Clinical Trial: Chronic Fatigue Following Acute Epstein-Barr Virus Infection in Adolescents

Study Status: Active, not recruiting
Recruit Status: Active, not recruiting
Study Type: Observational



Official Title: Chronic Fatigue Following Acute Epstein-Barr Virus Infection in Adolescents

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