New Insights on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Orthostatic intolerance (OI), a condition in which upright posture provokes dramatic changes in heart rate and blood pressure, may have a connection to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). This was one conclusion reached by a panel of experts who convened in December for a scientific symposium sponsored by the Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome Association of America in Washington, DC (CFIDS, USA).

The panel was composed of researchers and practitioners in endocrinology, epidemiology, pediatrics, rheumatology, neurology, psychology, allergy, and internal medicine. Following a day of presentations and discussions, the panel agreed on the following key issues: there is evidence of an altered autonomic nervous system and/or circulatory system in CFS, the exact relationship between OI and CFS is still unclear, methods are available for studying the autonomic nervous system dysfunction in CFS, there are relationships between autonomic nervous system dysfunction and other abnormalities in CFS patients, and more research is needed to further define the possible interaction between OI and CFS. The panel outlined future research needs and suggested ways to overcome some of the methodologic barriers facing researchers.

"The field of OI is one of the most promising avenues for gaining more insights into CFS,” said panel chair Tim Gerrity, executive director of the Chronic Pain & Fatigue Research Center at Georgetown University.



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