A recent study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests a notable link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and an increased occurrence of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The findings, stemming from the NIH's RECOVER Initiative, indicate that individuals infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 may face a higher risk of developing ME/CFS.
The research, spearheaded by Suzanne D. Vernon, Ph.D., from the Bateman Horne Center, examined adults within the RECOVER adult cohort. The goal was to determine how many participants met the Institute of Medicine (IOM) clinical diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS at least six months post-infection. The analysis encompassed 11,785 participants with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection and 1,439 uninfected participants. The results were published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
The study revealed that 4.5% of participants who had contracted COVID-19 met the diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS, in contrast to only 0.6% of those who had not been infected by the virus. This suggests a significant increase in ME/CFS incidence following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Understanding ME/CFS and Long COVID
ME/CFS is a complex, chronic condition often triggered by infections. It is characterized by persistent fatigue lasting at least six months, reduced activity levels compared to pre-illness, post-exertional malaise (worsening of symptoms after physical or mental activity), unrefreshing sleep, and either cognitive impairment or orthostatic intolerance (dizziness upon standing). Many of these symptoms overlap with those experienced by individuals with Long COVID, an infection-associated chronic condition that persists for at least three months after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Key Findings and Implications
Dr. Vernon and her team determined that new incidence cases of ME/CFS were 15 times higher than pre-pandemic levels. This underscores the potential long-term health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The most commonly reported ME/CFS symptoms among infected participants included post-exertional malaise, orthostatic intolerance, and cognitive impairment.
"These findings provide additional evidence that infections, including those caused by SARS-CoV-2, can lead to ME/CFS," the researchers stated.
Study Limitations and Future Directions
The study's limitations include its reliance on self-reported symptoms, the exclusion of RECOVER participants who required hospitalization, and the fluctuating nature of ME/CFS symptoms. Further research is crucial to elucidate the biological mechanisms underlying the increased susceptibility to ME/CFS following infection. A deeper understanding of how SARS-CoV-2 can lead to ME/CFS may pave the way for the development of potential treatments for a range of infection-associated chronic conditions.
