On August 16, 2017, the Solve ME/CFS Initiative (SMCI) announced that the SMCI and its partners are initiating a new ME/CFS Research Fund at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) in Boston, Massachusetts. The establishment of this fund supports the continuation of BWH’s Dr. David Systrom’s ME/CFS research. This work will further understanding of the autonomic, peripheral neuropathy, and cardiovascular features of ME/CFS. In other words, this research focuses on the involuntary nervous system, nerve pain in the hands and feet, and the heart and blood vessels. Specifically, the work aims to characterize the connection between small fiber polyneuropathy (nerve damage) and exertional intolerance during the course of cardiopulmonary (relating to the heart and the lungs) testing. Future study directions will include a continued focus on exertion intolerance with particular attention to the development of therapeutic interventions. Under Dr. Zaher Nahle, Chief Scientific Officer at SMCI’s leadership, the SMCI is committed to creating and advancing stand-alone ME/CFS programs, like this one, at major research universities and medical centers. The SMCI is extremely pleased to facilitate this work at the prestigious BWH. Notably, this was made possible by a donation from a visionary patient through the recently established “patient scientist” program, designed to facilitate patient participation in research through partnerships between patients, SMCI, and selected medical programs.Login Or Register To Read Full Story