Blood

A number of blood abnormalities have been detected in patients who present with ME/CFS, it is hypothesised that these may result in a number of symptoms that are experienced by patients, though taking steps to address various of these abnormalities has resulted in symptomatic relief for a number of patients, a reliable 'cure' has yet to result from blood work.

Abnormalities

A high proportion of ME/CFS patients have been shown via a Dual Tag Test to have significantly lower blood volume than healthy controls. Dr. Nancy Klimas who was a member of the team who showed this has since been quoted as saying by way of a Layman's explanation: “You guys are about a litre short in blood volume, ok? If I’m sitting at five litres, you’re sitting at four. So, you’re really, really sensitive to blood volume changes. If you’re a little dry, you crash. ”

One study found significantly increased quantities of stomatocytes in the blood of CFS patients. Stomatocytes are red blood cells that have lost their concave shape, usually due to a membrane defect.

During the early stages of the illness a number of circulating immune markers in the blood have been noted.

Symptoms Resulting from Abnormalities

The various forms of Orthostatic intolerance that a number of ME/CFS patients suffer have been linked to under-oxygenation of the brain due to a combination of red blood cell abnormalities and low blood volume. It has also been suggested that blood pressure and other circulatory system abnormalities contribute to this under-oxygenation. However others state that this may be a direct result of the Adrenal system instead.

Proposed Causes for Blood Abnormalities

• Renal Salt Wasting
• Adrenal system

Abnormality Treatments and Adjustments

• Rehydration therapies
• Sleep adjustments

Learn more

• Wikipedia - Blood
• 2015, Dr. David Bell on Low Blood Volume in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (see also Doctor David Bell)

References

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flare-up A symptoms flare in ME/CFS is a temporary increase in symptoms, alternatively known as experiencing post-exertional malaise. May be referred to as a "crash" or "collapse".