SynthesisFrontiers in medicine2026
Association between myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Synthesis in Frontiers in medicine, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Authors and funding
2 authors.
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Abstract
Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) are chronic, debilitating disorders characterized by substantial symptom burden, impaired quality of life, and high healthcare utilization. IBS is a disorder of gut-brain interaction with a global prevalence ranging from 3.8% to 9.2%, while ME/CFS is defined by persistent, exertion-intolerant fatigue and multisystem dysfunction. Growing evidence suggests frequent co-occurrence of these conditions, implicating shared mechanisms such as immune dysregulation, autonomic imbalance, and altered gut-brain signaling. However, the magnitude of their association has not been comprehensively quantified. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases from inception through February 2026. Eligible observational studies reporting associations or prevalence between IBS and ME/CFS were included. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to pool odds ratios (ORs) and prevalence estimates. Heterogeneity was assessed using I Results: Twenty-two studies were included in the systematic review and 18 in the meta-analysis. Individuals with ME/CFS had significantly higher odds of IBS compared with controls (OR = 7.20; 95% CI: 2.77-18.76; I Conclusion: IBS and ME/CFS are strongly associated, suggesting shared underlying mechanisms. These findings support integrated screening approaches and coordinated, multidisciplinary management to improve outcomes in affected patients. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251006255.
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