Action for ME - Cardiac
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The effect of intravenous bolus's of fluid upon cardiac and brain function in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS): a proof of concept study
IRAS ID
197825
Contact name
Julia L Newton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) occurs in 0.2-0.4% of the population and currently its cause is unclear. Abnormality of the autonomic nervous system is recognised in 3/4 of CFS sufferers and we believe that it underpins many of the symptoms that are characteristic of CFS. Autonomic nervous system dysfunction is characterised by symptoms of dizziness on standing, symptoms present in nearly 90% of people with CFS. Despite this, why autonomic dysfunction occurs in people with CFS is not understood and as a result treatments limited.
A recent study from our group has shown that autonomic dysfunction is associated with low plasma volume. Plasma volume also associates with cardiac function detected using MRI. Furthermore, lower plasma volume associates with fatigue severity. This study will explore whether increasing plasma volume by IV infusion with saline changes autonomic function and/or cardiac and brain function.
We will use new ground breaking cardiac and brain magnetic resonance scans that will allow us to study cardiac function and brain blood flow in CFS and how this relates to problems of blood pressure control (autonomic nervous system). We will explore whether cardiac or brain blood vessel function changes after an intravenous bolus of fluid.
This is a proof of concept study in which we want to obtain information that IV fluid is of some benefit in order to justify a larger study.
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NE/0070
Date of REC Opinion
6 Apr 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion