CDC, Kaiser to investigate unexplained skin condition

Clinical Psychiatry News, Feb, 2008 by Sharon Worcester

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is launching a study to improve understanding of an unexplained and controversial dermatologic condition known as Morgellons, which is affecting an increasing number of individuals both in the United States and abroad.

Little is known about the cause of the condition, which is characterized by a range of dermatologic symptoms, including rashes and sores that occur in association with abnormal crawling, biting, or stinging sensations. Patients often describe having threads, fibers, or foreign materials underneath or protruding from the skin in affected areas. Fatigue, mental confusion, memory loss, joint pain, and changes in vision also have been reported.

Some medical professionals consider Morgellons to be a manifestation of other medical or psychological conditions, including delusional parasitosis, but experts are divided on the topic.

"What is clear is that those who suffer from this condition, as well as their family members and their physicians, have questions," Dr. Michele Pearson said during a press briefing held to announce the study's launch.

It's also clear that patients' symptoms and suffering are very real, said Dr. Pearson, the CDC's principle investigator, in response to media questions about whether Morgellons is a "real disease."

The study will be conducted with Kaiser Permanente Northern California, which is "uniquely positioned to assist the CDC with this study," because of the large population of members it serves, and because of the research capabilities within the organization. Furthermore, northern California is one of the "hot spots" in the country where cases have been geographically concentrated, Dr. Joe Selby, director, division of research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, said during the briefing.

Cases have also been reported in Canada, Australia, and several European countries; however, little is known about the true prevalence of the disorder, Dr. Pearson said, noting that the CDC has received about 1,200 inquiries about the disorder.

The investigators aim to determine the prevalence, as well as to identify epidemiological, clinical, and histopathologic features of the condition. Patient recruitment will begin immediately.

BY SHARON WORCESTER

Southeast Bureau