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.