Physical condition and perceived fatigue in post-covid patients: An observational descriptive study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) often require hospital admission and experience sequelae such as chronic fatigue or low muscle mass. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the functional capacity of a cohort of patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 who required hospitalization. DESIGN AND SETTING: An observational descriptive study was conducted on post-COVID-19 patients referred to the Rehabilitation Department of Gregorio Marañón Hospital (Madrid, SPAIN). METHODS: Cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, body composition, and perception of fatigue and dyspnea were analyzed. Furthermore, the existing correlations between clinical variables and physical conditions were analyzed. RESULTS: Forty-two patients who required hospital admission (80 ± 22.45 days) or intensive care unit (ICU) admission (58 ± 10.52 days) were analyzed. They presented with decreased strength, respiratory capacity, and moderate-to-severe perceived fatigue. Additionally, an inverse correlation was found between right-handgrip strength and days in the ICU, as well as the 6-minute walk test for women. Similarly, strength and fitness were negatively associated with perceived fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: Post-COVID-19 patients showed low muscle function and low levels of physical fitness associated with high perceived fatigue.

Research progress in the treatment of sleep disorder in chronic fatigue syndrome with external therapy of Traditional Chinese Medicine / 国际中医中药杂志

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) external therapy for sleep disorder of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has good anti-fatigue effect and can improve sleep quality of patients. The treatment for sleep disorders of CFS with TCM external treatment mainly adopts acupuncture, moxibustion, massage, TCM bath, transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation and auricular point sticking, etc., or alone, or comprehensive application, or combined with oral Chinese materia medica. The appropriate treatment method can be selected according to the patients' condition and compliance, which reflects the unique advantages of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment and the treatment according to people and time. The existing research still needs to further form a standardized and recognized diagnosis and treatment system, so as to better guide clinical popularization and application.

Establishment and Evaluation of Animal Models of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Chronic fatigue syndrome （CFS） is a heterogeneous disease with dysfunction in multiple systems and multiple organs. Its etiology and pathogenesis have not been fully clarified， and its treatment also lacks specificity. The key to studying CFS is developing animal models that reflect the underlying mechanisms and etiology of CFS. The existing CFS modeling methods are complicated and not unified. By sorting out relevant literature，the present study evaluated the modeling methods，modeling standards，mechanisms， and clinical coincidence of the immune model，the stress model， and the disease-syndrome combination model in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. The immune model is mainly constructed from the perspective of pathophysiology， with easy operation and wide investigation， which can simulate the pathological characteristics of CFS to ensure pathogenesis research，but the experimental repeatability is general. Stress modeling is a common method for a variety of neuropsychiatric diseases，including CFS. Many different stressors can be employed to investigate the etiology of CFS， but their effects are unpredictable. Compared with the two western medicine models mentioned above，the TCM disease-syndrome combination model integrates modern medicine with TCM theory，with high clinical coincidence and great practical value. However，the TCM disease-syndrome combination model of CFS is still in the exploratory stage with a few types of models，which needs to be further improved， aiming to establish scientific，reasonable，simple， and efficient animal models to provide support for exploring the etiology，pathogenesis， and new treatment ideas of CFS.

Bamboo-based medicinal moxibustion for chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical efficacy of bamboo-based medicinal moxibustion for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and to preliminarily explore its action mechanism.@*METHODS@#Sixty-four patients with CFS were randomly divided into a moxibustion group (32 cases, 1 case dropped off, 1 case excluded) and an acupuncture group (32 cases, 2 cases dropped off). The patients in the moxibustion group were treated with bamboo-based medicinal moxibustion, while the patients in the acupuncture group were treated with routine acupuncture. Both groups were treated once a day, 6 days as a course of treatment with 1 day interval, for a total of 2 courses of treatment. Before treatment, 1 and 2 courses into treatment and in the follow-up of 14 days after treatment, the fatigue scale-14 (FS-14) and somatic and psychological health report (SPHERE) scores were observed in the two groups. Before and after treatment, the contents of CD+3, CD+4, CD+8 of peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets were measured and CD+4/CD+8 ratio was calculated; the clinical efficacy of the two groups was compared.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the FS-14 and SPHERE scores in the two groups were decreased 1 and 2 courses into treatment and in the follow-up (P<0.01), and the FS-14 and SPHERE scores in the moxibustion group were lower than those in the acupuncture group (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared before treatment, the contents of CD+3, CD+4 and CD+4/CD+8 ratio in the moxibustion group were increased after treatment (P<0.01). There was no significant difference of CD+3, CD+4, CD+8 and CD+4/CD+8 ratio between before and after treatment in the acupuncture group (P>0.05). After treatment, the contents of CD+3 and CD+4 in the moxibustion group were higher than those in the acupuncture group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 93.3% (28/30) in the moxibustion group, which was higher than 73.3% (22/30) in the acupuncture group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Bamboo-based medicinal moxibustion could improve the physical and mental fatigue symptoms and psychological status in patients with CFS. Its effect may be related to regulating the contents of CD+3, CD+4 of peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets and CD+4/CD+8 ratio.

Relation of urinary mercury level to chronic fatigue syndrome among workers of artisanal and small-scale gold mining: A study of 3 districts in West Nusa Tenggara Province and Lebak District of Banten Province, Indonesia

INTRODUCTION@#Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a collection of symptoms from a substantial reduction in the ability to engage in preillness levels of occupational, educational, social, or personal activities that persists for more than six months and is accompanied by fatigue, post-exertional malaise, and unrefreshing sleep. One of the effects of heavy metal exposure is the occurrence of CFS among workers. Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) workers used mercury in their work, and this leads to a higher risk of chronic mercury poisoning. One of the health problems dueto mercury exposure is the occurrence of CFS and this has not been studied among ASGM workers.@*OBJECTIVE@#This study intended to discover the prevalence of CFS among ASGM workers and the factors associated with it.@*METHOD@#This study used a cross-sectional design to find the relationship between independent variables such as age, sex, working period as a miner, type of work activities in ASGM, and cumulative urinary mercury levels with CFS in ASGM workers in West Nusa Tenggara and Banten province. CFS was measured using standardized questionnaire on effect on mercury released by WHO-UNEP, and creatinine-corrected urinary mercury levels.@*RESULTS@#The prevalence of CFS in ASGM workers in West Nusa Tenggara and Banten provinces was 17.9%. Based on the results, the factors of age, sex, work period, type of work, province of origin and cumulative urinary mercury levels did not have a statistically significant relationship with CFS (p> 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#There was no significant relationship between age, sex, work period, type of work, urinary mercury level and cumulative urinary mercury levels with CFS in ASGM workers.

Treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome from yangming meridian / 中国针灸

Based on the theory of "brain-gut communication" and "heart-stomach disease simultaneously", the thinking and method of treating chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) from yangming meridian were discussed. CFS is related to brain and heart. Based on the analysis of meridian circulation, zang-fu function and the indication characteristics of yangming meridian, the indications of yangming meridian are closely related to brain and heart, so it is proposed to start from yangming meridian and use Chinese herbs combined with acupuncture to treat CFS, including the four methods of clearing away heat and moisturizing dryness, cooling blood and removing blood stasis, promoting qi to clear the organs, and strengthening and replenishing deficiency. It has certain guiding and reference significance for clinical treatment of CFS.

Clinical application and mechanism of moxibustion for chronic fatigue syndrome / 国际中医中药杂志

The treatment rules of point selection and treatment principles for treating chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) can be divided into three categories: regulating and replenishing, invigorating original yang and regulating zang-fu organs. The mechanism of moxibustion includes improving gut microbiota imbalance, regulating immune cell imbalance and correcting endocrine dysfunction. The moxibustion methods include ginger-partitioned moxibustion, thunder-fire moxibustion, warm acupuncture, and governor moxibustion. Acupuncture points such as Shenque (RN8), Guanyuan (RN4), Qihai (RN6), Zusanli (ST36), Baihui (DU20), Yongquan (KI1) and back-shu points are often selected to exert anti-chronic fatigue effects.

The therapeutic effect of sports on relieving chronic fatigue / O efeito terapêutico dos esportes no alívio da fadiga crônica / El efecto terapéutico de los deportes para aliviar la fatiga crónica

ABSTRACT Introduction Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a group of long-term fatigue; the rest is difficult to achieve. At the same time, it is accompanied by corresponding physical dysfunction and psychological and mental symptoms. It is very meaningful to find exercise countermeasures to cope with chronic fatigue syndrome actively. Object This article analyzes the current students' CFS to realize the cognition of the disease. At the same time, it analyzes the effect of sports on the treatment of chronic fatigue to help students formulate related sports programs. Method The article conducts a related questionnaire survey and analysis of students and analyzes CFS and exercise status symptoms. Results Generally, students with CFS did not actively participate in sports and had poor physical fitness, especially muscle endurance and cardiopulmonary function. However, students who actively participate in sports training basically do not have CFS. Conclusion CFS students should strengthen physical exercise and improve the CFS situation through exercise. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMO Introdução a síndrome da fadiga crônica (SFC) é um grupo de fadiga de longa duração; o descanso é difícil de conseguir. Ao mesmo tempo, é acompanhado por disfunção física correspondente e sintomas psicológicos e mentais. É muito significativo encontrar contramedidas de exercícios para lidar ativamente com a síndrome da fadiga crônica. Objetivo este artigo analisa o CFS de alunos atuais para a compreensão da doença. Ao mesmo tempo, analisa o efeito dos esportes no tratamento da fadiga crônica para ajudar os alunos a formular programas esportivos relacionados. Método o artigo conduz uma pesquisa de questionário relacionada e análise de alunos e analisa CFS e sintomas de status de exercício. Resultados Geralmente, os alunos com SFC não participavam ativamente de esportes e apresentavam má aptidão física, principalmente resistência muscular e função cardiopulmonar. Por outro lado, os alunos que participam ativamente do treinamento esportivo basicamente não possuem CFS. Conclusão os alunos do CFS devem fortalecer o exercício físico e melhorar a situação do CFS por meio do exercício. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción El síndrome de fatiga crónica (SFC) es un grupo de fatiga a largo plazo; el descanso es difícil de conseguir. Al mismo tiempo, se acompaña de la correspondiente disfunción física y síntomas psicológicos y mentales. Es muy significativo encontrar contramedidas de ejercicio para hacer frente activamente al síndrome de fatiga crónica. Objeto Este artículo analiza el SFC de los estudiantes actuales para comprender la enfermedad. Al mismo tiempo, analiza el efecto del deporte en el tratamiento de la fatiga crónica para ayudar a los estudiantes a formular programas deportivos relacionados. Método El artículo lleva a cabo un cuestionario relacionado y un análisis de los estudiantes y analiza los síntomas del SFC y el estado del ejercicio. Resultados En general, los estudiantes con SFC no participaron activamente en deportes y tenían una mala condición física, especialmente la resistencia muscular y la función cardiopulmonar. Por otro lado, los estudiantes que participan activamente en el entrenamiento deportivo básicamente no tienen SFC. Conclusión Los estudiantes de CFS deben fortalecer el ejercicio físico y mejorar la situación de CFS a través del ejercicio. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos: investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Sports medicine treatment based on relieving chronic fatigue and sub-health state / Tratamento da medicina do esporte relacionada ao alivio da fadiga crônica e saúde sub-ótima / Tratamiento de la medicina del deporte relacionada al alivio de la fatiga crónica y salud subóptima

ABSTRACT Introduction: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome, has become a common disease in modern medicine. Objective: The paper analyzes the impact of exercise training on patients' quality of life with chronic fatigue syndrome. Methods: We conducted fatigue investigations on college students and analyzed the exercise ability of college students with chronic fatigue syndrome. We then compared the findings with healthy college students. In the process, we recorded the physiological indicators and satisfaction scores of the two groups of patients. Results: Muscle endurance and cardiopulmonary function-related exercise ability of the college students with chronic fatigue syndrome are significantly different. After completing the same exercise, the scores of personal exertions were higher. Conclusion: Appropriate and regular exercise can achieve ideal results in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. In-depth research, popularization, and application by scholars is highly suggested. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMO Introdução: A síndrome da fadiga crônica (SFC), também conhecida como fadiga crônica e síndrome de disfunção imunológica, tem se tornado uma doença comum para a medicina moderna. Objetivo: Este estudo analisa o impacto do treinamento de exercícios na qualidade de vida de pacientes com síndrome de fadiga crônica. Métodos: Conduzimos investigações sobre a fadiga em estudantes universitários e analisamos a habilidade para exercícios de estudantes universitários com síndrome de fadiga crônica. Durante o processo, registramos indicadores fisiológicos e escores de satisfação dos dois grupos de pacientes. Resultados: A resistência muscular e habilidade em praticar exercícios relacionados à função cardiopulmonar dos estudantes universitários com síndrome de fadiga crônica são significativamente diferentes. Após completar o mesmo exercício, os escores de esforço pessoal eram mais altos. Conclusão: Exercícios adequados e regulares podem atingir resultados ideais no tratamento da síndrome de fadiga crônica. Pesquisas aprofundadas, a popularização e a aplicação por parte de pesquisadores são altamente recomendadas. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação de resultados de tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: La síndrome de la fatiga crónica (SFC), también conocida como fatiga crónica e inmunodeficiencia, se ha tornado una enfermedad común para la medicina moderna. Objetivo: Este estudio analiza el impacto del entrenamiento de ejercicios en la calidad de vida de pacientes con síndrome de fatiga crónica. Métodos: Conducimos investigaciones sobre la fatiga en estudiantes universitarios y analizamos la habilidad para ejercicios de estudiantes universitarios con síndrome de fatiga crónica. Durante el proceso, registramos indicadores fisiológicos y puntajes de satisfacción de los dos grupos de pacientes. Resultados: La resistencia muscular y habilidad en practicar ejercicios relacionados a la función cardiopulmonar de los estudiantes universitarios con síndrome de fatiga crónica son significativamente diferentes. Tras completar el mismo ejercicio, los puntajes de esfuerzo personal eran más altos. Conclusión: Ejercicios adecuados y regulares pueden atingir resultados ideales en el tratamiento de la síndrome de fatiga crónica. Investigaciones profundizadas, la popularización y la aplicación por los investigadores son altamente recomendadas. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de resultados de tratamiento.

Scientific physical training on the clinical recovery of chronic fatigue injury / Treino físico científico para a recuperação de lesões por fadiga crônica / Entrenamiento físico científico para la recuperación de lesiones por fatiga crónica

ABSTRACT Introduction: Chronic fatigue syndrome is also called chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome. This disease has now become a common disease in modern medicine. Objective: To explore and analyze the effect of exercise therapy on chronic fatigue syndrome. Methods: We selected 70 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome for the experiment. The exercise group performed gradual exercise, and the control group was inactive. Results: Appropriate and regular exercise can achieve ideal results in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. Conclusion: Studying methods to prevent and recover from fatigue syndrome will help in understanding and focusing attention on the topic of fatigue, as well as being aware of the methods of self-prevention of fatigue syndrome. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMO Introdução: A síndrome de fadiga crônica é também chamada de fadiga crônica e síndrome de disfunção imune. Esta doença tem se tornado comum na medicina moderna. Objetivo: Explorar e analisar o efeito da terapia por exercício na síndrome de fadiga crônica. Métodos: Selecionamos 70 pacientes com síndrome de fadiga crônica para o experimento. O grupo de exercício praticou exercícios moderados e o grupo de controle permaneceu inativo. Resultados: Exercícios adequados e regulares podem atingir resultados ideais no tratamento da síndrome de fadiga crônica. Conclusão: O estudo de métodos para prevenir e se recuperar da síndrome de fadiga crônica ajuda ao entender e ficar atento ao tema da fadiga, assim como reconhecer os métodos de autoprevenção da síndrome da fadiga. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação de resultados de tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: El síndrome de fatiga crónica se llama también fatiga crónica y síndrome de disfunción inmune. Esta enfermedad se ha vuelto común en la medicina moderna. Objetivo: Explorar y analizar el efecto de la terapia por ejercicio en el síndrome de fatiga crónica. Métodos: Seleccionamos 70 pacientes con síndrome de fatiga crónica para el experimento. El grupo de ejercicios practicó ejercicios moderados y el grupo de control permaneció inactivo. Resultados: Ejercicios adecuados y regulares pueden atingir resultados ideales en el tratamiento del síndrome de fatiga crónica. Conclusión: El estudio de métodos para prevenir y recuperarse del síndrome de fatiga crónica ayuda a entender y estar atento al tema de la fatiga, así como reconocer los métodos de autoprevención del síndrome de fatiga. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de resultados de tratamiento.

Lowered serum cesium levels in schizophrenia: association with immune-inflammatory biomarkers and cognitive impairments

Objectives: A previous study has shown that schizophrenia (SCZ) is accompanied by lowered levels of trace/metal elements, including cesium. However, it is not clear whether changes in cesium, rubidium, and rhenium are associated with activated immune-inflammatory pathways, cognitive impairments, and the symptomatology of SCZ. Methods: This study measured cesium, rubidium, and rhenium, cognitive impairments (using the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia [BACS]), and the levels of cytokines/chemokines interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and eotaxin (CCL11) in 120 patients with SCZ and 54 healthy controls. Severity of illness was assessed using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), the Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Rating (FF) Scale, and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). Results: Serum cesium was significantly lower in patients with SCZ as compared with controls. Further, serum cesium was significantly and inversely associated with CCL11 and TNF-α, but not IL-1β, in patients with SCZ; significant inverse associations were also noted between serum cesium levels and BPRS, FF, HAM-D, and SANS scores. Finally, cesium was positively correlated with neurocognitive probe results including the Tower of London, Symbol Coding, Controlled Word Association, Category Instances, Digit Sequencing Task, and List Learning tests. Conclusion: The results suggest that lowered serum cesium levels may play a role in the pathophysiology of SCZ, contributing to specific symptom domains including negative, depressive and fatigue symptoms, neurocognitive impairments (spatial working, episodic, and semantic memory and executive functions), and neuroimmune pathways.

Infección por Herpes virus Humano tipo 6 relacionado con manifestaciones dermatológicas y fatiga crónica: serie de casos / Human Herpesvirus type 6 infection related to dermatological manifestations and chronic fatigue: case series

Resumen Introducción: Las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes causadas por el Herpes Virus Humano Tipo 6 (HHV-6) ocurren en niños menores de 2 años, presentan lesiones en piel tipo roséola o exantema súbito. En adultos, las manifestaciones clínicas relacionadas a HHV-6 son muy variables, y pueden sobreponerse con otras afecciones. Objetivo: Presentar una serie de casos de pacientes diagnosticados con infección activa por HHV-6, quienes mostraban manifestaciones neurológicas, dermatológicas y de fatiga crónica. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó análisis de historias clínicas de 6 pacientes que fueron diagnosticados con infección activa por HHV-6, a través de métodos moleculares. Resultados: Se reportan 6 pacientes que fueron diagnosticados con infección activa por HHV-6 mediante métodos moleculares, quienes presentaron manifestaciones clínicas comunes tales como: fiebre, cefalea, depresión, decaimiento, pérdida de memoria y concentración, dolor fibromuscular, dolor poliarticular, sueño no reparador, exantema, nevus rubí, liquen plano y parestesias. Conclusiones: A través de esta serie de casos se espera resaltar la importancia de identificar la infección activa por HHV-6 a través de métodos moleculares, y sensibilizar a la comunidad médica sobre el papel que juega el virus en la evolución de diversas patologías.

Abstract Introduction: The most frequent clinical manifestations of Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) in children under 2 years of age are roseola-like skin lesions and sudden rash. In adults, the clinical manifestations associated with HHV-6 are highly variable and can overlap with other conditions. Objective: To present a case series of patients diagnosed with active HHV-6 infection, who showed neurological, dermatological and chronic fatigue manifestations. Materials and methods: An analysis of medical records of 6 patients who were diagnosed with active HHV-6 infection through molecular methods was performed. Results: 6 patients were diagnosed with active HHV-6 infection using molecular methods, who had common clinical manifestations such as fever, headache, depression, tiredness, loss of memory and concentration, fibromuscular pain, polyarticular pain, nonrestorative sleep, rash, ruby nevus, lichen planus and paresthesia. Conclusions: This case series highlights the importance of identifying active HHV-6 infection through molecular methods and creating awareness in the medical community of the role that the virus plays on the development of diverse pathologies.

Establishment of artificial neural network predication model of postoperative fatigue syndrome in patients with painless colonoscopy / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To establish an artificial neural network (ANN) model for predication of postoperative fatigue syndrome (POFS) in patients with painless colonoscopy.Methods:The out-patients received painless colonoscopy from October 2016 to February 2017 were selected.A total of 38 factors influencing POFS during perioperative period were collected.Christensen postoperative fatigue score was performed when resuscitation achieved the standard.The patients were divided into POFS group (Christensen score≥3) and non-POFS group (Christensen score<3) according to whether POFS occurred.Logistic regression predication model and ANN predication model were established and tested, respectively.The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were used to compare the efficacy of the two models for predication of POFS.Results:The error rates of the ANN prediction model training set and test set were 23.1% and 28.1%, respectively.The sensitivity and specificity of the training set were 88.6% and 52.7%, respectively.The sensitivity and specificity of the test set were 91.6% and 71.1%, respectively.The areas under the curves of logistic regression predication model and ANN predication model were 0.698 and 0.776, respectively.Conclusion:ANN prediction model has been successfully established, which provides better efficacy than logistic regression predication model for predication of POFS in patients with painless colonoscopy .

Ginger-separated moxibustion for chronic fatigue syndrome and its effect on intestinal flora / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of ginger-separated moxibustion on fatigue state and intestinal flora in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).@*METHODS@#A total of 62 patients with CFS were randomly divided into an observation group (31 cases, 3 cases dropped off) and a control group (31 cases, 2 cases dropped off). The patients in the control group were treated with normal diet and moderate exercise; on the basis of the control group, the patients in the observation group were treated with ginger-separated moxibustion at Zhongwan (CV 12), Shenque (CV 8) and Guanyuan (CV 4), 30 min each time, once every other day, three times a week. Both groups were intervened for 4 weeks. Before and after treatment, the fatigue scale-14 (FS-14) was used to observe the improvement of fatigue state, and 16S rRNA detection technology was used to detect the distribution of intestinal flora.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the FS-14 score was reduced after treatment in the observation group (@*CONCLUSION@#The ginger-separated moxibustion could significantly improve the fatigue state in CFS patients, which may be related to the regulation of intestinal flora structure and the repair of intestinal barrier.

Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: An Overview of Systematic Reviews / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the quality of the existing studies and summarize evidence of important outcomes of meta-analyses/systematic reviews (MAs/SRs) of CFS.@*METHODS@#Potentially eligible studies were searched in the following electronic databases from inception to 1 September, 2019: Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang Database (WF), Web of Science, Embase, PubMed and Cochrane Library. Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to evaluate the quality of evidence. The methodological quality of the literature was evaluated by A Measure Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews-2 (AMSTAR-2) and the quality of the report was assessed by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). The intra-class correlation coefficient was used to assess the consistency of the reviewers, with an overall intraclass correlation coefficient score of 0.967.@*RESULTS@#Ten MAs/SRs were included. The overall conclusions were that acupuncture had good safety and efficacy in the treatment of CFS, but some of these results were contradictory. The GRADE indicated that out of the 17 outcomes, high-quality evidence was provided in 0 (0%), moderate in 3 (17.65%), low in 10 (58.82%), and very low in 4 (23.53%). The results of AMSTAR-2 showed that the methodological quality of all included studies was critically low. The PRISMA statement revealed that 8 articles (80%) were in line with 20 of the 27-item checklist, and 2 articles (20%) matched with 10-19 of the 27 items.@*CONCLUSION@#We found that acupuncture on treating CFS has the advantage for efficacy and safety, but the quality of SRs/MAs of acupuncture for CFS need to be improved.

El síndrome de fatiga crónica en el curso de la hepatitis C. Presentación de un caso / Chronic fatigue syndrome in the course of Hepatitis C

RESUMEN Se supone que aproximadamente 80 millones de personas a nivel mundial están infectadas con el virus de la hepatitis C. Un aproximado del 60 % de dichos pacientes aqueja síndrome de fatiga crónica. Se presentó un paciente portador de hepatitis crónica de tipo C, con manifestaciones clínicas de síndrome de fatiga crónica por más de dos años. Se han reportado estudios internacionales que han demostrado la relación existente entre el desarrollo de la respuesta inmune y el daño que ocasiona en el tejido cerebral la infección por virus de hepatitis C. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo la presentación del primer caso que se tiene referencia (AU).

ABSTRACT It is believed that almost 80 million persons are infected with the Hepatitis C virus around the world, and 60 % of them suffer the chronic fatigue syndrome. For that reason we present the case of a patient who is a carrier of the chronic fatigue syndrome for more than two years. Reports of international research have showed the relation between the immune answer and the damage caused by the infection of the hepatitis C virus in the brain tissues. The aim of this work is presenting the first case reported in Cuba (AU).

Comorbilidad neuropsiquiátrica en pacientes con fibromialgia / Neuropsychiatric comorbidity in patients with fibromyalgia

RESUMEN Introducción: La fibromialgia es una causa común de dolor crónico en el mundo, con una prevalencia en la población general del 0,2% al 6,4%. Estos pacientes tienen una mayor probabilidad de presentar trastornos neuropsiquiátricos. El objetivo fue describir el perfil sociodemográfico y clínico de pacientes con fibromialgia y comorbilidad neuropsiquiátrica. Métodos: Estudio transversal, descriptivo. Se recolectó información de las historias clínicas de pacientes con fibromialgia y comorbilidad neuropsiquiátrica, de una institución especializada en Antioquia, durante los años 2010 al 2016. Se aplicaron herramientas de estadística descriptiva. Resultados: De 1.106 registros médicos con diagnóstico confirmado de fibromialgia, 497 presentaban comorbilidad neuropsiquiátrica. La mediana de edad fue de 54 años (RIC 15), la mayoría eran mujeres, residían en zona urbana y estaban casados o convivían con su pareja. Estatus socioeconómico bajo-medio y nivel educativo básico-medio, fueron los más reportados. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron alteraciones del sueño (70,6%), mialgias (66,4%) y fatiga crónica (55,9%). Los trastornos neuropsiquiátricos más frecuentes fueron depresión (85,7%), migraña (35%) y ansiedad (14,7%). Los fármacos más utilizados fueron los inhibidores de la recaptación de serotonina y duales, acetaminofén y gabaérgicos. Manejo con terapias complementarias e intervención psicológica se observaron en baja proporción. Conclusiones: La fibromialgia y las enfermedades neuropsiquiátricas son patologías que coexisten con frecuencia; la presentación sociodemográfica y clínica es similar a lo descrito en la literatura, sin embargo, la presencia de depresión en esta población fue mayor. Un enfoque terapéutico transdisciplinario, favorecería la calidad de vida de los pacientes y el curso de la enfermedad.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Fibromyalgia is a common cause of chronic pain in the world, with a prevalence of 0.2% to 6.4% in the general population. These patients are more likely to have neuropsychiatric disorders. The objective of this study was to describe the sociodemographic and clinical profile of patients with fibromyalgia and neuropsychiatric comorbidity. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in which Information was collected from the medical records of patients with fibromyalgia and neuropsychiatric comorbidity, from specialist institution in Antioquia, during the years 2010 to 2016. Descriptive statistics tools were applied. Results: Of the 1,106 medical records with a confirmed diagnosis of fibromyalgia, 497 had neuropsychiatric comorbidity. The median age was 54 years (IQR 15), and the majority were women, residing in an urban area, and were married or living with their partner. Low-medium socioeconomic status and basic-medium educational level were the most reported. The most frequent symptoms were sleep disturbances (70.6%), myalgia (66.4%), and chronic fatigue (55.9%). The most frequent neuropsychiatric disorders were depression (85.7%), migraine (35%), and anxiety (14.7%). The most commonly used drugs were serotonin and dual reuptake inhibitors, acetaminophen, and GABAergic drugs. A low percentage was managed with complementary therapies and psychological intervention. Conclusions: Fibromyalgia and neuropsychiatric diseases are diseases that frequently coexist. Although the sociodemographic and clinical presentation is as described in the literature, the presence of depression was greater in this population. A multidisciplinary therapeutic approach would favour the quality of life of the patients and the course of the disease.

Estudo Controlado das Alterações Hemodinâmicas Centrais de uma Sessão de Exercício Inspiratório com Diferentes Cargas na Insuficiência Cardíaca / Controlled Study of Central Hemodynamic Changes in Inspiratory Exercise with Different Loads in Heart Failure

Resumo Fundamento A fraqueza muscular inspiratória contribui para a intolerância ao exercício e diminuição da qualidade de vida dos pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca. Estudos com treinamento da musculatura inspiratória demonstram melhora da força muscular inspiratória, da capacidade funcional e da qualidade de vida. Porém, pouco se sabe sobre a resposta hemodinâmica central (RHC) durante o exercício inspiratório (EI). Objetivo Avaliar a RHC em uma única sessão de EI com diferentes cargas (placebo, 30 e 60%) na insuficiência cardíaca. Métodos Ensaio clínico randomizado placebo-controlado, em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção reduzida, classe funcional II e III. Vinte pacientes, com idade de 65±11 anos, completaram uma sessão única de exercício inspiratório, em 3 ciclos de 15 minutos, com washout de 1 hora, envolvendo cargas de 30% (C30), 60% (C60) e placebo, utilizando um resistor de carga linear ( PowerBreathe Light ). O estudo hemodinâmico não invasivo foi realizado por bioimpedância cardiotorácica ( Niccomo™CardioScreen® ). Análise estatística foi feita com o Teste t de Student e a correlação de Pearson, considerado significante p≤0,05. Resultados Foi observado aumento da frequência cardíaca (FC) com a C30 (64±15 vs 69±15 bpm; p=0,005) e C60 (67±14 vs 73±14 bpm, p=0,002). No volume sistólico (VS), observou-se diminuição com a C30 (73±26 vs 64±20 ml; p=0,004). O débito cardíaco (DC) apresentou aumento apenas com a C60 (4,6±1,5 vs 5,3±1,7 l/min; p=-0,001). Conclusão Quando utilizada a carga de 60%, em uma sessão única de EI, foram observadas alterações na RHC. A FC e o DC aumentaram, assim como as escalas de Borg e sensação subjetiva de dispneia. Já a carga de 30% promoveu diminuição do VS. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(4):656-663)

Abstract Background Inspiratory muscle weakness contributes to exercise intolerance and decreased quality of life in patients with heart failure. Studies with inspiratory muscle training show improvement in inspiratory muscle strength, functional capacity and quality of life. However, little is known about the central hemodynamic response (CHR) during inspiratory exercise (IE). Objective To evaluate CHR in a single IE session with different loads (placebo, 30% and 60%) in heart failure. Methods Randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, functional class II and III. Twenty patients aged 65 ± 11 years completed a single session of inspiratory exercise, in 3 cycles of 15 minutes, with a 1-hour washout, involving loads of 30% (C30), 60% (C60) and placebo, using a linear load resistor (PowerBreathe Light). The noninvasive hemodynamic study was performed by cardiothoracic bioimpedance (Niccomo™ CardioScreen®). Statistical analysis was performed with Student's t-test and Pearson's correlation, and P≤0.05 was considered significant. Results An increase in heart rate (HR) was observed with C30 (64 ± 15 vs 69 ± 15 bpm; p = 0.005) and C60 (67 ± 14 vs 73 ± 14 bpm, p = 0.002). A decrease was observed in systolic volume (SV) with C30 (73 ± 26 vs 64 ± 20 ml; p = 0.004). Cardiac output (CO), on its turn, increased only with C60 (4.6 ± 1.5 vs 5.3 ± 1.7 l/min; p = -0.001). Conclusion When using the 60% load, in a single IE session, changes in CHR were observed. HR and CD increased, as did the Borg scales and subjective sensation of dyspnea. The 30% load reduced the SV. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(4):656-663)

Antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties of Spilanthes oleracea with potential effect in chronic fatigue syndrome infirmity

Background: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) holds a mystery for researchers due to its multifactorialnature; hence, its diagnosis is still based on symptoms and aetiology remains obscured. Number ofscientific evidences regarding the role of oxidative stress, immune dysfunction in CFS and alleviation ofsymptoms with the help of nutritional supplements guided us to study effect of ethanolic extract ofSpilanthes oleracea (SPE) in CFS.Objectives: Present study was designed to evaluate antioxidant, immunomodulatory properties of S.oleracea flower to ameliorate CFS infirmity in mice.Materials and method: In order to induce fatigue, experimental animals were stressed by chronic water eimmersion stress model. Meanwhile, parameters like immobility period and tail withdrawal latencywere assessed. On the 21st day, mice blood was collected and they were immediately sacrificed forbiochemical estimations.Results: Biochemical analysis results revealed that CFS elevates lipid peroxidation, nitrite level and diminishes the endogenous antioxidant enzyme like catalase level in stressed animal’s brain homogenate.Stressful condition developed muscle fatigue leading in alteration of lactate dehydrogenase level (LDH),Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and Triglycerides (TG) levels. Concurrent and chronic treatment of SPE for 21days restored all these behavioural despairs and associated biochemical adaptation in mice in dosedependent manner.Conclusion: The outcome of this study indicates ability of SPE in amelioration of CFS by mitigating theoxidative stress and thus provide a powerful combat against CFS which may be due to its antioxidant andimmunomodulatory properties.© 2017 Transdisciplinary University, Bangalore and World Ayurveda Foundation. Publishing Services byElsevier B.V

Effect of ginger-separated moxibustion on fatigue, sleep quality and depression in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of ginger-separated moxibustion on fatigue, sleep quality and depression in the patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.@*METHODS@#A total of 62 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome were randomized into an observation group (31 cases, 3 cases dropped off) and a control group (31 cases, 2 cases dropped off). In the control group, the patients had normal diet and proper physical exercise. In the observation group, on the basis of the control group, the ginger-separated moxibustion was added at Zhongwan (CV 12), Shenque (CV 8) and Guanyuan (CV 4), 30 min each time, once every two days, 3 times weekly. Separately, before treatment and after 4 weeks of treatment, the MOS item short form health survey (SF-36), the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) scale and the self-rating depression scale (SDS) were adopted to evaluate the degrees of fatigue, sleep quality and depression in the patients of the two groups.@*RESULTS@#In the observation group, the score of each item of SF-36, the score of each item of PSQI and SDS score after treatment were all improved significantly as compared with those before treatment respectively (<0.05, <0.01). In the control group, the scores of overall health, vitality and mental health in SF-36 and the score of sleep time of PSQI after treatment were improved as compared with those before treatment respectively (<0.05). After treatment, the score of each item of SF-36, the scores of sleep quality, sleep time, sleep efficiency and sleep disorders of PSQI, as well as SDS score in the observation group were all better than those in the control group respectively (<0.01, <0.05). The score of SF-36 was relevant to the scores of PSQI and SDS in the patients of chronic fatigue syndrome ( =0.331, <0.05; =-0.706, <0.01). The improvement value of SF-36 score was closely related to the improvement value of SDS score in the observation group ( =-0.657, <0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#The ginger-separated moxibustion effectively relieves fatigue and depression condition and improves sleep quality in the patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. The fatigue condition is relevant with sleep quality and depression condition to a certain extent in the patients.