Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients fall into the group of diseases that doctors debate are imagined in the patient’s mind or something that is biological in nature. The debate stirs because there is not a definitive test, like a blood test, to show that chronic fatigue syndrome exists.
Common among chronic fatigue syndrome patients is intermittent or persistent gut problems, including indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome. There are viral infections, such as Epstein Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and parvovirus, among others, that are known to produce many of the same symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Researchers moved one step closer in demonstrating that chronic fatigue syndrome is something biological and possibly a way to help diagnose the disease. The study involved 165 patients diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome and a control group who were considered healthy except for a gut disease. All of the subjects were subjected to endoscopy (which involves the threading of a long tube with a camera on the tip through the gullet and into the stomach.)
The result was that most of the patients, with gut problems, showed evidence of mild long-term inflammation. The chronic fatigue syndrome patients tested positive for enteroviruses in 80% of patients, while the control group tested positive in 20% of the patients. Although not conclusive as a diagnostic tool the inclusion of enteroviruses can be helpful in diagnosing CFS.
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This interesting report seems to have three missing sentences answering the following questions.
1)Where was the study done and published?
2)There was (or was not) a “link” between patients with CFS and those with stomach problems–that is, did the group with CFS also show inflammation?
3)Why was the study done?
Sue,
Please refer to the upcoming issue of the Journal of Clinical Pathology for a more in depth review of the study.
Our goal is not to give an in-depth analysis of current research, but rather to give a ‘coffee break room’ version of medical advancements and to provide a link for additional information.
Thanks for your comment.
Can being exposed to a high dose of Ionizing Radiation during a Atomic Test in the South Pacific cause Chronic Fatique?
If yes what are the side effects? And what referances do you have to verify your answer?
This is an URGENT REQUEST by all of us ATOMIC VETERANS that are still alive!
PLEASEE RESPOND!!