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Table 1 Criteria for inclusion and exclusion

From: Effects of low-dose clonidine on cardiovascular and autonomic variables in adolescents with chronic fatigue: a randomized controlled trial

 

Inclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria

CFS patients

Persisting or constantly relapsing fatigue lasting 3 months or more.

Another current disease process or demanding life event that might explain the fatigue

 

Functional disability resulting from fatigue to a degree that prevent normal school attendance

Another chronic disease

 

Age ≥ 12 years and < 18 years

Permanent use of drugs (including hormones) possibly interfering with measurements

  

Permanently bed-ridden

  

Positive pregnancy test

  

Pheocromocytoma

  

Evidence of reduced cerebral and/or peripheral circulation due to vessel disease

  

Polyneuropathy

  

Renal insufficiency

  

Known hypersensitivity towards clonidine or inert substances (lactose, saccarose) in capsule

  

Abnormal ECG (apart from ectopic beats)

  

Supine heart rate < 50 beats/min

  

Supine systolic blood pressure < 85 mmHg

  

Upright systolic blood pressure fall > 30 mmHg

Healthy control subjects

Age ≥ 12 years and < 18 years

Another chronic disease

  

Permanent use of drugs (including hormones)