Successful treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome using hydrogen gas: four case reports
by Bunpei Sato, Fumitake Satoh, Shin-Ichi Hirano, Yoshiyasu Takefuji, Yusuke Ichikawa
Abstract:
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating condition marked by persistent fatigue, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and significant lifestyle disruptions, affecting an estimated 836,000 to 2.5 million individuals in the U.S. This condition has been linked to various systemic and neurological abnormalities, though its etiology remains poorly understood. Recent studies suggest that molecular hydrogen (H₂) could play a therapeutic role due to its selective antioxidant properties and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and reach mitochondria, potentially mitigating oxidative stress and improving mitochondrial function. This article presents a case study involving four patients with ME/CFS treated with H₂ gas inhalation, assessing symptom severity and quality of life improvements. Initial findings suggest that H₂ therapy significantly reduces fatigue, pain, cognitive disturbances, and other related symptoms, offering new insights into potential interventions for ME/CFS. However, further research is necessary to fully understand H₂'s efficacy and mechanism of action in treating this complex syndrome. Ethical considerations and conflicts of interest are addressed, highlighting the study's preliminary nature and the need for larger-scale clinical trials.
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https://doi.org/10.4103/2045-9912.385441
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