Targeted Research May Hold The Key To Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (NAPSA)—New research may help explain and one day find a cure for the serious medical condition chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also called chronic fa- tigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS). CFIDS can be devastating, causing profound fatigue, pain and neurological difficulties. Over the past 15 years, scientists have identified numerous biological abnormalities in CFIDS patients, but a cure remainselusive. To gain a better understanding of this complex illness, The CFIDS The reducedability to resist infections, neurological problems and hormoneimbalances play a role in CFIDS. orthostatic intolerance (OI), a con- ing an infection, play a role in causing CFIDS symptoms. Reduced ability to resist infections. Researchers have found that CFIDS patients may have a defective form of an enzyme that normally helps the immune system fight viral infection. Studies have also shown that Association of America brought together top medical experts from many medical disciplines to evaluate research findings. The scientists agreed that the following problems play a role in CFIDS: Neurological abnormalities. Research has shown that dition that arises from miscommunication between the brain and heart and causes dramatic changes in heart rate and blood pressure when a person stands or sits upright, plays an important role in CFIDS. Almost 95 percent of CFIDS patients in a 1995 study had at least one form of OI. Hormone imbalance. Some CFIDS patients have lower than normal levels of cortisol, a hor- monethat plays a key role in sleep and fatigue. There is also evidence that cytokines, chemical messengers activated by the immunesystems when the body is experienc- some patients’ naturalkiller cells, which form the body’s first line of defense against viruses, are not as active. CFIDS strikes people of all ages, ethnic and socioeconomic groups. Studies have estimated that more than 800,000 Americans suffer from CFIDS. Although the illness is most prevalent in women, it afflicts men and chil- dren as well. To find out more about CFIDS, visit The CFIDS Association of America’s Web site at wuww.cfids.org or call 1-800-4423437.
