An Investigation into ME/CFS in Children & Young People

Dr Gwen Kennedy, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee DD1 9SY
 

 The Vascular Diseases Research Unit of the Institute of Cardiovascular Disease at University of Dundee is undertaking a study into children & young people with ME/CFS. The study involves a one-off visit (of approx 3 hours) to the Vascular Diseases Research Unit, where a set of investigations in children and healthy controls would be carried out. These investigations have been successfully carried out in adults and will be repeated this time in children.

 The investigations include a medical history, a thorough clinical examination, completing a couple of questionnaires including quality of life questionnaires, a blood sample (for various blood vessel & inflammation research measurements, which is approximately 3 tablespoons worth) and the activity of the small blood vessels which will be tested on the skin of the forearm. Apart from the blood
test all tests are non-invasive.

 We need to recruit 25 children with ME/CFS (aged between 9 and 18 years) and 25 healthy children who do not have ME/CFS to help us in our research in this condition (also aged between 9 and 18 years).

 If you are aged between 9 and 18 years, or if you have a child with ME/CFS in that age group, and you may be interested in participating in this unique opportunity please contact the unit by letter. We will be in contact with you thereafter.

 Because our tests are novel we require healthy children to also be recruited to enable us to compare the test results. If you or your child can think of any healthy child between 9 and 18 who would be willing to have the same tests we would be grateful for their contact details. This may be a friend, class mate,
cousin, brother or sister etc.

 Any costs (e.g. petrol, bus or train fares etc) incurred travelling to the hospital for a study visit will be reimbursed to any participants and their parent/guardian. If you are travelling a distance we can organise overnight accommodation which you will again be reimbursed for.
 

 To receive an initial assessment form by post, please contact -

 The study is funded by ME Research UK (MERGE) and its supporters, by The Young ME Sufferers Trust (Tymes Trust), and by Search ME.