HR1109 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1109 LRB099 21226 MST 46648 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a disease that causes abnormal cell growth of the arterial wall; it can lead to areas of narrowing, beading, aneurysms, and dissections of the arterial wall; and

WHEREAS, Until recently, there has been very little progress in understanding the disease since it was first diagnosed in 1938; there is no known cause or cure for the disease and there are no set protocols to treat the disease; and

WHEREAS, FMD has always been considered and is still classified as a rare disease; many researchers now believe FMD is an under-diagnosed disease; some of the data suggest that 4-5% of the population may be affected by the disease; and

WHEREAS, Ninety percent of the patients affected by FMD are women, but men and children are also afflicted; there are different classifications of FMD; the two most common types are medial fibroplasia and intimal fibroplasia; unlike the adult population, children tend to be diagnosed with intimal fibroplasia, which can be more aggressive; some patients present with both types of the disease; there is no understanding of why there are differences; and

WHEREAS, Individuals and families affected by fibromuscular dysplasia often experience problems such as a sense of isolation, difficulty in obtaining accurate and timely diagnosis, and optimal treatment options; and

WHEREAS, The Fibromuscular Dysplasia Society of America (FMDSA) was founded in March of 2003; over the past 13 years, this association has been active and successful with many programs, including public and physician awareness, patient support, and engaging with researchers from around the world; and

WHEREAS, The FMDSA is funding the United States Registry for Fibromuscular Dysplasia; previously it was thought that 75% of FMD cases affected the renal arteries, but recent data has proven that to be inaccurate; it is also very common to have a 5-year delay from onset of symptoms to diagnosis; and

WHEREAS, There is still much needed awareness and research of the disease; FMD patients present with many of the same complaints as other patients with more common conditions, such as hypertension, headaches, and dizziness; others present with TIA or stroke, dissection of an artery, aneurysm, swooshing noise in the ear, and renal infarction; children can present with basic symptoms such as high blood pressure, headaches, insomnia, fatigue, and abdominal pain; misdiagnoses of FMD can lead to severe consequences and disability; and

WHEREAS, During the month of March each year, the FMDSA organizes a global observance of the issues associated with fibromuscular dysplasia; patients, medical professionals, and researchers join together to focus attention on fibromuscular dysplasia as a public health issue; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate March of 2016 as "Fibromuscular Dysplasia Awareness Month" in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Fibromuscular Dysplasia Society of America as an expression of our esteem and respect.