Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome: follow-up survey of patients - New York, 1990-1991
Article Abstract:
Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) is a rare disorder in which the number of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) rises, and the patient experiences generalized muscle pain. Of the 151 cases reported in New York State up until December 1990, 149 involved patients who reported having taken the dietary supplement L-tryptophan (LT) before becoming ill. Ten of these patients died. Anecdotal reports by some of the surviving patients described symptoms that had not been reported elsewhere in conjunction with EMS. To further characterize this disorder, a survey of EMS patients was undertaken by the New York State Department of Health. Ninety-one (65 percent) of the surviving patients completed the questionnaire. Seventy-five percent reported physical symptoms, and most reported cognitive difficulties involving the abilities to concentrate, remember words or names, and think logically. Sixty-four percent of the patients described persistent symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, muscle pain or cramping, anxiety, depression, and tight skin. For most patients, these symptoms were diminishing by the time they were completing the survey, and 10 percent said that they no longer had any symptoms. The high prevalence of cognitive and psychiatric symptoms listed in the New York EMS survey has not been reported elsewhere, and should be evaluated objectively by neuropsychologic testing. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1991
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Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome - Canada
Article Abstract:
Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) is a medical condition that has been recognized only recently; the symptoms include muscle aches and an elevated number of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell. In the United States, 1,500 cases had been reported to the Centers for Disease Control as of May 11, 1990. EMS has been linked with consumption of dietary supplements containing L-tryptophan (LT), an amino acid, but it is unclear how these products may be involved in the illness. Of the cases of EMS reported in the US, 23 persons who were taking LT before developing the condition have died. There were 10 confirmed cases of EMS in Canada as of May 14, 1990, and unconfirmed cases are being investigated. All of the Canadian victims were taking pills containing LT. Eight had purchased the single-ingredient supplements in the US, one bought LT produced in the US and distributed illegally in Canada, and the other patient obtained the L-tryptophan compounded from an unidentified bulk material at a pharmacy in Canada. In Canada, single-ingredient LT products have been available by prescription only since 1985; the only prescription drug of this type, Tryptan, has not been directly associated with any EMS cases. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1990
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Update: eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome associated with ingestion of L-tryptophan - United States, as of January 9, 1990
Article Abstract:
A condition known as eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) has been diagnosed and reported to the Centers for Disease Control in 1,046 individuals; seven patients with EMS who used L-tryptophan as a dietary supplement have died. Of the total number of patients, 98 percent had taken L-tryptophan before the onset of symptoms; the doses used ranged from 26 to 15,000 milligrams per day. The number of cases reported was under ten per month throughout 1988 and early 1989 but increased suddenly during the later months of 1989. Eighty-four percent of EMS patients were women, and 32 percent of patients were hospitalized for the condition. Ninety-six percent were non-Hispanic whites whose ages ranged from 11 to 84 years. Tryptophan is an amino acid found in protein foods and functions in the body as a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin. Supplements of tryptophan have been given as an experimental treatment for insomnia and may have been taken by individuals in an attempt to treat other health problems. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1990
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