Monthly Archives: September 2013

Acupuncture is moderately helpful in CFS

Research abstract CONTEXT: Given that the etiology of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is believed to be multidimensional, interventions generally have been nonspecific and typically produce only mild to moderate effects. In medical practice, treatment for CFS remains largely symptomatic. Preliminary … Continue reading

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How to improve therapeutic relationships in ME/CFS

Abstract Background: Clinical practice and the medical literature abound with reports of mutual dissatisfaction between individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and health care practitioners. Purpose: In this paper we: 1) formulate and describe the common therapeutic challenges in … Continue reading

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Rituximab UK trial update

Invest in ME have now raised £57,000 for their UK rituximab trial from a variety of organisations and individuals and can begin the first phase. The UCL team is working on a study to confirm and expand Dr Bansal’s B cell results … Continue reading

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Disability plan for independent living in Wales

Plans aimed at removing the barriers facing disabled people in Wales have been unveiled by the Welsh Government. The framework for action on independent living outlines the steps the Welsh Government will take to make sure disabled people have the … Continue reading

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Importance of medical evidence for benefits claims

Action for ME has produced a factsheet to help GPs understand why their medical evidence is so important in supporting benefits claims and appeals. If your practice is reluctant to provide such information or makes a substantial charge for it, consider giving … Continue reading

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MS and ME similarities

Review abstract Background ‘Encephalomyelitis disseminata’ (multiple sclerosis) and myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) are both classified as diseases of the central nervous system by the World Health Organization. This review aims to compare the phenomenological and neuroimmune characteristics of … Continue reading

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Probiotic can reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines in ME/CFS

Research abstract Certain therapeutic microbes, including Bifidobacteria infantis (B. infantis) 35624 exert beneficial immunoregulatory effects by mimicking commensal-immune interactions; however, the value of these effects in patients with non-gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions remains unclear. Method: In this study, we assessed the … Continue reading

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Valganciclovir is potential treatment for CFS subset

Research abstract  There is no known treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Little is known about its pathogenesis. Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) have been proposed as infectious triggers. Method: Thirty CFS patients with elevated IgG antibody … Continue reading

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A dozen different diseases? Prof Stephen Holgate calls for radical change in ME/CFS research

ME/CFS probably isn’t one disease, or even a few different ones – but could be as many as fifteen. So said Professor Stephen Holgate, Chair of the UK Research Collaborative (CMRC), when he addressed the Forward ME Group in the … Continue reading

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