A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found a significant correlation between COVID-19 infection and the development of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Researchers analyzed data from the RECOVER-Adult study, observing a 4.5% prevalence of ME/CFS symptoms among COVID-19 patients six months post-infection compared to 0.6% in uninfected controls. The study highlights the importance of further research and improved diagnostic and care strategies for ME/CFS in the context of long COVID.
By Dr. Chinta SidharthanReviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.Jan 16 2025 Researchers uncover the alarming overlap between COVID-19 , ME/CFS , and severe long COVID symptoms, urging better diagnostics and care strategies.
Using data from the RECOVER-Adult study, a research team from the United States evaluated the prevalence and incidence of ME/CFS among individuals recovering from COVID-19, identified key symptoms, and compared them to uninfected individuals to better understand post-COVID health outcomes. Despite this overlap, data quantifying ME/CFS incidence after COVID-19 remains limited. This gap in knowledge hinders a comprehensive understanding and management of ME/CFS in post-COVID patients. Furthermore, the identification of PASC symptom clusters highlights a wide spectrum of symptom burden, including one particularly severe cluster associated with ME/CFS.
The researchers collected data using self-reported symptoms and comorbidities recorded during study visits every three months. A diagnosis of ME/CFS was based on the Institute of Medicine clinical criteria, with persistent fatigue, post-exertional malaise, unrefreshing sleep, and cognitive or orthostatic symptoms lasting six months or longer as requisites for a positive diagnosis.
Additionally, the incidence rate among the acutely infected individuals per 100 person-years was 2.66, which was also significantly higher than the rate of 0.93 observed among the uninfected participants. The study reported a fourfold increase in the risk of developing ME/CFS in individuals who had SARS-CoV-2 infections compared to uninfected individuals. The findings also emphasized the importance of recognizing ME/CFS as a significant post-COVID sequela and implementing targeted healthcare interventions.
COVID-19 ME/CFS Long COVID Post-Infectious Symptoms Diagnostics
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