A cardiometabolic perspective on [PEM] in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long COVID, 2026, Westermeier et al

[forestglip]

A cardiometabolic perspective on post-exertional malaise in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long COVID

Westermeier, Francisco; Pretorius, Etheresia; Untersmayr, Eva; Bertinat, Romina; Sepúlveda, Nuno; Fisman, Enrique

Abstract
Post-exertional malaise (PEM), the defining feature of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), is increasingly recognized in individuals with Long COVID.

Although traditionally viewed as symptom exacerbation and/or emergence of new symptoms following exertion, PEM may reflect disrupted coordination across interconnected physiological systems operating over distinct post-exertional timescales. Such disruption may result in altered post-exertional physiological trajectories that contribute to multisystem manifestations and potential cardiometabolic consequences.

This perspective outlines a conceptual approach for investigating PEM through longitudinal assessment of post-exertional physiological trajectories while considering disease severity and underlying cardiometabolic health, including obesity and type 2 diabetes. Integrating these dimensions may help contextualize post-exertional responses, inform future longitudinal cardiometabolic profiling, facilitate patient stratification, and provide a framework for future mechanistic and interventional studies in ME/CFS and Long COVID.

Web | DOI | PDF | Cardiovascular Diabetology | Open Access

 

[Jonathan Edwards]

I cannot find any specific content in this paper. The full paper does not say anything more specific than the abstract. There is a suggestion that the concept of PEM should change from a clinical observation to a multisystem physiologic dysregulation, but without saying what that might be there seems no point.

 

[InitialConditions]

I cannot find any specific content in this paper. The full paper does not say anything more specific than the abstract. There is a suggestion that the concept of PEM should change from a clinical observation to a multisystem physiologic dysregulation, but without saying what that might be there seems no point.

I agree... a whole lot of words but not much more.

I was going to say that I also don't understand why this is published in Cadiovascular Diabetology, but perhaps this explains why:

 

[InitialConditions]

Probably no peer review either judging by the dates of submission and acceptance in the above screenshot.