Epidemiology of paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome in Australia

Abstract

Objective To estimate the paediatrician-diagnosed incidence of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in Australia, and describe demographic and clinical features, as well as approaches to diagnosis and management. Methods The Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit facilitates monthly national surveillance of uncommon conditions seen by paediatricians. Data from young people aged <18 years diagnosed with CFS were collected. Incidence was estimated based on new cases reported from April 2015 to April 2016. Results A total of 164 cases of newly diagnosed CFS in young people aged 4-17 years were identified for inclusion. The estimated national incidence for children aged 4-9 years was 0.25 per 100 000..