Reference: Carruthers et al. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: International =
Consensus Criteria, The Journal of Internal Medicine, July 2011.
The recent publication of new criteria for ME has generated a number of =
initial reactions ranging from enthusiasm to concern. The new criteria =
designate ME as the appropriate biological name for the illness, and put =
aside the CFS label as confusing and overly-focused on the symptom of =
fatigue.
=20
The 2003 Canadian Consensus Criteria were used as a starting point, but =
significant changes were made. Rather than pathological fatigue, the =
cardinal symptom of the newly defined ME is post-exertional malaise now =
termed, post-exertional neuroimmune exhaustion. Also the six-month =
waiting period before diagnosis is no longer required.
=20
The biological focus in the article for the new definition of ME is =
clear, consistent, and unequivocal. The ultimate value of the new =
definition will be determined by our researchers, clinicians, and policy =
makers. There are no ready answers about the impact of the re-defined =
ME on important issues such as illness credibility, physician =
willingness to diagnose and treat ME, and disability determinations.
The lead author of the new criteria, Dr. Bruce Carruthers, will be a =
featured speaker at the IACFS/ME Research and Clinical Conference in =
Ottawa, Sept. 22-25, 2011 (www.iacfsme.org). He will share the podium =
with prominent CFS/ME researchers Dr. Leonard Jason and Dr. Elizabeth =
Unger in a 90-minute, case-definitions symposium that will allow plenty =
of time for Q and A about the new criteria. I expect this to be a =
lively session.
I think that discussion, debate, and input from practitioners and =
scientists are now in order regarding this newly defined ME. =20
Fred Friedberg, PhD
President
IACFS/ME
=20
Lydia
Lydia E. Neilson, M.S.M. , Founder
Chief Executive Officer
NATIONAL ME/FM ACTION NETWORK
512 - 33 Banner Road
Nepean, ON K2H 8V7 Canada
Tel. 613.829.6667
Fax 613.829.8518
Email: mefmaction@ncf.ca
www.mefmaction.com
=20
NATIONAL ME/FM ACTION NETWORK - HOST OF THE IACFS/ME INTERNATIONAL =
RESEARCH & CLINICAL CONFERENCE - OTTAWA, CANADA
SEPTEMBER 22 - 25, 2011
For details on agendas and registration, please visit: =20
Member of www.iacfsme.org
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