Associated Inosine to interferon: results of a clinical trial in multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Uric acid (UA) could act as a natural peroxynitrite scavenger with antioxidant properties. It has been proposed that hyperuricemia might protect against multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: Patients with relapsing-remitting MS starting treatment with interferon beta-1a 44 µg sc 3/week were randomly assigned to receive either inosine 3 g/day or placebo in a double-blind manner. Follow-up was 12 months. Outcome measures were adverse events and UA laboratory results. Secondary end point was clinical and radiological activity of MS. Relapse rates, percentage of patients without relapses, and progression to secondary MS (SPMS) were assessed. RESULTS: Thirty six patients were included. Two patients in the inosine group showed UA serum level above 10 mg/ml, and symptoms derived from renal colic not leading to hospital admission. Ten additional patients had asymptomatic hyperuricemia (>7 mg). Efficacy parameters (clinical and radiological) were similar between groups. No patient progressed to SPMS CONCLUSIONS: Inosine administration was associated with hyperuricemia and renal colic with no additional effect on MS. We cannot conclude inosine is a safe and well-tolerated drug. Doses of around 2 g/day may be more appropriate for future trials.

[The TPN of newborn infants: the rationalization of the calculations and of the prescription]. / NPT de neonatos: racionalización de los cálculos y de la presecripción.

We try to simplify the calculus of TPN necessities in newborns adjusting the most common bibliography tabulated values to mathematical equations. Values are transformed into factors: Fn (g of N/Kg of weight), Fk (no protein Kcal/g of N), Fg (glucose Kcal/total Kcal) and Fv (volume/total Kcal) that can be correlated with the analytical state of patient, weight and nutrition day. Once the functions were established we automated calculations using a spreadsheet program that simplifies and make easier the TPN elaboration.