Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome is a rare, incurable, and occasionally fatal condition caused by contaminated L-tryptophan supplements. Symptoms include muscle spasms, fever, fatigue, and skin disorders. The initial period lasts weeks to months, followed by chronic complications such as neurocognitive dysfunctions, heart or liver disease, and chronic pain or fatigue. The syndrome became a national epidemic in the US in 1989, with 1,500 cases reported and 30 deaths. The FDA recalled L-tryptophan supplements, but some still doubt their role in the outbreak.
Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome is a rare condition first recognized around 1989. This incurable and occasionally fatal condition is thought to have been caused by ingestion of a contaminated medical supplement called L-tryptophan. It is characterized by flu-like symptoms which can include muscle spasms and pain, fever and fatigue, as well as tremors, edema, hair loss and a high eosinophilia count.
During the early stages of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome, many patients experience a variety of symptoms. The most common symptoms consist of muscle disorders such as persistent aches or pains, cramps and repetitive contractions or tremors. Patients may also notice flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever or fatigue as well as skin disorders such as rash or itching. This initial period can last from weeks to months and is followed by a chronic phase.
After the end of the initial period of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome, more permanent complications begin. Some of the most common complications consist of neurocognitive dysfunctions, such as short-term memory loss, communication difficulties and concentration difficulties. Other complications may include heart or liver disease, chronic pain or fatigue, depression, or trouble sleeping.
Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome is said to have been caused by a supplement called L-tryptophan, an essential acid found in plant and animal sources. This amino acid has long been used in a number of supplements to help treat depression, insomnia and PMS. In the late 1980s, a certain Japanese company that had started making these supplements was said to have released batches that were either poorly manufactured or contained genetically engineered bacteria that caused eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome in those who consumed them. Although many people who developed this condition were known to have taken L-tryptophan, specific bacteria have never been identified.
After first being recognized around 1989, eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome is said to have become a national epidemic in the United States. About 1,500 cases have been reported in the United States alone, 30 of which have resulted in death. Cases have also been reported in the UK, Germany and Canada. After the initial outbreak, the Food and Drug Administration began recalling any single-entity supplements that contained L-tryptophan. While there has been a decrease in the number of reported cases since that recall, many still believe there is not enough evidence to show that specific L-tryptophan supplements were the cause of the 1989 outbreak.
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