Multiple sclerosis (MS) could be caused by a bacterium, says a controversial new study - and if this is true, patients would benefit from simple antibiotics. According to researchers at the Vanderbilt School of Medicine in Tennessee, MS, which affects 2.5 million people worldwide, could be triggered by C. pneumoniae, a bacterium associated with heart disease and possibly Alzheimer's. In the study, evidence of C. pneumoniae was found in 97 per cent of MS patients and only 18 per cent of the control group. One patient with rapidly progressing MS, made a "remarkable recovery" when given antibiotics. The scientists hope to begin clinical trials using antibiotics to treat MS. However, one MS expert at the University of Colorado is sceptical about the role of the bacterium, pointing out that it has not been seen near brain lesions in MS patients. (New Scientist)
Up to 40 per cent of all drugs used on children have not gone through clinical trials, or been licensed for use on children. A national paediatric formulary, Medicines for Children, which specifically recommends drug dosages and treatment regimens for children is now available from the UK. This comprehensive, research-based guide was compiled by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and the Neonatal and Paediatric Pharmacists Group and is welcomed by chief executive of Crumlin Children's Hospital, Paul Kavanagh, who says it will be discussed by the hospital's drug committee.
`Happy crisps" are the latest food fad which may be imported from the US. Containing a herbal remedy for depression, St John's Wort, the crisps are a big hit in the US. Also available are corn chips with ginkgo (to improve memory), ginseng-flavoured tortilla chips to aid relaxation and "Smart Puffs" which are said to boost mental powers. Robert's American Gourmet crisps are "life-enhancing" said the company president, Robert Erhlich. (BBC)
Women who suffer from menstrual migraines may find relief from oestrogen pellets implanted in their bodies, according to a US scientist who is developing the product. In a study, 84 per cent of patients were cured of menstrual migraines, which are caused by fluctuating oestrogen levels. These pellets (first used in the 1940s) are implanted in the lower abdomen and slowly break down in the body. They should be available by 2002. (Ivanhoe)
A recent Mayo Clinic study found that the dietary supplement L-arginine improves chest pain symptoms and improves coronary blood flow in patients with early heart disease. Researchers hypothesise that the amino acid L-arginine relaxes the vessel wall and may inhibit the build-up of platelets and plaques, but they also caution against the use of any supplement without consulting a doctor.