[Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Effects of vitamin E administration on urinary luminescence]. / Distrofia muscular de Duchenne. Efecto de la administración de vitamina E sobre la luminiscencia urinaria.

BACKGROUND: Urinary luminescence is increased in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, probably due to the higher oxidative stress present in this disease. AIM: To assess the effects of vitamin E supplementation on urinary luminescence in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighteen children with muscular dystrophy aged 12.2 years old and nine control children aged 10 years old, received 400 IU/day of vitamin E during one month. Prior to supplementation and twice a week thereafter, spot urine samples were obtained to measure urinary luminescence in a scintillation counter. RESULTS: There was a wide variability in urinary luminescence within and between children. Mean values decreased after vitamin E supplementation in six of nine controls and in 12 of 18 children with muscular dystrophy. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin E supplementation significantly decreases urinary luminescence in healthy children and in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Therefore, it could be useful for the treatment of this disease.