Oxford criteria

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The Oxford criteria are a set of criteria for the diagnosis Chronic Fatigue Syndrome published in 1991 by a group of psychiatrists. They identify two broad syndromes and are used primarily for research purposes.[1] The Oxford criteria was used for PACE trial participation.[2][3]

Authors[edit | edit source]

Michael Sharpe, Len Archard, Jangu Banatvala, Leszek Borysiewicz, Anthony Clare, Anthony David, Richard Edwards, Keith Hawton, Harold Lambert, Russell Lane

Definition[edit | edit source]

Chronic fatigue syndrome[edit | edit source]

Post-infectious Fatigue Syndrome (PIFS)[edit | edit source]

A sub-type of CFS which either follows an infection or is associated with a current infection (although whether such associated infection is of aetiological significance (i.e. whether it is the cause of the symptoms) is a topic for research).

To meet the research criteria for PIFS patients must:

  • i. fulfil the criteria for CFS as defined above (i.e. the Oxford definition)
  • ii. should also fulfil the following additional criteria:
  • (a) There is definite evidence of infection at onset or presentation (a patient’s self-report is unlikely to be sufficiently reliable).
  • (b) the syndrome is present for a minimum of 6 months after onset of infection.
  • (c) the infection has been corroborated by laboratory evidence.

PDF for Oxford Definition CFS and PIFS[edit | edit source]

PDF: A report - chronic fatigue syndrome: guidelines for research - Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine - Volume 84 February 1991 118-121[4]

Criticisms[edit | edit source]

  • US NIH Report Calls for UK Definition of ME/CFS to be Scrapped - The Argus Report By: Penny Swift.
Excerpt
The United States National Institutes of Health (NIH) has issued a draft report that highlights the dire need for scientific research that will help find a cure for the millions of people suffering from myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) worldwide. The report also highlights the fact that the decades-old UK Royal Society of Medicine’s Oxford criteria for ME/CFS are severely “flawed,” and that continuing to use these criteria may “cause harm.” Further, the NIH report says that the Royal Society definition should “be retired” and replaced with a single case definition agreed to by the ME/CFS community.[8]

Learn more[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]