Researchers have found a significant link between COVID-19 infection and the development of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). According to data from the NIH’s Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery initiative, 4.5% of adults infected with SARS-CoV-2 developed ME/CFS, compared to 0.6% of uninfected individuals.
Rheumatologists should be on the lookout for patients who have had COVID-19 and are experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain, or sleep disturbances. While there is no cure for ME/CFS, rheumatologists can play a crucial role in diagnosing and managing the condition by assessing patients’ symptoms and medical histories.
Dr. Nora G. Singer, a leading expert on ME/CFS, warns that distinguishing causes of ME/CFS will be challenging until the underlying mechanisms of long COVID are better understood. She emphasizes the importance of comparing parameters such as blood cell markers in patients with COVID-associated ME/CFS to those without the condition.
Singer also notes that ME/CFS can overlap with other rheumatologic conditions, such as fibromyalgia, and that a multidisciplinary approach is often necessary to address the complex needs of affected patients. She recommends referring patients to specialists such as cardiologists, pulmonologists, and rehabilitation clinicians, and encourages rheumatologists to participate in clinical trials aimed at developing effective treatments for ME/CFS.
By validating symptoms, referring patients to specialists, and participating in clinical trials, rheumatologists can help improve outcomes for patients with ME/CFS. As the patient community continues to advocate for research and treatment, healthcare professionals will play a critical role in providing care and support to those affected by this condition.
Source: https://www.healio.com/news/rheumatology/20250313/we-are-going-to-have-difficulty-untangling-causes-of-fatigue-long-covid-remains-elusive