Int J Clin Exp Med 2(1):1-16,2009

Sarah Myhill, Norman E. Booth, John McLaren Howard

Sarah Myhill Limited, Llangunllo, Knighton, Powys, Wales LD7 1SL, U.K.; 

Department of Physics and Mansfield College, University of

Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RH, U.K.; Acumen, PO Box 129, Tiverton, Devon EX16 

0AJ, U.K.

Received December 3, 2008; accepted January 12, 2009; available online 

January 15, 2009

Abstract: This study aims to improve the health of patients suffering 

from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) by interventions based on

the biochemistry of the illness, specifically the function of 

mitochondria in producing ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency

for all body functions, and recycling ADP (adenosine diphosphate) to 

replenish the ATP supply as needed. Patients attending a private

medical practice specializing in CFS were diagnosed using the Centers 

for Disease Control criteria. In consultation with each patient,

an integer on the Bell Ability Scale was assigned, and a blood sample 

was taken for the “ATP profile” test, designed for CFS and other

fatigue conditions. Each test produced 5 numerical factors which 

describe the availability of ATP in neutrophils, the fraction complexed

with magnesium, the efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation, and the 

transfer efficiencies of ADP into the mitochondria and ATP into the

cytosol where the energy is used. With the consent of each of 71 

patients and 53 normal, healthy controls the 5 factors have been

collated and compared with the Bell Ability Scale. The individual 

numerical factors show that patients have different combinations of

biochemical lesions. When the factors are combined, a remarkable 

correlation is observed between the degree of mitochondrial

dysfunction and the severity of illness (P<0.001). Only 1 of the 71 

patients overlaps the normal region. The “ATP profile” test is a

powerful diagnostic tool and can differentiate patients who have fatigue 

and other symptoms as a result of energy wastage by stress

and psychological factors from those who have insufficient energy due to 

cellular respiration dysfunction. The individual factors indicate

which remedial actions, in the form of dietary supplements, drugs and 

detoxification, are most likely to be of benefit, and what further

tests should be carried out. (IJCEM812001).