Patients
Depression, Psychiatric, sleep-related disorders, fatigue
DISORDERS, NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE, DISEASE, MAY, DISEASES
Altogether 128 patients with chronic fatigue were initially evaluated by Tampere University Hospital (TaUH) multidisciplinary specialist team between Jan 1st 2016 and May 1st 2019. TaUH is a tertiary-care hospital providing care for 540,000 inhabitants in the region. In all patients, a standardized protocol was applied to determine the cause of symptoms. Psychiatric assessment consisted of clinical evaluation by a psychiatrist. Patient-reported Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaires and neuropsychological test were utilized. A neurologist ruled out neurological diseases based on the patient’s history and clinical condition. Nocturnal polysomnography was conducted to rule out sleep-related disorders. A specialist in internal medicine clarified patient’s medical history and a medical examination was conducted. Pre-determined laboratory tests were acquired to rule out diseases and medical conditions, which could cause fatigue (Table List of laboratory tests included in the evaluation of fatigue patientsIn diagnosing CFS, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) criteria were applied [Of 128 patients, 29 patients were diagnosed with exclusively CFS and no other fatigue causing disease or condition and they were asked to enroll into the study. 16 patients refused to participate. The main reason was intense fatigue and inability to conduct the FMT procedure.13 patients agreed and provided signed written informed consent after being fully informed about the study protocol. Two patients withdrew their informed consent before randomization; one patient due to pregnancy and in one patient fatigue was too severe to accomplish the FMT. Eventually, 11 participants were enrolled into the study.