BACME (British Association for CFS/ME) has raised serious concerns over the Cochrane Collaboration's decision to abandon the long-awaited update of its review on exercise therapy for ME/CFS. The 2019 review, which still uses outdated diagnostic criteria for CFS, fails to distinguish between chronic fatigue and ME/CFS—a complex, multi-system condition characterized by post-exertional malaise (PEM). BACME, along with other experts in the field, has called for a clear editorial note to be added to the review, warning that it should not guide clinical decisions for those living with ME/CFS.
Our charity’s medical advisor has joined BACME in urging Cochrane to withdraw the current review. In line with the 2021 NICE guidelines, BACME is advocating for an evidence-based approach to exercise therapy that takes into account the unique needs of ME/CFS patients. The outdated review no longer reflects the current understanding of the condition, and a thorough review is urgently needed to provide accurate guidance to healthcare providers.
For more information, please refer to the full BACME statement here and the MEA's statement here.