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Posted on Jan 25, 2006, 5 a.m.
By Bill Freeman
Researchers have identified a set of proteins that may be a biomarker for chronic fatigue syndrome. Scientists from Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington analyzed spinal cord fluid samples from 50 patients suffering from at least two chronic fatigue illnesses including fibromyalgia and Gulf War syndrome. They found 16 proteins in the fluid that were not present in the samples from people without chronic fatigue syndrome illnesses.
Researchers have identified a set of proteins that may be a biomarker for chronic fatigue syndrome.
Scientists from Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington analyzed spinal cord fluid samples from 50 patients suffering from at least two chronic fatigue illnesses including fibromyalgia and Gulf War syndrome. They found 16 proteins in the fluid that were not present in the samples from people without chronic fatigue syndrome illnesses.
"Although this is a small study, and more research on the subject is necessary, these results indicate it might be possible to develop a simple laboratory test to diagnose these disorders in the future," says James Baraniuk, M.D., lead author of the study.
Chronic fatigue syndrome encompasses a variety of illnesses characterized by debilitating fatigue, weakness, memory problems and insomnia. The root of chronic fatigue illnesses has been the subject of wide debate among medical professionals for decades.
"For years, patients with chronic fatigue syndrome have suffered from painful symptoms for which there is no blood test, diagnosable physical condition or any method for doctors to measure improvement. Our research provides initial evidence that chronic fatigue syndrome and its family of illnesses may be legitimate neurological diseases and that at least part of the pathology involves the central nervous system," Dr. Baraniuk says.
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week.
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