New findings of possible causes for chronic fatigue syndrome

To date, the chronic fatigue syndrome is still unexplored, many of the Affected often receive only years later a definite diagnosis. Now, researchers have been able to end in a recent study, a new possible cause discover. As has been shown, it could be an overactive immune system is the cause for the chronic fatigue.

The scientists of the King’s College London, found in their recent study that an overactive immune system appears to be the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome. The doctors published the results of their study in the English journal “Psychoneuroendocrinology”.

What is chronic fatigue syndrome?

A lot of the chronic fatigue syndrome (English: chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS) affected people explain that their condition began with a challenge for the immune system, such as an infection. The experts surveyed for their study, a total of 55 patients with Hepatitis C. eight in ten of these patients suffered from an overactive immune system and developed CFS-like symptoms. The chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease a long time, which is characterized by extreme fatigue.

Affected had an overactive immune system

The researchers measurements during and after the treatment, the fatigue and various immune markers of the Participants. In the 18 patients with CFS-like symptoms the Team found a much stronger immune response to the medication. „Characteristically, had these patients before the start of the treatment, an overactive Immunsystem“, the physicians say.

For the first Time, the experts were able to prove that people who are prone to a CFS-like illness, have an overactive immune system, both before and during a challenge of the immune system.

What are the consequences of the disease?

The results suggest that people who show an exaggerated immune response to a trigger, have a higher risk for the development of CFS. These results are the first step in order to identify risk groups and to detect the disease at an early stage, the scientists explain.

The chronic tiredness or fatigue syndrome also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, or ME. In the UK alone approximately 250,000 people from the long-term illness are affected. In addition to severe fatigue, it can lead to sleep disorders, and muscle and joint pain.

Living with ME can be extremely difficult for individuals. Extreme tiredness and other physical symptoms make it difficult for everyday life significantly. The current research substantiate the evidence that the body’s own immune system to explain an important role in the causation of ME/CFS plays, the authors of the study. (as)