Prevalence and incidence of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome in Europe-the Euro-epiME study from the European network EUROMENE: a protocol for a  systematic review

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic disease involving central nervous system and immune system disorders, as  well as cardiovascular abnormalities. ME/CFS is characterised by severe chronic  fatigue lasting for at least 6 months, including clinical symptoms such as tender  cervical or axillary lymph nodes, muscle pain, joint pain without swelling or  redness, post-exertional malaise for more than 24 hours and unrefreshing sleep.  Studies on the epidemiology of ME/CFS in Europe only include single countries  and, therefore, the prevalence and incidence of ME/CFS in Europe (as a whole) is  unknown. One of the purposes of the European Network on ME/CFS (EUROMENE;  European Union-funded COST Action; Reference number: 15111) is to address this  gap in knowledge. We will systematically review the literature reporting figures  from European countries to provide a robust summary and identify new challenges.  METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will systematically search the literature databases  Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science for studies published in the last 10 years (ie,  after 2007). No language restriction will be applied. Two independent reviewers  will search, screen and select studies as well as extract data about their main  characteristics and evaluate their methodological and reporting quality. When  disagreements emerge, the reviewers will discuss to reach a consensus. We plan to  produce a narrative summary of our findings as we anticipate that studies are  scarce and heterogeneous. The possibility of performing meta-analyses will be  discussed in a EUROMENE meeting. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval is  not required as only publicly available data will be included. Findings will be  described in EUROMENE reports, published in peer-reviewed journal(s) and  presented at conferences. The findings will be also communicated to  policy-makers, healthcare providers, people with ME/CFS and other sections of  society through regular channels including the mass-media. PROSPERO REGISTRATION  NUMBER: CRD42017078688.