Glutamine and its use in selected oncology settings

This review summarises the latest evidence for the use of glutamine (GLN) in  oncology taking cognisance of current systematic reviews and available guidelines. Various studies in adults suggest that GLN supplementation suppresses tumour  growth, by restoring the function of natural killer cells; improves protein metabolism; and, possibly enhances the effect of cancer therapy. There is insufficient data on whether GLN supplementation reduces the incidence of infection, although a trend exists towards such a reduction. GLN-supplemented enteral nutrition was superior in improving immune function, whilst oral GLN alone appeared to have no effect on: mortality; infections; time to neutrophil recovery; or, relapse. GLN significantly reduces the duration of diarrhoea, but had no effect on its prevention. Oral GLN may reduce the duration and severity of mucositis, with fewer days on opioid therapy. Oral GLN, but not intravenous GLN (IV-GLN), may decrease mucositis and graft-versus-host disease in adult bone marrow transplant patients. Currently, the  evidence for reduction of severe mucositis or infection rate in children is not statistically significant, but GLN does significantly reduce parenteral nutrition use, reflecting a possible improvement in lower gut mucositis. Nevertheless, too few studies exist to either support or refute that GLN supplementation either reduces the duration of, or prevents the progression to, severe mucositis. In children, there is no significant evidence that IV-GLN supplementation reduces infection rates, hospital length of stay (LOS), graft-versus-host disease, or mortality. Children with solid tumours on chemotherapy receiving oral GLN supplementation showed  significant improvements in some nutritional and immunological parameters, as well as the severity of stomatitis and need for antibiotic therapy. Caution is  recommended when considering provision of IV-GLN to oncology patients who have hepatic or renal insufficiency or failure. Monitoring of hepatic and renal function is recommended. Further studies are needed specifically on the use of glutamine in an oncology setting. Larger, multicentre, randomised placebo-controlled studies are needed in both adult and paediatric oncology populations.Keywords: cancer, glutamine, mucositis, oncolog

Race, socioeconomic status, and air pollution exposure in North Carolina

Background - Although studies suggest that exposure to pollutants is associated with race/ethnicity and socio-economic status (SES), many studies are limited to the geographic regions where monitoring stations are located. Objectives - This study uses modeled predictive surfaces to examine the relationship between air pollution exposure, race/ethnicity, and measures of SES across the entire State of North Carolina. Methods - The daily predictions of particulate matter <2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) were determined using a spatial model that fused data from two sources: point air monitoring data and gridded numerical output. These daily predicted pollution levels for 2002 were linked with Census data. We examine the relationship between the census-tract level predicted concentration measures, SES, and racial composition. Results - SES and race/ethnicity were related to predicted concentrations of both PM2.5 and O3 for census tracts in North Carolina. Lower SES and higher proportion minority population were associated with higher levels of PM2.5. An interquartile range (IQR) increase of median household income reduced the predicted average PM2.5 level by 0.10 µg/m3. The opposite relationship was true for O3. An IQR increase of median household income increased the predicted average O3 measure by 0.11 ppb. Conclusions - The analyses demonstrate that SES and race/ethnicity are related to predicted estimates of PM2.5 and O3 for census tracts in North Carolina. These findings offer a baseline for future exposure modeling work involving SES and air pollution for the entire state and not just among the populations residing near monitoring networks

Early use of inhaled nedocromil sodium in children following an acute episode of asthma

Background-Current guidelines on the treatment of childhood asthma recommend the introduction of an antiinflammatory drug in children who have persistent symptoms and require regular treatment with a bronchodilator. The efficacy and safety of inhaled nedocromil sodium (Tilade Mint aerosol) administered using a Fisonair spacer at a dose of 4 mg three times daily was compared with placebo in the treatment of asthmatic children aged 6-12 years who are symptomatic and recovering from an acute exacerbation of asthma