Chronic fatigue syndrome--a controlled cross-sectional study
Rasmussen, A.K.; Nielsen, H.; Andersen, V.; Barington, T.; Bendtzen, K.; Hansen, M.B.; Nielsen, L.; Pedersen, B.K.; Wiik, A.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 156(46): 6836-6840
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-5782 PMID: 7839498 Document Number: 434829
Twenty-one patients fulfilling the Center for Disease Control criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) were examined in a controlled study. Viral antibodies and tests evaluating the immune system were investigated in the patients and in a control group of 21 sex- and age-matched individuals. Production in vitro of the predominantly T-cell-derived cytokines interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma was significantly higher in patients with CFS compared the control group. Furthermore, the serum concentrations of IgA and IgE were significantly lower in patients with CFS; however, the values were within the normal reference range. All other variables were similar in the two groups. This study does not suggest a clearly disordered immune system or a chronic viral infection as a major pathogenetic factor in CFS. Longitudinal studies of immunological and virological parameters in CFS are warranted as are studies on patients that are severely handicapped.