Urbańska-Krawiec D, Hrycek A.:
Slaski Uniwersytet Medyczny w Katowicach, Katedra i Klinika Chorób Wewnetrznych, Autoimmunologicznych i Metabolicznych. dagmara.urbanska.krawiec@gmail.com
Abstract
Chronic fatigue is an ailment frequently reported in the course of several pathologies. When fatigue clearly predominates over other symptoms, it is referred to as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Initial CFS definition and diagnostic criteria were published in 1988, and have been several times modified since that time. In 1994, Fukuda et al. presented precise guidelines for the evaluation and study of CFS.
The etiopathogenic mechanisms of CFS have not yet been satisfactorily clarified although immune and hormonal responses as well as a decline in neurotransmitter concentrations have been implicated in the development of the disorder.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease, with chronic fatigue as a very common symptom observed in as many as 80% of the patients. Owing to its obscure pathogenesis, therapy for CFS remains a difficult and complex issue consisting mostly of the treatment of the underlying disease.
Appropriate lifestyle and physical activity should be emphasized.
Medications include antidepressants and glucocorticosteroids.
Psychological counseling has also been recommended. Complex etiopathogenesis and the involvement of the immune and neurohormonal systems suggest that CFS might be a primary and not secondary disorder. Hence a significant role of medical professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome.
As this abstract so ably demonstrates the scientific literature is a morass of conflicting definitions, findings and ways of measuring results. The result is a mishmash of misinformation that confounds any attempt to do an overview of the literature.
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