NMR metabolic profiling of serum identifies amino acid disturbances in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating multisystem disorder characterised by long-term fatigue with a variety of other symptoms including cognitive dysfunction, unrefreshing sleep, muscle pain, and post-exertional malaise. It is a poorly understood condition that occurs in ~5 in every 1000 individuals. We present here a preliminary study on the analysis of blood samples from 11 CFS and 10 control subjects through NMR metabolic profiling.

Neurological damage to the fetus resulting from severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy.

Endemic cretinism is characterised by multiple neurological defects including deaf-mutism, diplegia, squint, and mental deficiency. The condition is widely prevalent in the Highlands of New Guinea in association with severe iodine deficiency. Previous studies have shown that iodised oil provides a very satisfactory correction of severe iodine deficiency in New Guinea.

The role of the GP in the management of chronic disease. Diabetes as a model.

Chronic disease is increasing as a percentage of all illnesses in Australia's health care system, in part because of the ageing of the population. New strategies are required to help manage these often incurable diseases. The general practitioner is well equipped to provide management expertise for chronic disease, provided he or she has access to community based allied health professionals.