Efficacy and safety of Sijunzi Decoction for chronic fatigue syndrome with spleen deficiency pattern: study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterized by prolonged and disabling fatigue (>6 months), as well other nonspecific somatic symptoms (1). Epidemiological information of CFS is limited. Available studies reported the prevalence of CFS fluctuated from 0.23% to 2.6% (2-4). Although not life-threatening, CFS would severely impact patients’ quality of life and lead to tremendous social burden (5,6)