DePaul University Study Invites Youngsters Ages 10-17 with ME/CFS and Their Parents to Assess Effectiveness of New Pediatric Case Definition

DePaul University Study Invites Youngsters Ages 10-17 with ME/CFS and Their Parents to Assess Effectiveness of New Pediatric Case Definition

March 24, 2008

DePaul University's Center for Community Research is currently conducting a study about the new Pediatric Case Definition for ME/CFS. This case definition and a pediatric ME/CFS assessment tool called the DePaul Pediatric Health Questionnaire were developed in 2006 by members of the International Association for CFS/ME (IACFS/ME)Pediatric Case Definition Working Group.

The aim of our study is to assess the efficacy of this case definition in correctly diagnosing ME/CFS in children by comparison with current diagnostic tools.

Consequently, the Center for Community Research is looking for children and adolescents ages 10-17 and their parents/guardians to complete the DePaul Pediatric Health Questionnaire (DPHQ). Importantly,

The DPHQ is a short questionnaire that will take about 30 minutes to complete and should be mailed back to the Center.(To learn more about the Pediatric Case Definition and its intended application, and to view the child and adult versions of the DePaul questionnaire, go to the IACFS/ME site.
Participants' identities and answers will be kept confidential.
If you and your child are interested in volunteering to participate in this study, or have any questions or concerns, please contact: Nicole Porter, PhD, E-mail: nporter@depaul.edu ; Telephone: (773) 325-4923

Your time and voluntary assistance are needed and appreciated, and the DePaul Center for Community Research thanks you very much for your time and assistance in this matter.