A new study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has found a significant link between infection with SARS-CoV-2 and an increase in cases of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The research, led by Dr. Suzanne D. Vernon, analyzed data from the RECOVER adult cohort study, which included 11,785 participants who had been infected with SARS-CoV-2 and found that 4.5% of them met ME/CFS diagnostic criteria.
Compared to those who were not infected with SARS-CoV-2, these individuals were at a significantly higher risk of developing ME/CFS. The study also found that post-exertional malaise, orthostatic intolerance, and cognitive impairment were the most commonly reported symptoms among participants in the infected group.
The NIH-funded study provides additional evidence that infections, including those caused by SARS-CoV-2, can lead to ME/CFS. Further research is needed to understand the biological mechanisms behind this association and to identify potential treatments for infection-associated chronic conditions.
Dr. Vernon’s team found a 15-fold increase in new incidence cases of ME/CFS compared to pre-pandemic levels. The study was supported by the NIH and has been published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
Long COVID, which is often accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and cognitive difficulties, affects one or more organ systems and can be a relapsing and remitting disease state. Understanding the link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and ME/CFS may help uncover potential treatments for this complex condition.
Source: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-funded-study-finds-cases-me/cfs-increase-following-sars-cov-2