Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a severe, often infection-triggered disease characterized by debilitating fatigue and post-exertional malaise lasting over 14 hours, along with pain, cognitive impairment, autonomic dysfunction, and sleep disturbances. Around 10% of patients after mild or moderate COVID-19 develop Post-COVID Syndrome (PCS), and some meet ME/CFS criteria after six months. No causal treatment exists for ME/CFS or PCS; current approaches are symptomatic and rehabilitative. Given the high and increasing number of affected patients, there is an urgent need for evidence-based, standardized therapies. Immunoadsorption (IA) is an established treatment for several autoimmune diseases. The first study demonstrating successful IA use in PCS-associated ME/CFS was published by our group in 2024. Earlier proof-of-concept studies (2018, 2020) in infection-related ME/CFS also showed symptomatic improvement in most patients. Hypothesis: Antibody depletion through IA improves symptoms in the majority of patients with autoantibody-positive ME/CFS and is associated with altered memory B-cell profiles before treatment. Objective: To observe and document symptom progression in 50 ME/CFS or PCS patients undergoing IA, and to examine whether changes in memory B-cells before treatment are linked to therapeutic response. The study is conducted as a non-interventional observational study. IA using the TheraSorb® column (Miltenyi) is performed within its approved clinical application.
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
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The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Improvement in Physical Function (PF) as measured by the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36)
Timeframe: 8 weeks after first IA