Scientific Research and Publications:

In 2003, we published our first article, reporting on our research on chronically fatigued patients. The following year 2004, our first randomized study on patients with ME/CFS was published. Since then, we have regularly published our scientific research and treatment of CFS/ME. We believe that treatment and scientific research are inseparable, and we continuously test and provide accountability for our work in scientific journals through our Center.

Analysis of Testing Methods:

An essential aspect of our research is the analysis of different testing methods. We have investigated the Buspirone, microcirculation, and (double) bicycle ergometer tests and concluded that they have no added value in diagnosing and treating CFS/ME.

Replacement of Tests:

In 2023, we replaced the tilt table test with the NASA 10-minute lean test. Interestingly, the results showed no significant differences. Currently, we are collaborating with researchers from DePaul University in Chicago on a publication regarding the relationship between symptoms of orthostatic intolerance and these tests.

Hand Dynamometer as an Alternative:

In 2020, after a comparative study, we also replaced the highly burdensome bicycle ergometer test with a hand dynamometer test. This new testing method is less demanding for patients while still allowing us to collect valuable data.

Video Consultation and International Research:

With the increasing acceptance of video consultations and the growing demand for research from ME/CFS patients from other countries, we have developed a protocol where patients are exclusively examined, tested, and treated via video. This has enabled us to reach more patients worldwide and expand our research further. Currently, we are evaluating the pros and cons of this approach.

Conclusion:

Since our first publication in 2000, we have made significant strides in understanding and treating CFS/ME. We have improved our services through continuous research, evaluation of testing methods, and embracing new technologies, and we have significantly impacted patients’ lives worldwide. We remain committed to finding better treatments and advancing the scientific understanding of CFS/ME.

References:

  1. Scholte HR, De Jong G, De Klerk IBC, Hussaarts, L.M., Kurk RM, Moesker A, Van Oudheusden LJ, Rodrigues Pereira R, Van Rossum N, Vermeulen RCW: The meaning of plasma free and acylcarnitine levels. When to supplement? European Journal of Medical Research 2000, 5 (suppl 1):45-46.
  2. Vermeulen RC, Scholte HR: Rupture of silicone gel breast implants and symptoms of pain and fatigue. J Rheumatol 2003, 30(10):2263-2267.
  3. Vermeulen RC, Scholte HR: Chronic fatigue syndrome and sexual dysfunction. J Psychosom Res 2004, 56(2):199-201.
  4. Vermeulen RC, Scholte HR: Exploratory open label, randomized study of acetyl- and propionylcarnitine in chronic fatigue syndrome. Psychosom Med 2004, 66(2):276-282.
  5. Rothschild BM, Vermeulen RCW: Silicone breast implants [3] (multiple letters). JOURNAL OF RHEUMATOLOGY 2005, 32(6):1173-1174.
  6. Vermeulen RCW (ed.): Recent developments in chronic fatigue syndrome: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd; 2005.
  7. Vermeulen RCW, Kurk RM, Scholte HR: Fatty Acids in CFS. In: International conference on fatigue science: 2005; Karuizawa, Japan.
  8. Vermeulen RCW, Kurk RM, Scholte HR: Drug trials in CFS. In: International conference on fatigue science: 2005; Karuizawa, Japan.
  9. Vermeulen RC: Translation and validation of the Dutch language version of the CDC Symptom Inventory for assessment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Popul Health Metr 2006, 4(-):12.
  10. Vermeulen RC, Scholte HR: Azithromycin in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), an analysis of clinical data. J Transl Med 2006, 4:34.
  11. Vermeulen RC, Kurk RM, Visser FC, Sluiter W, Scholte HR: Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome performed worse than controls in a controlled repeated exercise study despite a normal oxidative phosphorylation capacity. J Transl Med 2010, 8:93.
  12. Vermeulen RC, Vermeulen van Eck WG: Decreased oxygen extraction during cardiopulmonary exercise test in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. J Transl Med 2014, 12(20):20.
  13. Vermeulen RCW, Vermeulen van Eck WG, de Jong Medvetska IV: Oxygen extraction and lactate are low during cardiopulmonary exercise test in patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. In: IACFSME bi-annual conference; San Fancisco. 2014.
  14. Olimulder MA, Galjee MA, Wagenaar LJ, van Es J, van der Palen J, Visser FC, Vermeulen RC, von Birgelen C: Chronic fatigue syndrome in women assessed with combined cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Neth Heart J 2016, 24(12):709-716.
  15. Vermeulen RCW, Jong de Medvedska IV, Straatman M: Nieuwe inzichten over chronischevermoeidheidssyndroom en myalgische encefalomyelitis. Quintesse 2017, 6(3).
  16. Cotler J, Katz BZ, Reurts-Post C, Vermeulen R, Jason LA: A hierarchical logistic regression predicting rapid respiratory rates from post-exertional malaise. Fatigue: Biomedicine, Health & Behavior 2020:1-9.
  17. Klaver-Krol EG, Hermens HJ, Vermeulen RC, Klaver MM, Luyten H, Henriquez NR, Zwarts MJ: Chronic fatigue syndrome: Abnormally fast muscle fiber conduction in the membranes of motor units at low static force load. Clin Neurophysiol 2021, 132(4):967-974.
  18. Nacul L, Authier FJ, Scheibenbogen C, Lorusso L, Helland IB, Martin JA, Sirbu CA, Mengshoel AM, Polo O, Behrends U et al: European Network on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (EUROMENE): Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis, Service Provision, and Care of People with ME/CFS in Europe. Medicina (Kaunas) 2021, 57(5).