Eosinophilia - myalgia syndrome - New Mexico
Article Abstract:
Oral preparations of L-tryptophan, a vitamin supplement, have recently been associated with eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome, EMS. Eosinophilia is characterized by a high concentration of eosinophils (a granule-conating white blood cell or leukocyte) in the blood; myalgia refers to tenderness or pain in the muscles. The New Mexico Department of Health made public the report of three cases of EMS which subsequently resulted in the reporting of several similar cases in other areas. This disorder was defined as an eosinophil count of at least 2,000 cells per mm without a previous clinical history of eosinophilia-myalgia. Once this provisional definition was developed, additional cases were screened, and within one month 30 more suspected cases were identified. The total group of EMS patients was composed of 17 women between the ages of 20 and 80 and 13 men between the ages of 4 and 78. Complete medical histories were obtained from 14 of these individuals who all reported symptoms of myalgia. From this group 11 individuals reported use of L-tryptophan at a variety of dosages. A case study is currently being conducted in an attempt to further document the association of this syndrome with the use of oral L-tryptophan. Other symptoms included weakness, rash, shortness of breath, edema of the extremities, and pneumonia. Fourteen of the total number of patients required hospitalization. An editorial notation from the CDC, Centers for Disease Control, suggested that a more definitive criteria be developed for defining eosinophilia-myalgia and noted that several of the suspected cases were subsequently diagnosed as another condition. The CDC is currently conducting a state-based surveillance of EMS.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1989
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Pulmonary infiltrates, eosinophilia, and cardiomyopathy following corticosteroid withdrawal in patients with asthma receiving zafirlukast
Article Abstract:
Asthma patients who are prescribed the drug zafirlukast (Accolate) should be monitored for possible side effects. Researchers describe 8 asthma patients taking zafirlukast who developed elevated white blood cell levels, including elevated levels of blood cells called eosinophils. In 6 patients, the eosinophils infiltrated various organs, including skin, heart, and lung. It is possible that these patients had an underlying disorder of eosinophils, which could have caused asthmatic symptoms if the cells infiltrated the lungs.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1998
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Eosinophilia in a patient from South America
Article Abstract:
A case study of a patient suffering from eosinophilia is presented. The diagnosis and treatment are discussed.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2008
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