Recent findings presented at the 2009 International Association of Chronic Fatigue conference in Reno, Nevada Conference by University of Miami researchers revealed promising potential for Isoprinosine (ISP) in addressing Chronic Fatigue Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Sixty one patients were studied, and therapy in all patients resulted in clinical and immunologic improvement. Isoprinosine (ISP), a non-toxic immune system stimulant, is a nucleoside, which is a basic compound comprising cells. It is extremely safe and has been available in Ireland and Canada for 20 years. Until now ISP has not been extensively utilized in the U.S. Although the University of Miami study was small, and larger placebo controlled studies are necessary, these preliminary findings are quite promising for sufferers of this relentless condition.

Many specialists who work with autism as well as CFS and fibromyalgia - myself included - find that there is a major overlap between the three conditions. I suspect all three have related underlying processes and, given a specific genetic makeup, the very same processes that trigger CFS and fibromyalgia in adults can trigger autism in children.

Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine studied 33 people with fibromyalgia, dividing them into two groups. One group attended health classes and learned stretching exercises. The other group learned tai chi — the flowing, meditative movements and breathing exercises that are often described as a “gentle” martial art.

A new study is out this week in the Journal of Virology, done by researchers I respect from the University of Utah, Fatigue Consultation Clinic, and ARUP Laboratories. The study was well done and did not find XMRV present in CFS patients. This important study looked at 100 CFS patients and 200 controls. In addition, 14 patients who had positive tests for XMRV at WPI, including two in the original WPI study, also tested negative for XMRV in this study.