elmhar

I was thrilled to come across informtion relating to the recent (Jan/07) International Congress on CFS/FM. Here is a partial summary of research findings:

Objective tests that differentiate between normals & sufferers: ** elastase, ** RNaseL, ** C-reactive protein, ** selected cytokines, and ** NK Cell Activity. These tests can also indicate level of severity & response to therapy.

Disability qualification testing: test+ 24 hr.post retest of cardio- pulmonary exercise capacity. This back-to-back testing differentiates sufferers from normals & can demonstrate levels of both functional capacity as well as post-exertional malaise effects.

Overnight sleep studies w/polysomnography is useful to ID target treatable sleep disorders, which occur in the majority of sufferers.

Supportive counselling has been shown to be helpful for sufferers who are deeply distressed, and also for those who are prone to catastrophizing, but not significantly helpful to other subgroups.

Treatment of lipid abnormalities, and of metabolic syndrome, when present, is important.

Graded exercise programs were found to be less helpful than heart-rate limited exercise programs.

Testing for HHV6a and EBV viral infections or reactivation is important, because treatment with antivirals is often extremely effective in sufferers with positive test results.

The following supplements have been shown, in controlled research studies, to be helpful to a significant number of sufferers: acetyl carnitine, d-ribose, replacement lipids (e.g. NTFactorT), and antioxidants.

Unfortunately, it has historically taken 2 decades for research findings to wend their way into day to day clinical practice. However, some docs are more up on research than others, and a few are open to searching for info on recent research themselves, on patient request.

There were other exciting research reports on developments in genetic, neurological, & proteomic research, however most of that is still early days & without current practical application, which is why I don't include it here.

I hope this info is helpful. Best wishes.