CADENCE: Crp probAble DEpression iNflammation Cfs/mE
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating whether elevated C-reactive protein is associated with probable depression in paediatric Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME)
IRAS ID
275557
Contact name
Esther M Crawley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bristol
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a relatively common medical condition that affects between 0.1 – 2% of the child population and exerts significant impact on the lives of both the child sufferers and their families. Co-existing mental health disorders are common in this population, exceeding those already common in adolescence. These mental health problems further compound existing issues with lower school attendance and impaired social functioning.\n\nThis study investigates whether higher CRP is associated with probable depression in children with CFS/ME. It will further explore the theory that different subgroups of CFS/ME are experienced by patients, leading to future research investigating the causal nature of co-morbid depression in paediatric CFS/ME and providing possible support to the widening belief that depression can have an inflammatory component.\n\nThis programme of work consists of two workstream(WS)s: WS1: retrospective observational cohort study and WS2: prospective observational cohort study.\n\nWS1: This will analyse data from approximately 270 patients already collected during the assessment process of children with CFS/ME by the specialist paediatric CFS/ME service in Bath. All patients were enrolled in either the FITNET-NHS or DDS/Wellbeing studies; they were originally consented for the eventuality that the research team would examine their clinical records. Patients were between 11-18 years old, had a confirmed diagnosis of CFS/ME and were capable of completing the Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) measurement tools. \n \nWS2: This will recruit participants approximately 960 patients from specialist CFS/ME services, over 24 months . New and followed-up patients will be recruited to permit the results of their routine clinical assessments to be accessed. No additional tests will be required of any patients.\n\nAcross both WS, we will investigate the association of the presence/absence of probable depression using the RCADS self-report questionnaire (already completed by participants for clinical reasons) with CRP levels (results already collated for clinical assessment).
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
20/NS/0119
Date of REC Opinion
22 Oct 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion