Chronic fatigue topic of scientific conference

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A disorder that makes its victims endlessly weary is drawing the energetic efforts of researchers who hope to banish it, or at least uncover its cause. Their findings will be heard in Seattle this weekend at an international conference on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

The event, which runs today through Monday and is sponsored chiefly by the American Association for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, is open to patients and their families as well as scientists and health professionals.

"There's been more than a decade of research (on the disease), yet to date we really don't know anything definitive about the cause or causes," said Dr. Niloo Afari, associate director of the University of Washington's CFS research center.

Afari is among the scientists who will address the conference. Dr. Dedra Buchwald, also a UW chronic fatigue syndrome researcher, is chairing the event.

The disorder appears to be on the rise. Current estimated incidence: 76 to 220 per 100,000 adults. Children and adolescents may also be affected, says the CFS organization.

Scientists' failure to find a definite cause "probably means there is no single cause. There may be many factors that contribute to the development of the disease and influence how a person recovers," said Afari.

Disabling fatigue, neurological and neuromuscular problems, and in some cases cognitive impairment, can accompany the disorder. Some patients become so tired they can barely muddle through daily tasks. Others quit work. .

Research is under way on many fronts, but Afari believes the "hottest" area is one UW scientists are investigating: genetic factors.

Findings so far are preliminary, she said, but work with identical twins indicates genetic abnormalities may team up with environmental influences to produce the syndrome in some people.

Environmental influences could include intense psychological stress or a viral infection. Other potential influences researchers worldwide are investigating: endocrine-system abnormalities, sleep disorders, immune-system deficiencies and the frequent pairing of CFS with fibromyalgia and with food and chemical sensitivities.

Many victims face skepticism. Because the cause of the disorder has been so elusive, and the symptoms so vague, some people don't believe it's a genuine disease. But that attitude is fading as scientists learn more.

Among treatments showing signs of promise, Afar said, is graduated exercise, which can help a patient regain strength.

INFORMATION

Conference info

The conference sponsored by the American Association for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome runs today through Monday at the WestCoast Grand Hotel, 1415 Fifth Ave., Seattle. Monday's talks are aimed particularly at non-professionals. For information, go to www.aacfs.org.