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Chronic fatigue syndome- longitudinal study

cognitive-disorders
womens-health
mental-health

Abstract

Introduction. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complex entity characterized by sudden onset of fatigue that does not resolve with rest, was not previously present, and is of a persistent or relapsing nature lasting at least six months. It is accompanied by post-exertional worsening of symptoms and non-restorative sleep. Fatigue is constant, relapsing, and sometimes disabling; it does not resolve after rest and reduces average daily activity by more than 50%.
Background. Our study aimed to examine the frequency of somatic and psychiatric disorders in a cohort of women diagnosed with CFS 16 years ago, to explore the association between CFS and later development of defined chronic somatic diseases, and to identify possible prognostic factors that may indicate disease progression.
Methods. Sixteen years ago, we conducted a study on 40 women with CFS based on the diagnostic criteria recommended at that time by the CDC. The study was conducted at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases, University Clinical Center of Vojvodina, and the Center for Laboratory Medicine of the University Clinical Center. Informed consent was obtained from all 40 participants. After 16 years, a follow-up was established with 20 women who agreed to participate. At baseline and follow-up, participants were evaluated using the same structured questionnaire, routine laboratory tests, and other laboratory, haematological, biochemical, endocrinological, and virosological analyses. A clinical examination and psychological testing were performed. Fatigue severity was assessed using the Fibro Fatigue Scale (FFS) and the MAF scale.
Results. Among the participants, rheumatoid arthritis was diagnosed in 15%, cervical and breast cancer in 10%, premature myocardial infarction in 5%, bronchial asthma in 5%, clinical depression in 20%, progression of CFS in 15%, and infertility in 5%. Additionally, 20% had arterial hypertension, while only 15% did not develop worsening of symptoms.
Conclusion. The results of this longitudinal study demonstrate that 85% of women with CFS developed clearly defined somatic or psychiatric disorders during the follow-up period. These findings suggest that, in certain cases, CFS may represent a prodrome of serious clinical entities, highlighting the importance of early recognition, diagnosis, and systematic follow-up of these patients.
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