Full Title: Exploring the feasibility of establishing a disease-specific post-mortem tissue bank in the UK: a case study in ME/CFS.
Authors: Lacerda EM, Nacul L, Pheby D, Shepherd C, Spencer P.
Publication: Journal of Clinical Pathology
Publication Date: 5th October 2010
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, EPH/NPHIRU/CFS/ME Observatory, London, UK.
Background
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a condition, the aetiology of which remains controversial, and there is still no consensus on its nature and determination. It has rarely been studied in post-mortem examinations, despite increasing evidence of abnormalities from neuroimaging studies.
Aim
To ascertain the feasibility of developing a national post-mortem ME/CFS tissue bank in the UK, to enhance studies on aetiology and pathogenesis, including cell and tissue abnormalities associated with the condition.
Methods
The case study was carried out combining qualitative methods, ie, key informant interviews, focus group discussions with people with ME/CFS, and a workshop with experts in ME/CFS or in tissue banking.
Results and conclusions
The study results suggest that the establishment of the post-mortem ME/CFS tissue bank is both desirable and feasible, and would be acceptable to the possible tissue donors, provided that some issues were explicitly addressed.
PMID: 20924033
