The underlying biological mechanisms for ME/CFS remain unclear and have rarely been investigated in the adolescent population, despite this period representing an age peak in the overall incidence.
We’re pleased to share the ‘Serial Paediatrics Omics Tracking in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (SPOT-ME)’ protocol paper from the Melbourne ME/CFS Collaboration.
From the Desk of Dr. Chris Armstrong
Melbourne ME/CFS Collaboration
The Serial Paediatrics Omics Tracking in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (SPOT-ME) study explores clinical and biological factors in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) among adolescents aged 12–19, a critical time when this illness can seriously affect education, social life, and overall development and well-being. To date, very little biological data have been produced on young people with ME/CFS, this work aims to change that and provide a detailed picture of this disease.
ME/CFS patients and healthy control participants will attend a single clinical visit for initial evaluation. Afterward, those with ME/CFS will provide dried blood and urine samples and complete symptom surveys at home over several months. Sampling on both “typical” days and “crash” days, when symptoms markedly worsen, will allow us to detect biological changes driving these episodes.
Our work represents one of the most extensive examinations of pediatric ME/CFS to date. By integrating extensive biological data with clinical evaluations, we aim to provide a clearer picture on the impact of ME/CFS in pediatric patients and to better understand the mechanism of the disease.
The purpose of a protocol paper is to outline the research question, methodology, data analysis plan, and ethical considerations. Subsequent papers will share the results of this research.
Read the protocol paper here.
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