1. New development in ME – Myalgic Encephalomyelitis in Norway Marianne Bjærum Christine Normann

2. What is ME? Temporary unknown cause Officially called “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome” First classified into the International Classification of Diseases in 1969 In Norway alone it is estimated that 15.000 people have ME – predominantly women No test exist, therefore excluding other diseases is important for diagnosis

3. Symptoms Impaired memory and cognitive complaints Sore throat Tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes Muscle pain Multi-joint pain New headaches Un-refreshing sleep Post-exertional malaise lasting more than 24 hours

4. New research A study published in 2009 in “Science” reported an association between ME and a retrovirus In September 2011, the authors published a "Partial Retraction" of their 2009 findings

5. New research October 2011, A Study at Haukeland University hospital, Bergen, Norway Cancer treatment improved patients CFS conditions Randomised, double-blind study, 30 patients 2 out of 3 patients with improved condition

6. Rituximab A chimeric monoclonal antibody that attacks the B-lymphocytes Used in the treatment of many lymphomas, leukemias and some autoimmune disorders Destroys both normal and malignant B-ly that have CD20 on their surfaces Therefore used to treat diseases which are characterized by having too many B-ly, overactive B-ly or dysfunctional B-ly

7. Theories Autoimmune disease A big subgroup of these patients have a autoimmune disease maintaining itself by a autoantibody. The B-lymphocytes act as a reservoir for a virus with a big impact on this disease.

8. Newly released Research article: Benefit from B-Lymphocyte Depletion Using the Anti-CD20 Antibody Rituximab in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. A Double-Blind and Placebo-Controlled Study New book released in October in Norway – historically, politically, national and international, and how to live with ME

9. Resources http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi% 2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0026358 http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi% 2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0026358 http://www.me-foreningen.no/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronic_fatigue_ syndrome http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronic_fatigue_ syndrome http://www.cfids.org/community/pcpep/curri culum.asp http://www.cfids.org/community/pcpep/curri culum.asp