The prevalence of
clinically significant fatigue has varied between 44% and 85%
in surveys of populations with HIV (Vogl
et al., 1999), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(Bradley
et al., 1999), multiple sclerosis (Krupp
et al., 1989), Parkinson's disease (Karlsen
et al., 1999), systemic lupus erythematosus (Wysenbeck
et al., 1993; Bruce
et al., 1999), and primary biliary sclerosis (Huet
et al., 2000). These studies also demonstrate an
association between fatigue and a variety of disturbances that
could undermine quality of life, including mood disorders and
impaired physical functioning.
There is now widespread
acknowledgement that pathologic fatigue impairs quality of life
in diverse populations with serious medical illnesses. Given
the limited data pertaining to all aspects of this symptom,
the research needs and opportunities in this area are very substantial.