A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has cast doubt on the existence of a mysterious neurological disease previously reported in New Brunswick, Canada. The study, signed by 12 Canadian researchers, concludes that there is no evidence of the existence of a neurological disease unknown. Though, the controversy doesn’t end there. One of the study’s researchers is now calling for an investigation into the practices of Dr. Alier Marrero, the neurologist who initially reported and diagnosed the majority of the patients.

The JAMA Study: Key Findings

• The study analyzed 25 cases, concluding that all patients suffered, or had suffered, from known health problems.
• Researchers stated that the symptoms recorded in patient files did not align with their own assessments.
• the study suggests that initial diagnostic errors are mainly due to inaccurate clinical assessments and excessive dependence on auxiliary tests. The complex nature of some of these conditions requires a second autonomous assessment, but it truly seems that very few patients have requested it.

Researcher Calls for Investigation

While the JAMA study refrains from naming specific healthcare professionals, dr. Andrew Lang, a signatory of the study and director of the Edmond J. Safra Program on Parkinson’s Disease at Health Network University and the University of Toronto, has explicitly called for scrutiny of Dr. Marrero’s work. More evaluations must question the competence of the individual and his assertion, dr. Lang stated.

Silence from Key Institutions

As the controversy intensifies, both the College of Doctors and the Vitality health network, Dr. Marrero’s employer, have remained silent. It is unclear whether an investigation is underway or if any complaints have been filed regarding Dr. Marrero’s handling of these cases.

• The College of New Brunswick doctors initially opened the door to an interview but then ceased communication.
• vitality has declined to comment on the matter.
• The new Brunswick Medical Society (SMNB) has also refused to take a position, stating that obligation lies with the College and/or the healthcare authority. The SMNB cannot comment on the details or the merits of specific medical or scientific articles, wrote its president, Dr. Lise Babin.

Goverment Response

The government of New Brunswick is also exercising caution. Regarding complaints addressed to the college of doctors and surgeons, the college operates independently of the government, stated Tara Chislett, communications manager for the Ministry of Health.

Dr. Marrero’s Rebuttal

Dr. alier marrero, while unable to provide an interview, offered a written response addressing the JAMA study. I am in deep disagreement with the conclusions of this study, and I have great questions about methods, content, financing of the study, the consent process, access to patient files, he wrote.

Patient Support

Despite the JAMA study and Dr.Lang’s criticisms, some patients continue to support Dr.Marrero. If a doctor wants to see me, great, but I trust Dr.Marrero. He is my doctor. He is a good man. Test results come from accredited laboratories, said Sarah Nesbitt, a patient of Dr. Marrero, who also stated that she was not contacted by researchers to participate in the study. It’s almost an old news. Why attack Dr.Marrero for something that dr. Lang has resurfaced that is not necessarily correct? Nesbitt added.

Focus on Environmental factors

Sarah Nesbitt believes the focus should shift to potential environmental toxins and their impact on health. Public Health New Brunswick is currently conducting a study on possible environmental factors that could contribute to neurological syndromes of unknown causes.

Though,this study’s scope will include neither the establishment of criteria to determine the presence of a cluster [de patients] and its characteristics or a detailed clinical examination of patient files. This approach differs from the initial public health survey in 2022, which concluded there was no evidence of a novel disease and did not investigate environmental factors.