Cola beverage consumption induces bone mineralization reduction in ovariectomized rats.

BACKGROUND: A significant association of cola beverage consumption and increased risk of bone fractures has been recently reported. The present study was carried out to examine the relationship of cola soft drink intake and bone mineral density in ovariectomized rats. METHODS: Study 1. Four groups of 10 female Sprague-Dawley rats were studied. Animals from groups II, III, and IV were bilaterally ovariectomized. Animals from groups I and II received tap water for drinking, while animals from groups III and IV each drank a different commercial brand of cola soft drink. After 2 months on these diets, the following were measured: solid diet and liquid consumption; bone mineral density; calcium in bone ashes; femoral cortex width; calcium; phosphate; albumin; creatinine; alkaline phosphatase; 25-OH hydroxyvitamin D, and PTH. RESULTS: Study 2. Two groups of seven ovariectomized rats were compared. Group A animals received the same management as the group III animals from study 1 (cola soft drink and rat chow ad libitum), while rats from group B received tap water for drinking and pair-feeding. After 2 months plasmatic ionized calcium, phosphate, creatinine, albumin, calcium in femoral ashes, and femoral cortex width were measured. Study 1. Rats consuming cola beverages (groups III and IV) had a threefold higher liquid intake than rats consuming water (groups I and II). Daily solid food intake of rats consuming cola soft drinks was one-half that of rats consuming water. Rats consuming soft drinks developed hypocalcemia and their femoral mineral density measured by DEXA was significantly lower than control animals as follows: group I, 0.20 +/- 0.02; group II, 0.18 +/- 0.01; group III, 0.16 +/- 0.01, and group IV, 0.16 +/- 0.01 g/cm(2). Study 2. To rule out the possibility that these calcium and bone mineral disorders were caused by decreased solid food intake, a pair-fed group was studied. Despite a lower body weight, pair-fed animals consuming tap water did not develop bone mineral reduction or hypocalcemia. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that heavy intake of cola soft drinks has the potential of reducing femoral mineral density.

[Cost-effectiveness analysis of ceftriaxone and cefotaxime in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia]. / Estudio de costo-efectividad de ceftriaxona y cefotaxima en el tratamiento de neumonía adquirida en la comunidad.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the cost-effectiveness ratio of ceftriaxone and cefotaxime to treat moderate to severe community acquired pneumonia (CAP). METHODS: A clinical trial was done in five hospitals of the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, at the metropolitan area of Mexico City. Ceftriaxone and cefotaxime were compared to treat moderate to severe CAP, and the costs of purchasing, preparation, administration, hospitalization, and therapeutic success were quantified. Cost-effectiveness ratio was calculated, and sensitivity analysis and incremental analysis were done. RESULTS: The main isolated germs were Streptococcus pneumoniae (23.6%) and Staphylococcus aureus (18.5%). Most of the microorganisms were sensitive to ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, and cefotaxime, and were resistant to penicillin, ampicillin, and erythromycin. Therapeutic success was 98% in the ceftriaxone group and 83% in the cefotaxime group (p = 0.0091). Cost-effectiveness ratio for per cent unit of success was $19,458.62 Mexican pesos in the ceftriaxone group and $29,218.08 in the cefotaxime group. Sensitivity analysis showed consistently a lower cost-effectiveness ratio in the ceftriaxone group. Incremental analysis based on the treatment of 55 patients showed that using ceftriaxone instead of cefotaxime resulted in saving $35,170.79 per each additional cured patient. CONCLUSIONS: Ceftriaxone has a lower cost-effectiveness ratio than cefotaxime to treat patients with CAP and bad prognosis criteria requiring hospitalization.

[Soft-drinks and health]. / Los refrescos y la salud.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze published papers about soft drinks use, and to describe possible health benefits, risks, and damages related to soft drink consumption. INFORMATION SOURCE: A search was done in the MEDLINE compact disks, from January 1970 to January 1997, with the keywords soft drink, beverages, carbonated beverages, cola, Coca-Cola and sweetening-agents. STUDY SELECTION: Ninety nine papers reporting health-related damages or benefits in clinical or experimental studies were reviewed. DATA EXTRACTION: All articles with a clear description of at least one beneficial or harmful effect related to soft drink consumption were considered. RESULTS: There were reports on 25 harmful effects and of 7 possibly beneficial effects. Data are classified in prophylactic and therapeutic uses, dental caries and other dental disorders, mineral metabolism disorders, acid-peptic disease, neoplasm, risk factors for cardiovascular disease, effects on central nervous system, reproduction, allergy, and miscellaneous. CONCLUSIONS: High prevalence of exposure and excessive consumption of soft drinks may represent a public health problem in Mexico. Data analysis shows that soft drink consumption may not be as harmless as generally believed. Many of the reports are anecdotal, without a suitable methodological design. A wide field for research is present in this area.