The Role of Prevention in Reducing the Economic Impact of ME/CFS in Europe: Report from Socioeconomics Working Group of [EUROMENE], 2021, Pheby et al

[Sly Saint]

The Role of Prevention in Reducing the Economic Impact
of ME/CFS in Europe: A Report from the Socioeconomics
Working Group of the European Network on
ME/CFS (EUROMENE)

Derek F. H. Pheby 1,*, Diana Araja 2, Uldis Berkis 3, Elenka Brenna 4, John Cullinan 5,
Jean‐Dominique de Korwin 6,7, Lara Gitto 8, Dyfrig A. Hughes 9, Rachael M. Hunter 10, Dominic Trepel 11
and Xia Wang‐Steverding 12

Abstract
This report addresses the extent to which there may be scope for preventive programmes for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), and, if so, what economic benefits may accrue from the implementation of such programmes.
We consider the economic case for prevention programmes, whether there is scope for preventive programmes for ME/CFS, and what are the health and economic benefits to be derived from the implementation of such programmes.

We conclude that there is little scope for primary prevention programmes, given that ME/CFS is attributable to a combination of host and environmental risk factors, with host factors appearing to be most prominent, and that there are few identified modifiable risk factors that could be the focus of such programmes. The exception is in the use of agricultural chemicals, particularly organophosphates, where there is scope for intervention, and where Europe-wide programmes of health education to encourage safe use would be beneficial. There is a need for more research on risk factors for ME/CFS to establish a basis for the development of primary prevention programmes, particularly in respect of occupational risk factors.
Secondary prevention offers the greatest scope for intervention, to minimise diagnostic delays associated with prolonged illness, increased severity, and increased costs.

https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/57/4/388

 

[Yann04]

Thanks for pointing this thread to me @ScoutB

@mariovitali pointed out this organophosphates part

Most of the concern about chemical exposures as a possible cause of ME/CFS centres on the agricultural use of organophosphates (OPs) and, to a lesser extent, of organochlorines. Fatigue syndromes may be secondary to occupational exposures to organochlorine or organophosphate compounds [45]. Fernández-Solà et al. [46] described a series of twenty-six patients, nine of whom were exposed to organophosphates alone, who developed chronic fatigue following insecticide exposure. Thamaz et al. [47] observed a dose–response relationship between chronic fatigue scores and levels of exposure to organophosphate pesticides.

From a cursory skim this looks like it might not be relevant to ME/CFS — conflating it with Chronic Fatigue?

This citation may still be worth following up on though:

Fernandez-Sola, J.; Lluis Padierna, M.; Nogue Xarau, S.; Munne Mas, P. Chronic fatigue syndrome and multiple chemical hypersensitivity after insecticide exposure. Med. Clin. 2005, 124, 451–453.

 

[Utsikt]

This feels a bit like asking if seatbelts would be worth it when only calculating the savings from avoiding broken wrists.

 

[mariovitali]

There is an entry in MEPedia as well regarding OPs

https://me-pedia.org/wiki/Organophosphate