The Norwegian Study of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Adolescents: Pathophysiology and Intervention Trial

The Norwegian Study of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Adolescents: Pathophysiology and Intervention Trial

The purpose of this study IS to

• explore the underlying pathophysiology of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in adolescents, particularly focusing on genetics, infections/immunology, endocrinology, autonomic control and cognitions
• to assess the effect of clonidine (a drug that attenuates sympathetic nervous activity) in adolescent CFS.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Persisting or constantly relapsing fatigue lasting 3 months or more.
• Functional disability resulting from fatigue to a degree that prevent normal school attendance

Exclusion Criteria:

• Another disease process or current demanding life event that might explain the fatigue
• Another chronic disease (in particular pheochromocytoma, polyneuropathy, Renal insufficiency)
• Permanent use of pharmaceuticals (including hormone drugs)
• Permanently bed-ridden
• Positive pregnancy test
• Evidence of reduced cerebral and/or peripheral circulation due to vessel disease
• Know hypersensitivity towards clonidine or inert substances (lactose, sakkarose) in capsula
• Abnormal ECG (in particular bradyarrythmias due to sick sinus syndrome or AV-block. Isolated ectopic beats do not lead to exclusion)
• Supine heart rate < 50 beats/min
• Supine systolic blood pressure < 85 mmHg
• Systolic blood pressure fall upon standing > 30 mmHg