Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: Epidemiology, Treatment and Prognosis

Dear Colleagues,

ME/CFS is a highly debilitating condition that simultaneously impacting multiple body systems, and affects a significant portion of the population. It remains poorly understood, and there are few scientifically proven treatments. Much research has focused on possible etiological factors and the precise disturbance that affects mitochondria as well as the immune, endocrine, gastrointestinal and nervous systems. However, while long COVID, with its numerous similarities, has slightly changed the perception and sympathy for people with ME/CFS, it remains rife with prejudice amongst the general population and sadly even amongst healthcare staff. This is despite the obvious suffering of patients and their carers, as well as the substantial burden that this illness has on healthcare resources and the wider economy. Notwithstanding the importance of determining pathogenic mechanisms of ME/CFS symptoms, clinicians and sufferers are eager for knowledge about currently available validated treatment options and the prognosis of this illness. It is hoped that this may reduce the often large amounts of money wasted by patients on untested treatments that have no biochemical or medical mechanisms for improving symptoms.

This Special Issue of JCM has the aim of providing practical knowledge about ME/CFS. A section on the epidemiology of the illness on a global scale in different ethnic groups is included. Authors are encouraged to discuss pathways by which specific treatments work in the context of our present understanding of ME/CFS, and to highlight side effects and limitations. Literature reviews that draw together the different strands of the huge quantity of information on etiologic factors and disease mechanisms and how they produce a delayed worsening of symptoms are most welcome. Original research comparing different treatment strategies will receive the highest priority from the Editorial Office. Research in patient populations which are less frequently discussed such as children and ethnic minorities would also be appreciated.

Dr. Amolak Bansal
Guest Editor

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