A new International Consensus Criteria (ICC) for CFS/CFIDS/ME has been drafted by an international panel of experts and is currently under review. The international panel recommends use of the term Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) without the "/CFS," because, in their considered opinion, the name ME more appropriately reflects the underlying pathophysiology of the illness.
Of particular note is the fact that the ICC requires seven symptoms (from neurological, immunological and energy production systems) plus post-exertional neuroimmune exhaustion (PENE) in order for a diagnosis of ME to be made.
The criteria has been published on-line by the Journal of Internal Medicine but will not be formally published (in print) until later this year following ample opportunity for peer review. Since the new criteria and proposed name change has the potential to significantly impact medical research, funding, education, policy and more, it will likely be debated thoroughly in the months ahead.
The full ICC (as e-published) can be accessed free of charge, compliments of the Whittemore Peterson Institute (WPI) on their "In The News" page. From the WPI news page, follow the link to the document, "July 25, 2011: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: International Consensus Criteria."
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