Lessons from a pilot study of transfer factor in chronic fatigue syndrome

Biotherapy. 1996;9(1-3):87-90. doi: 10.1007/BF02628663.

Abstract

Transfer Factor (TF) was used in a placebo controlled pilot study of 20 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Efficacy of the treatment was evaluated by clinical monitoring and testing for antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6). Of the 20 patients in the placebo-controlled trial, improvement was observed in 12 patients, generally within 3-6 weeks of beginning treatment. Herpes virus serology seldom correlated with clinical response. This study provided experience with oral TF, useful in designing a larger placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cytomegalovirus / immunology
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / immunology
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / therapy
  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / immunology
  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / therapy*
  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / virology
  • Female
  • Herpesviridae Infections / immunology
  • Herpesviridae Infections / therapy
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / immunology
  • Herpesvirus 6, Human / immunology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Placebos
  • Transfer Factor / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Placebos
  • Transfer Factor