whether ENT corrects the elevated brain cerebrospinal fluid levels and decreased brain glutathione levels will be measured. To ensure compliance to therapy patients will be monitored frequently. The objective of this study is to assess the safety and efficacy of ENT and whether ENT leads to sustained improvement of CFS patients compared to their baseline status, and compared to an exercised group of patients not receiving supplements.