L-5-Hydroxy-Tryptophan-Related Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome (EMS): Clinical Patient Evaluation
Data Collection
Behavior+16
+ Mental Disorders
+ Behavioral Symptoms
Summary
Study start date: July 1, 1999
Actual date on which the first participant was enrolled.The L-tryptophan-related eosinophilia myalgia syndrome (EMS), characterized by eosinophilia, myalgias, myositis, scleroderma-like skin fibrosis and fasciitis, occurred in 1989 in over 1500 patients who had ingested L-tryptophan for sleep disturbances and depression. The identical clinical syndrome has also occurred in subjects ingesting L-5-hydroxytryptophan (L-5-HTP). Recently, a letter to Nature Medicine reported the presence of an impurity in 6 out of 6 samples of L-5-HTP obtained randomly at health food stores. This impurity appears to be the same as the one identified in material ingested by a family (mother and 2 babies) who had developed an EMS-like syndrome after ingesting L-5-HTP. Although there have been no definite new cases of L-5-HTP-related EMS, the FDA is currently investigating unconfirmed reports of possible new cases.
Protocol
This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.20 patients to be enrolled
Total number of participants that the clinical trial aims to recruit.Eligibility
Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria: person's general health condition or prior treatments.Any sex
Biological sex of participants that are eligible to enroll.Healthy volunteers not allowed
If individuals who are healthy and do not have the condition being studied can participate.Conditions
Pathology
Criteria
Patients must be at least 18 years of age. Patients newly diagnosed with eosinophilia and myalgia, and who ingested L-5-HTP. Subjects will be defined as having 5-L-HTP related EMS according to the diagnostic criteria originally established by the CDC for diagnosis of L-tyrptophan-related EMS.
Study Centers
These are the hospitals, clinics, or research facilities where the trial is being conducted. You can find the location closest to you and its status.This study has 1 location
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Bethesda, United StatesOpen National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in Google Maps