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SEIDS/CFS Research – Biological Markers Data Beginning to Emerge

3/3/2015

6 Comments

 
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SEIDS/CFS seems to be on a media roll lately.  Now a research study at Columbia University’s School of Public Health has reported the results of a robust study with a sampling of 298 ME/CFS patients and 348 healthy controls.  For the non-scientist, they have identified specific compromised immune system markers that were present in SEIDS/CFS patients during the first two to three years of the illness.  These same markers were not present in the controls or in patients who had been sick longer than three years.

The following are quotes from a Press Release put out by the school:

“We now have evidence confirming what millions of people with this disease already know, that ME/CFS isn't psychological,” states lead author Mady Hornig, MD.

“This study delivers what has eluded us for so long: unequivocal evidence of immunological dysfunction in ME/CFS and diagnostic biomarkers for disease,” says Dr. Lipkin, senior author of the current study.

“The study supports the idea that ME/CFS may reflect an infectious “hit-and-run” event. Patients often report getting sick, sometimes from something as common as infectious mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr virus), and never fully recover. The new research suggests that these infections throw a wrench in the immune system’s ability to quiet itself after the acute infection, to return to a homeostatic balance; the immune response becomes like a car stuck in high gear.”


Here’s a link to the complete text of the Press Release:  http://www.mailman.columbia.edu/news/scientists-discover-robust-evidence-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-biological-illness

I don’t want to get too excited but this is substantial.  Early stage SEIDS/CFS patients have the markers.  Controls don’t.  No percentages.  No ratios.  No hedging.  No gray area.  Positive and Negative results only.  Call me crazy – oh wait, no one will call us crazy anymore! – but I think we’re on our way to some important breakthroughs.  Yeah, I know, I’m an incurable optimist!  Please COMMENT or Send in your thoughts and I’ll post them with your permission.  You can use the Contact Form or send an email to Martha at DefeatCFS dot net.  And Guest Blogs are most welcome!

Look for a weekly posting on Tuesdays.  And consider being part of the conversation.

Be Well Again,


Martha

6 Comments
Donna
3/4/2015 09:11:15 pm

I'm with you, Martha!! There has been a media blitz about CFS in the last couple of weeks: radio shows, newspaper articles, and today (Thursday), Dr. Ian Lipkin will be on the Dr. Oz show!! A lot of the comments that I read on Facebook from sufferers are full of negativity. I looked for the common thread in their criticisms. It seemed to be, "Not enough." But, to me, this is the starting point. Yes, we who experience CFS know it's a physical disease, but many in the medical community and society in general still need to be convinced. Until that happens, we will not receive the support, understanding, compassion, and monies for research that is so desperately needed. The future is looking a lot brighter!!

Reply
Martha
3/5/2015 12:24:09 am

I agree with your observations. For me, I've been dealing with the subject of SEID/CFS for over 20 years. This is the best news I have ever heard that can finally tip the scale toward recognition of a real physical illness. I'm optimistic that the good news will continue over the next few years. And that will eventually lead to solid treatment protocols. Thanks Donna!

Reply
Tim Boland
3/9/2015 04:49:43 pm

It is nice to have this new celebrity in town, Martha and Donna, that CFS has garnered headlines in fine and prestigious publications, the silent illness is getting the attention it deserves. I slept well last night and on awakening, decided that I wasn't going to have a cranky day like yesterday, the sun came out and was filtering through my bedroom blinds.

Sometimes I have to fight the impulse to be a grouch, though that upsets me as mom used to call me Mr. Sunshine, her insistence when I was a child to wake and be happy, to smile. And it stuck, I've always been an optimist by nature, now perhaps tempered by the harsh reality of having an illness. But being upbeat is actually healing according to medical studies, and recovery being the goal. Well I may not be jumping or dancing, I may not be bowling (a favorite past time as a teen) but I can see there are things to be grateful for, having blue skies and sunny spirits today was a good way to go.

Reply
Martha
3/10/2015 01:55:33 am

I completely agree! Thanks Mr. Sunshine :)

Reply
Judy
3/12/2015 04:17:09 am

I am thrilled with these findings for all of us in the CFS/SEID community! I have had CFS/SEID since 1987....and as a healthcare professional myself, I've felt the frustration of this unrecognized disease even more acutely through the years as a result of being unrecognized by the medical profession. It was almost like I've led a double life.
My mainstream clinical life, and then my REAL life with SEID/CFS!
I believe that this gives us all more courage and confidence to speak strongly regarding this disabling disease....and we should!

Reply
Martha
3/13/2015 09:01:31 am

It must be so frustrating to be in the medical field and have colleages not believe you when you say that your disease is not psychological. Hopefully that will change. Thanks Judy!

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    After struggling with CFS for four years I am fortunate now to be fully well and making choices about how I want to live my healthy life.  One choice is to be an active part of the CFS community and to offer one voice from the fully recoverd to the dialogue.  I'm glad you're here!   For more about me, here's my Bio.

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