Reclaim: Researching the Roots of Chronic Illness to Reclaim Health (IRB STUDY00001082)
Who is conducting this research study and what is the study about? The study is designed and executed by investigators at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School. The purpose of this study is to better understand the role of stress pathways, innate immunity and shared pathomechanisms of chronic fatiguing illnesses.
Who can join? We are seeking healthy volunteers or patients that self-report with these diseases:
Adults aged 18-65 if you are healthy or have the following disease:
- ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)
- Recovered from ME/CFS
- Long COVID > 6 months
- FM (Fibromyalgia)
- Hypermobile EDS or Hypermobility Syndrome
- Orthostatic Intolerance or POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome)
- Chronic Lyme
- Gulf War Illness
- Time Commitment: Initial visit 30 min, two follow-up visits 30 min each
- Items to complete: questionnaires at initial visit and follow-up visits
- Specimens collected at each visit: blood, saliva, urine (and one optional skin punch biopsy).
Children aged 12 – 17 if you are healthy or have the following disease:
- ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)
- Recovered from ME/CFS
- Hypermobile EDS or Hypermobility Syndrome
- Orthostatic Intolerance or POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome)
- Time commitment: initial visit 30 min, one follow-up visit 30 min, optional joining study to follow up for 4 years.
- Items to complete: questionnaires at initial visit and follow up visit
- Specimens collected at each visit: blood, saliva, urine (and one optional skin punch biopsy).
What will I be asked to do? Participants who are eligible will be asked to complete questionnaires, and provide blood, urine, and an optional skin punch biopsy. Any needs for extra time to complete questionnaires will be provided. The researchers will also provide extra appointments if needed for collection of specimens, spaced out over time to reduce fatigue.
Why should I join? The experiment will have no direct benefit to you. By serving as a participant, the information from the studies may contribute to a better understanding of the disease.
Where will the study take place? Initial review will be by Zoom or the equivalent. Follow up meetings and specimen collection will take place at the:
Clinical Research Center (CRC)
Univ. Mass. Chan Medical School
55 Lake Ave N
Worcester, MA
The optional skin biopsy will take place at the UMass-Memorial Dermatology Clinic, location to be determined.
How do I join? If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact the Research Investigator below.
Contact:
Dr. Hayla K. Sluss
Phone: 508-856-1802 During business hours.
Email: Hayla.sluss@umassmed.edu