(Not open access) http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jpc.12677/abstract
How is paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis diagnosed and managed by paediatricians? An Australian Paediatric Research Network Study.
J Paediatr Child Health. 2014 Dec;50(12):1000-7. doi: 10.1111/jpc.12677. Epub 2014 Jul 10.
Knight S1, Harvey A, Towns S, Payne D, Lubitz L, Rowe K, Reveley C, Hennel S, Hiscock H, Scheinberg A.
Author information
Abstract
AIM:
The diagnosis and management of paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encepnalomyelitis (CFS/ME) represent ongoing challenges for paediatricians.
A better understanding of current approaches at a national level is important in informing where research and education could improve treatment outcomes.
We aimed to examine current diagnosis and management practices for CFS/ME by Australian paediatricians.
METHOD:
An online survey was sent to members of the Australian Paediatric Research Network.
The primary outcomes of interest included diagnostic criteria used, medical investigations and management practices in paediatric CFS/ME.
RESULTS:
One hundred seventy-eight (41%) of 430 eligible paediatricians responded, with 70 of the 178 (39%) reporting that they diagnose and manage CFS/ME as part of their practice.
Medical investigations used for diagnosis were variable. Conditions that more than half of the paediatricians reported as commonly co-occurring (i.e. present in >50% of cases) included somatisation disorders, anxiety, depression and fibromyalgia.
There was wide variation in behavioural and pharmacological management strategies but most paediatricians commonly engaged a school teacher, physiotherapist and/or psychologist as part of their management.
CONCLUSION:
The diagnostic and management practices of paediatricians for CFS/ME within Australia vary widely.
This likely reflects a paucity of paediatric-specific guidelines, together with limited evidence to guide best practice and limited training in this area.
There is a need for guidance and education for the diagnosis and management of paediatric CFS/ME in Australia.
© 2014 The Authors. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health © 2014 Paediatrics and Child Health Division (Royal Australasian College of Physicians).
KEYWORDS:
adolescent; chronic fatigue syndrome; chronic illness; general paediatrics
PMID: 25041646 [PubMed - in process]