The Presentation of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Is Not Influenced by the Presence or Absence of Joint Hypermobility.

Objective: To examine demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) with and without joint hypermobility We hypothesized that patients who were joint hypermobility-positive would have an earlier onset of ME/CFS symptoms as well as increased severity, a greater number of comorbid conditions, and a lower health-related quality of life.

Study Design: From an observational cohort study of 55 individuals meeting the Fukuda criteria for ME/CFS, we compared groups using a Beighton score cutoff of 4 or higher to indicate joint hypermobility. Chart data were collected to examine the age and type of onset of ME/CFS and the presence of comorbid conditions.