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Journal article
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosis and Management in Young People: A Primer
Frontiers in pediatrics, v 5, pp 121-121
19 Jun 2017
PMID: 28674681
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex disease that affects children and adolescents as well as adults. The etiology has not been established. While many pediatricians and other health-care providers are aware of ME/CFS, they often lack essential knowledge that is necessary for diagnosis and treatment. Many young patients experience symptoms for years before receiving a diagnosis. This primer, written by the International Writing Group for Pediatric ME/CFS, provides information necessary to understand, diagnose, and manage the symptoms of ME/CFS in children and adolescents. ME/CFS is characterized by overwhelming fatigue with a substantial loss of physical and mental stamina. Cardinal features are malaise and a worsening of symptoms following minimal physical or mental exertion. These post-exertional symptoms can persist for hours, days, or weeks and are not relieved by rest or sleep. Other symptoms include cognitive problems, unrefreshing or disturbed sleep, generalized or localized pain, lightheadedness, and additional symptoms in multiple organ systems. While some young patients can attend school, on a full or part-time basis, many others are wheelchair dependent, housebound, or bedbound. Prevalence estimates for pediatric ME/CFS vary from 0.1 to 0.5%. Because there is no diagnostic test for ME/CFS, diagnosis is purely clinical, based on the history and the exclusion of other fatiguing illnesses by physical examination and medical testing. Co-existing medical conditions including orthostatic intolerance (OI) are common. Successful management is based on determining the optimum balance of rest and activity to help prevent post-exertional symptom worsening. Medications are helpful to treat pain, insomnia, OI and other symptoms. The published literature on ME/CFS and specifically that describing the diagnosis and management of pediatric ME/CFS is very limited. Where published studies are lacking, recommendations are based on the clinical observations and practices of the authors.
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Details
- Title
- Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosis and Management in Young People: A Primer
- Creators
- Peter C. Rowe - Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineRosemary A. UnderhillKenneth J. Friedman - Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyAlan Gurwitt - Harvard Medical SchoolMarvin S. Medow - New York Medical CollegeMalcolm S. Schwartz - Drexel UniversityNigel SpeightJulian M. Stewart - New York Medical CollegeRosamund VallingsKatherine S. Rowe - Murdoch Children's Research Institute
- Publication Details
- Frontiers in pediatrics, v 5, pp 121-121
- Publisher
- Frontiers Media S.A
- Grant note
- Solve ME/CFS Initiative
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Pediatrics
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000403746100001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85041559908
- Other Identifier
- 991019168510204721
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Pediatrics