[Pharmacological treatment of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome].
Glazachev, O S, Dudnik, Е N, Zagaynaya, E E · Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova · 2017 · DOI
Quick Summary
This study tested whether laennec, a human placenta extract given as intravenous infusions, could help patients with ME/CFS. Twenty-four patients received 10 infusions over 5 weeks, while 14 control patients received no treatment. The treated group showed significant improvements in fatigue levels, mood, quality of life, and physical exercise capacity, with no serious side effects reported.
Why It Matters
This study addresses a critical gap in ME/CFS treatment by testing an intervention that showed effects on both symptom severity and objective physical performance measures—the latter being particularly important since ME/CFS involves measurable post-exertional malaise. If confirmed in larger trials, placenta extract could represent a novel therapeutic option for this condition with no available standard pharmaceutical treatment.
Observed Findings
Significant reduction in chronic fatigue index in treatment group post-infusion and at 5-week follow-up
Significant decreases in state depression and anxiety in treatment group
Improved subjective quality of life scores (SF-36v2) in treatment group
Increased maximal oxygen consumption, anaerobic threshold, and exercise tolerance time in treatment group
Normalization of lipid profile in treatment group, sustained at 5-week follow-up
Inferred Conclusions
Laennec infusions appear effective and well-tolerated for reducing fatigue and psychological symptoms in ME/CFS patients
The treatment may improve objective markers of physical capacity including aerobic and anaerobic performance
Benefits persist at least 5 weeks after completing the treatment course
Laennec represents a potential safe therapeutic approach for ME/CFS with minimal adverse effects
Remaining Questions
What is the mechanism by which placenta extract improves fatigue and exercise tolerance in ME/CFS?
How long do benefits persist beyond the 5-week follow-up period, and is repeated treatment necessary?
What This Study Does Not Prove
This study does not establish that laennec is definitively effective for ME/CFS, as the small control group (n=14) and lack of placebo-blinding are significant limitations. The study cannot determine which specific components of placenta extract drive any benefit, nor can it rule out placebo effects. Results from a single Russian center may not generalize to other populations or healthcare settings.
Tags
Symptom:Fatigue
Biomarker:Blood Biomarker
Method Flag:PEM Not DefinedWeak Case DefinitionSmall Sample