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
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
270
Dept. of Pediatrics, Akershus University Hospital
Lørenskog, Akershus, Norway
Fatigue
Chalder fatigue questionnaire, total score
Time frame: 6 monhts
Steps per day
Mean number of steps/day across 7 consecutive days, measured by accelerometer (ActivePal)
Time frame: 6 monhts
Pain threshold
Assessed by pressure algometry
Time frame: 6 monhts
Autonomic cardiovascular control
Assessed by noninvasive, continuous recordings of heart rate, blood pressures and stroke volume during supine rest.
Time frame: 6 monhts
Cognitive function
Assessed by the instruments WISC-IV, D-KEFS, HVLT-R and WASI.
Time frame: 6 monhts
Neuroendocrine markers
In particular blood and urine measurements of catecholamines and the HPA axis
Time frame: 6 monhts
Immune markers
In particular blood measurements of cytokines
Time frame: 6 monhts
Bodily symptoms
Assessed by different questionnaires
Time frame: 6 monhts
Quality of life
Assessed by the PedsQL inventory
Time frame: 6 monhts
Functional disability
Assessed by the FDI inventory
Time frame: 6 monhts
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