Journal of IiME Volume 2 Issue 1 C Coonnffeerreennccee IInnttrroodduuccttiioonn This Conference makes clear the rapidly changing understanding of ME-CFS and related “syndromes of uncertain origin”. It provides confirmation of earlier insights concerning viral infections as a common basis of the illness and adds to these the growing recognition of the impact of infection on nervous system, particularly the, autonomic nervous system, endocrine and cardiovascular systems. The validity of the WHO ICD classification of ME as a neurological condition is justified whilst the interrelated impact on other major body systems is demonstrated. The inadequacies of the widely used CDC 1994 research criteria are now clear and much more careful definitions of ME are needed if the accurate diagnosis necessary for effective treatment and management of the illness are to be provided. The key to accurate diagnosis is the careful clinical separation of different sub-groups within the ME spectrum which will, at the same time, assist deeper understanding of this multi-system and multi-organ disorder. The key to accurate diagnosis is the careful clinical separation of different sub-groups within the ME spectrum which will, at the same time, assist deeper understanding of this multisystem and multi-organ disorder. The speakers bring to the Conference years of extensive research and clinical studies that provide new grounds for hope for those who suffer from ME and their carers. It will encourage and inform clinicians and clinical administrators who are wrestling with the complexities of a growing number of patients with this illness and provided better grounds for treatment and the assessment of benefits, insurance and care needs for patients. Dr Leonard Jason has led the field in pressing the case for sub-groups to better understand and treat the illness. Drs John Chia and Martin Lerner are specialists in virally-induced infectious diseases which affect both the nervous system and the heart, two major Invest in ME (Charity Nr 1114035) www.investinme.org By Professor Malcolm Hooper features of sick ME patients. Dr Irving Spurr has for many years cared for and investigated ME patients in Weardale in collaboration with the late Dr John Richardson and Dr Byron Hyde. As a GP he has a long experience of this complex illness and its treatment within the UK. Dr Jean Monro has a great deal of expert clinical experience and developed extensive diagnostic and treatment protocols for ME and related illnesses and provides a private hospital service in addition to seeing patients in other settings. Dr Julia Newton has documented and studied the extensive dysautonomia commonly found in many ME patients and responsible for the well known variations in blood pressure, body temperature, balance etc. Dr Judy Mikovits, as Director of the newly formed Whittemore-Petersen Institute, will provide an up date on the progress of the Institute which is the first one founded to bring together research, clinical assessment and treatment of ME patients. Can we establish such an Institute in the UK? Dr Jonathan Kerr has pioneered the groundbreaking genetic studies of ME patients and shown the strong links with infection, chemicals, mitochondrial and nerve dysfunction. His latest work includes the identification of clinical phenotypes that provide sound grounds for subgroups within the spectrum of ME and point to more focussed treatment. The poverty and misinformation of the psychiatric lobby that dominates the UK understanding of CFS-ME is exposed by this Conference. The work presented will no longer allow the ill-founded somatisation and (bio)psychosocial theories to remain credible. Enjoy! Malcolm Hooper Page 8
9 Publizr Home