Dr. Bruce Gillis: Unique Immunology Patterns in Fibromyalgia

For decades, debate has raged over whether fibromyalgia (FM) is a real medical disease. Dr. Bruce Gillis talks about research at the University of Illinois at Chicago that shows what's happening with the immune system in FM.  Measurable biomarkers from this landmark study resulted in the first clinical test for fibromyalgia (Fm/a Test).  Dr. Gillis is a family practice physician whose company (EpicGenetics) is central to the fulfillment of the laboratory work necessary to unequivocally diagnose FM.  The study conclusion showed that cytokine responses to mitogenic activators or PBMC isolated from patients with FM were significantly lower than those of healthy individuals, implying that cell-mediated immunity is impaired in FM patients.  This novel cytokine assay revealed unique and valuable immunologic traits, which, when combined with clinical patterns, can offer a diagnostic methodology. 

This scientific test offers the possibility for people who suspect they have fibromyalgia but have never been diagnosed to have a way to find out if their symptoms are actually fibromyalgia. Dr. Gillis discusses the study, how it was done, as well as a follow-up study that was presented at the 2013 American College of Rheumatology meeting.  This ground breaking research is poised to change the way fibromyalgia is viewed by the medical community and help to bring closure to skepticism experienced by people with fibromyalgia. For more information:  http://www.fmcpaware.org/fm-a-real-medical-disease