Validation of the energy index point score to serially measure the degree of disability in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.
BACKGROUND
A simple quantitative accurate method for assessing the degree of fatigue in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is necessary for physicians and patients. Severity of the disease and recovery can, thus, be assayed.


METHODS
From February 1-27, 2007, fifty-six consecutive CFS patients at a single treatment center were simultaneously evaluated by the patient with the fatigue severity score (FSS), and by consensus of both patient and physician by the energy index (EI) point score.


RESULTS
The FSS and EI correlated well, 0.67, p<0.001.


CONCLUSIONS
The El point score is a validated reliable method to assess fatigue in CFS patients.
Lerner
A Martin
AM
Department of Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine and William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI, USA. amartinlerner@yahoo.com
Beqaj
Safedin H
SH
Fitzgerald
James T
JT
D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005221:Fatigue / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / Q000145:classification / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D016138:Walking