Investigating the RER in ME and CFS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A study investigating the role of the resting Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER) in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
IRAS ID
250419
Contact name
Lucy Clark
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of East Anglia
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 1 months, 28 days
Research summary
Background
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) are conditions characterised by fatigue, pain and flu like symptoms. ME can confine patients to bed and prevent the completion of basic daily tasks.
The respiratory exchange ratio is the amount of carbon dioxide produced divided by the amount of oxygen used, this shows the lungs ability to restore its energy supply, which is a major problem for ME and CFS sufferers. A ratio above 1.0 at rest indicates that there is problem as too much oxygen is being used (4-5). There is little research into the respiratory exchange ratio at rest in patients with Me or CFS.
Hypothesis
The hypothesis states there is a significant difference between the respiratory exchange ratio of ME patients and the healthy control standard. The secondary hypothesis states there is a significant difference between the respiratory exchange ratio in ME patients when compared to CFS patients.
Methodology
Patients will be recruited from the EAST Coast ME/CFS service and will be over the age of 18 and have either a diagnosis of ME or CFS. Participants cannot eat or drink anything except water for 12 hours before participation of the study, first they will be asked to rest for 15 minutes by laying down, after this they will be attached with a mouth piece and nose clip and asked to breath normally for 5 minutes. Then all equipment will be removed and the participants can get up in their own time, water and biscuits will be available for the participants.
Consequences of the research
There is potential for positive consequences if there is a positive result. Which could lead to more research being done in the area.REC name
South Central - Berkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/SC/0467
Date of REC Opinion
1 Oct 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion