Epstein-Barr Virus Infections, Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic
Conditions
Brief summary
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterized by unexplained, disabling and long lasting fatigue, as well as pain, impaired memory, sleep difficulties and other symptoms. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection might precipitate CFS. In this study, 200 adolescents undergoing acute EBV infection will be followed prospectively, and also compared with a group of healthy controls. The aim is twofold: * To identify factors that predispose to chronic fatigue among adolescents with acute EBV infection * To compare pathophysiological features of patients with acute EBV infection with a group of healthy controls. Possible risk factors for chronic fatigue 6 months after EBV-infection includes: * Severity of the initial infection * Immune responses characteristics * Characteristics of the neuroendocrine stress response * Cognitive functioning * Emotional disturbances * Genetics/ epigenetics of candidate genes * Certain personality traits * Critical life events
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
University Hospital, Akershus
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
12 Years to 20 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Age ≥ 12 years and \< 20 years * Serological confirmation of acute EBV infection * Lives in one of the following Norwegian counties: Oslo, Akershus, Buskerud, Østfold, Vestfold
Exclusion criteria
* Medical treatment for another disease (hormonal conterception and antibiotics against tonsillitis/pharyngitis are accepted) * Pregnancy * Debut of illness \> 6 weeks ago
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Fatigue | 6 monhts | Chalder fatigue questionnaire, total score |
| Steps per day | 6 monhts | Mean number of steps/day across 7 consecutive days, measured by accelerometer (ActivePal) |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive function | 6 monhts | Assessed by the instruments WISC-IV, D-KEFS, HVLT-R and WASI. |
| Neuroendocrine markers | 6 monhts | In particular blood and urine measurements of catecholamines and the HPA axis |
| Immune markers | 6 monhts | In particular blood measurements of cytokines |
| Pain threshold | 6 monhts | Assessed by pressure algometry |
| Quality of life | 6 monhts | Assessed by the PedsQL inventory |
| Functional disability | 6 monhts | Assessed by the FDI inventory |
| Bodily symptoms | 6 monhts | Assessed by different questionnaires |
| Autonomic cardiovascular control | 6 monhts | Assessed by noninvasive, continuous recordings of heart rate, blood pressures and stroke volume during supine rest. |
Countries
Norway
Outcome results
None listed