Attenuating effect of Lactobacillus brevis G101 on the MSG symptom complex in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Lactobacillus brevis G101 suppresses the absorption of monosodium glutamate (MSG) from the intestine into the blood in mice. Therefore, the attenuating effect of orally administered G101 on monosodium glutamate (MSG) symptom complex was investigated in humans. MATERIALS/METHODS: Capsules (300 mg) containing Lactobacillus brevis G101 (1x1010 CFU/individual) or maltodextrin (placebo) was orally administered in 30 respondents with self-recognized monosodium glutamate (MSG) symptom complex for 5 days and the rice with black soybean sauce containing 6 g MSG (RBSM) was ingested 30 min after the final administration. Thereafter, the MSG symptom complex (rated on a 5-point scale: 1, none; 5, strong) was investigated in a double blind placebo controlled study. The intensity of the MSG symptom complex was significantly reduced in respondents of the G101 intake group (2.87 +/- 0.73) compared to that in those treated with the placebo (3.63 +/- 1.03) (P = 0.0016). Respondents in the placebo group exhibited more of the various major conditions of the MSG symptom complex than in the G101 intake group. Although there was no significant difference in the appearance time of the MSG symptom complex between subjects orally administered G101 and those administered the placebo, its disappearance in < 3 h was observed in 69.9% of subjects in the G101 treatment group and in 38.0% of subjects in the placebo group (P = 0.0841). CONCLUSIONS: Oral administration of Lactobacillus brevis G101 may be able to reduce the intensity of the MSG symptom complex.

Causes of Syncope in Children

PURPOSE: Syncope is not rare and is caused by various conditions ranging from common physiologic derangements to life-threatening conditions. However, there are limited reports regarding syncope in children. We retrospectively analyzed our experiences of the syncope in children. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients with syncopal episodes between October 1985 and June 1996. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients (male; 36, female; 32, mean onset age 10.9 +/- 3.7, range 3-18 years) were evaluated. Causes were identified in 67.6% (46/68): neurocardiogenic syncope in 25 (36.8%), cardiac syncope in 21 (30.8%). Among the children with cardiac syncope, rhythm disturbances were major and occurred in 19[complete heart block 1, sinus node dysfunction 3, atrial flutter 2, atrial fibrillation 1, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia 2, ventricular tachycardia (VT) 10]. Syncope occurred in two patients with structural defects, one with diffuse coronary arteriopathy and the other with double outlet right ventricle with pulmonary hypertension, although the causes remained uncertain. Among those with VT, associated abnormalities were: TU complex abnormalities in 5, cardiac tumor in 2, cardiomyopathy in 1, unidentified in 2. Various precipitating factors were described in 39 (57.4%); eleven (52.4%) of 21 with cardiac syncope, syncope was exercise related. Among the selected 12 with complicated neurocardiogenic syncope (exercise related, associated with ventricular arrhythmia, or with postoperative congenital heart disease), head-up tilt test with or without isoproterenol infusion reproduced syncope in 10 patients (83.3%). Sudden cardiac death was found in two children; 1 with exercise related polymorphic VT, 1 with VT and cardiac tumor. CONCLUSION: Various causes can be identified after scrupulous evaluation. Cardiac causes should be considered especially in case of exercise related syncope. Head-up tilt test is an effective diagnostic method in neurocardiogenic syncope.

Intermediate Term Follow-up Results of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Children

PURPOSE: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCMP) is a primary cardiac muscular disease with high risk of sudden cardiac death. This study is performed to understand the clinical features of children with HCMP. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the medical records of the patients diagnosed at Seoul National University Children's Hospital between October 1985 and June 1996 was done. Excluded the patients who had been lost to followed up within 12 months after diagnosis. RESULTS: During follow-up (mean 56 months, range 1 month to 13 years), 3 of the 24 patients (male 15 and female 9, mean age at diagnosis 5.9 years, range 2 months-15 years) died suddenly and 1 died of persistent heart failure after cardiac resuscitation. Cumulative death rate for 56 months was 22.3%. Eighteen were treated with -blocker including 1 with additional amiodarone. Normal quality of life except competetive exercise were maintained in the 95% of the survivors. In this study, moderate to severe dyspnea on exertion (New York Heart Association III/IV) was the only significant risk factors of death (p<0.05). On the surface electrocardiogram, QTc interval was significantly longer in the study group comparing with the age and sex matched control group. Right ventricular outflow obstruction was associated in the 3 (12%) and was common in infants (33%). CONCLUSIONS: Overall mortality is high in children with HCMP. In our study. cumulative death rate for 56 months is 22.3%. Overt dyspnea on exertion was the only identifiable factor of mortality.