Comparing and contrasting consensus versus empirical domains

Abstract

Background: Since the publication of the CFS case definition, there have been a number of other criteria proposed including the Canadian Consensus Criteria and the Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: International Consensus Criteria. Purpose: The current study compared these domains that were developed through consensus methods to one obtained through more empirical approaches using factor analysis. Methods: Using data mining, we compared and contrasted fundamental features of consensus-based criteria versus empirical latent factors. In general, these approaches found the domain of fatigue/post-exertional malaise as best differentiating patients from controls. Results: Findings indicated that the Fukuda et al. criteria had the worst sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions: These outcomes might help both theorists and researchers better determine which fundamental domains to be used for the case definition.

Keywords:

• myalgic encephalomyelitis
• chronic fatigue syndrome
• biomarkers
• case definitions

Acknowledgements

The authors appreciate the Solve ME/CFS Initiative, which approved the use of de-identified SolveCFS BioBank registry data in this analysis.

Additional information

Funding

Funding was provided by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development [grant number R01HD072208] and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases [grant number AI105781].

Notes on contributors

Leonard A. Jason

Leonard A. Jason is the Director of the Center for Community Research and Professor of Psychology at DePaul University.

Bobby Kot

Bobby Kot is currently a Research Assistant at the Center for Community Research at DePaul University.

Madison Sunnquist

Madison Sunnquist is currently a Graduate Research Assistant at the Center for Community Research at DePaul University.

Abigail Brown

Abigail Brown is currently a Graduate Research Assistant at the Center for Community Research at DePaul University.

Jordan Reed

Jordan Reed is currently a Research Assistant at the Center for Community Research at DePaul University.

Jacob Furst

Jacob Furst is a Professor in the College of Computing and Digital Media at DePaul University.

Julia L. Newton

Julia L. Newton is the Dean of Clinical Medicine and Clinical Professor of Ageing and Medicine at Newcastle University in the UK.

Elin Bolle Strand

Elin Bolle Strand is the Managing Director at Key IT AS at Oslo University Hospital.

Suzanne D. Vernon

Suzanne D. Vernon is the Scientific director for the Solve ME/CFS Initiative.