266687 Association of chronic fatigue syndrome with metabolic syndrome: Moderating role of hematologic parameters

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 : 3:30 PM - 3:45 PM

Jin- Mann (Sally) Lin, PhD , National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Rhonda Belue, PhD , Health Policy and Administration, Penn State University, University Park, PA
Elizabeth R. Unger, MD, PhD , National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA
Background: Chronic fatigue syndrome is a debilitating illness characterized by fatigue that is not alleviated by rest and symptoms, such as joint/muscle pain and sore throat, which are frequently associated with infections. CFS has features in common with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and may be a multi-systemic metabolic inflammatory disorder. We examined the relationship between CFS and MetS among a population-based sample in Georgia.

Methods: A total of 498 subjects who completed a one-day clinical evaluation between November 2007 and August 2009, were classified as three groups: CFS (n=70), Insufficient Symptoms or Fatigue (ISF) (n=216); and Well (n=212). The presence of MetS was characterized by the National Cholesterol Education Program definition.

Results: CFS was 3-fold more prevalent in females than males (17.5% vs. 4.6%) and ~75% of CFS subjects were overweight. MetS prevalence decreased in statistically significant linear trend across the three groups, from 30.0% in CFS to 15.6% in well. The age- and sex-adjusted odds ratio (OR) of having MetS in individuals with CFS was 3.0 compared to well individuals. MetS was also associated with higher hematologic parameters (WBC and platelet counts) and obesity indices (BMI, hip and neck circumferences). Adjusting for hematologic parameters and obesity indices, the ORs reduced to 2.1 and 2.2, respectively. When adjusting for all aforementioned factors, the adjusted OR further reduced to 1.6.

Conclusions: This confirms other studies associating CFS and MetS. The concurrence of MetS can further exacerbate CFS symptoms. WBC and platelet counts moderate the relationship between CFS and MetS.

Learning Areas:
Chronic disease management and prevention
Epidemiology
Public health biology
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Examine the association between CFS and Metabolic Syndrome. Evaluate the role of WBC and platelet counts in moderating the association of CFS to Metabolic Syndrome.

Keywords: Chronic Illness, Co-morbid

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I performed the analysis and drafted the abstract. I was also an investigator for the study that generating the data for this abstract.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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