Abstract:
A method for treating a patient comprising: (a) injecting into the bloodstream of a patient is breathing a gas mixture having greater than 25% oxygen an aqueous solution comprising: 0.1 to 0.8 M Mg++ and having an osmolarlity less than about 1500 mOSm/l; and (b) increasing the rate of injection at least until the patient feels a sensation of warmth is described.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/668,219, filed on Apr. 5, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Intravenous vitamin and mineral formulations have be used for the treatment of certain clinical conditions. The so-called “Myers&#39; Cocktail”, which contain magnesium, calcium, B vitamins and vitamin C is an example of such a formulation (Gaby 2002 Alternative Medicine Review 7:389). 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention features a method for treating disorders such as stroke, cerebral palsy and brain/head trauma and other injuries. In addition, the method is useful for treating patients after surgery to speed healing and recovery by administering a solution containing certain ions and nutrients to a patient, preferably while the patient is breathing pure or nearly pure oxygen or a mixture of gases having greater than 21% oxygen. The methods of the invention can also be used to promote healing of damaged tissue, for example, damaged muscle tissue. The method is useful for tissue damage caused by any of a wide variety of factors, including, bruising, ischemia-reperfusion injury, infection, and inflammation. 
     Described herein is a method for treating a patient comprising: (a) injecting into the bloodstream of a patient is breathing a gas mixture having greater than 25% oxygen an aqueous solution comprising: 0.1 to 0.8 M Mg++ and having an osmolarlity less than about 1500 mOSm/l; and (b) increasing the rate of injection at least until the patient feels a sensation of warmth. In some embodiments, the method entails treating a region of the body of a patient and increasing the rate of injection at least until the patient feels a sensation of warmth in the region of the body to be treated. In some embodiments the patient provides feedback regarding the sensation of warmth so that a sensation of warmth in the target area can be achieved and/or maintained for a desired period of time. In some embodiments are temperature measuring device (e.g., a infrared temperature measuring device) is used to monitor increase in warmth of a target area of the patient&#39;s body. In some embodiments the rate of administration of the solution is varied based on feedback from the patient and/or measurements made by the temperature measurement device. 
     In various embodiments: the patient is administered a breathing mixture comprising at least 40% oxygen; the patient is administered a breathing mixture comprising at least 60% oxygen; the patient is administered a breathing mixture comprising at least 90% oxygen; the breathing mixture includes at least 0.5% CO 2 ; the breathing mixture includes 0.5% to 6% CO 2 ; breathing mixture is administered to the patient at greater than normal atmospheric pressure; the rate of injection is increased until the patient feels a sensation of warmth in a part of the body in need of treatment; the rate of injection is not substantially increased after the patient feels a sensation of warmth; the rate of injection varied to maintain the sensation of warmth for a desired period of time; the total amount of solution administered in one treatment session is between 0.5 ml/kg and 2 ml/kg of patient body weight; the average rate of injection is greater than 0.1 ml/sec; the osmolarity of the solution is less than 1200 mOsm/L; osmolarity of the solution is less than 1100 mOsm/L; the osmolarity of the solution is less than 1000 mOsm/L; the osmolarity of the solution is less than 900 mOsm/L; the osmolarity of the solution is between 200 and 1100 mOsm/L; the solution contains up to 6 mg/ml ascorbic acid; the solution contains 0.1 to 0.7 M (0.1 to 0.6 M, 01 to 0.5 M; 0.15 M to 0.6 M; 0.15 to 0.35 M) magnesium chloride; the solution contains 0.1 to 0.7 M (0.1 to 0.6 M, 01 to 0.5 M; 0.15 M to 0.6 M; 0.15 to 0.35 M)magnesium sulfate; the solution contains 0.1 to 0.7 M (0.1 to 0.6 M, 01 to 0.5 M; 0.15 M to 0.6 M; 0.15 to 0.35 M) Mg 2+  ions; the patient has suffered a stroke, brain injury, cerebral palsy, viral or chemical injury to the brain; the solution contains one or more of vitamin B12, vitamin B6 and vitamin B5; the solution contains vitamin B12,vitamin B6 and vitamin B5; the solution contains less than 1% by weight calcium gluconate; the solution does not contain calcium gluconate; the solution contain less than 0.001 M Ca 2+ ; the breathing mixture is administered through a masking covering the patient&#39;s nose and mouth, which masked is sealed to substantially prevent leakage of the breathing mixture; the patient is reclining during treatment; the patient has consumed at least 200 calories within 3 hours prior to treatment; and the patient consumed or has been administered at least 2 ml/kg body weight of water within 3 hours prior to treatment. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The methods of the invention, which entail administration of a healing solution containing magnesium ions and additional optional components, can promote more rapid healing of brain injury or other physical trauma than can be achieved without treatment or with only physical therapy. The healing solution administered in the method of the invention has a relatively high level of magnesium ions, at least compared to many commonly used intravenous solutions, and is formulated so as permit the healing solution to be safely and comfortably administered to the patient intravenously at a relatively rapid rate. Thus, the osmolarity and the pH of the solution are set relatively close to physiological levels found in blood. 
     The healing solution can contain a variety of components in addition to magnesium ions. For example it can contain vitamin C. In some cases, bicarbonate or some other base or a buffer is require to reduce the acidity of solutions containing vitamin C. The healing solution can contain calcium gluconate, but in many cases it is desirable to reduce or eliminate calcium gluconate, particularly where it is desirable to increase the vasodilatory effect of the solution. The healing solution can contain various vitamins, particularly B vitamins, and micronutrients. The healing solution can also include a buffer even where vitamin C is not present. 
     The healing solution should be injected directly into a vein and should be administered while the patient is breathing a gas mixture that is enriched in oxygen compared to normal air, for example a gas mixture that is greater than 25% (30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%) oxygen. In many cases it is desirable to have the patient breath 99-100% oxygen, preferably through a close fitting mask covering the mouth and nose (and preferably sealed to prevent leakage using tape or some other sealant) or through an endotracheal tube. The gas mixture or oxygen is preferably administered at greater than atmospheric pressure, e.g., at a high flow rate or via a pressure bag. Alternatively, the healing solution can be administered to the patient while the patient is in a hyperbaric chamber and breathing a mixture of gasses having at least 25% (30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%) oxygen. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following solutions are useful for preparing the healing solution. All percentages are weight percentages. 
                                                             Sterile Water               Calcium Gluconate 10%   (100   mg/ml)       Ascorbic Acid 50%   (500   mg/ml)       Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate 20%   (200   mg/ml)       (or Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate 50%)   (500   mg/ml)       Sodium Bicarbonate 8.4%   (1   mEq/ml)       Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6) 10%   (100   mg/ml)       Hydroxocobalamin (Vitamin B12) 1000 mcg/ml   (or 1   mg/ml)       Dexpanthenol (Vitamin B5) 25%   (250   mg/ml)            Vitamin B-Complex 100 for injection each 1 ml contains:            Thiamin HCl   100   mg       Riboflavin 5′ Phosphate Sodium   2   mg       Pyridoxine HCl   2   mg       Dexapanthenol   2   mg       Niacinamide   100   mg                    
To obtain a 60 ml dose of healing solution, the following solution is prepared:
 
     
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Calcium Gluconate (10%) 
                 1 ml 
               
               
                 Ascorbic Acid (50%) 
                 3 ml 
               
               
                 Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate (20%) 
                 8 ml 
               
               
                 Sodium Bicarbonate (8.4%) 
                 2 ml 
               
               
                 Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (10%) 
                 2 ml 
               
               
                 Hydroxocobalamin (1 mg/ml) 
                 2 ml 
               
               
                 Dexpanthenol (25%) 
                 2 ml 
               
               
                 Vitamin B-Complex 100 Injection 
                 2 ml 
               
               
                 Sterile water 
                 enough to make a total 
               
               
                   
                 volume of 60 ml 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     The osmolarity of this solution should be about 909 mOsm/L. This osmolarity is higher than the physiological osmolarity of blood, which is about 300mOsm/L, but is lower than commonly used intravenous solutions. It can be desirable to prepare the solution within a few minutes or hours before administration. 
     The total daily dosage of the healing solution can depend on the age and physical condition of the patient. However, in many cases a dosage of 0.5-2.0 ml/kg of body weight (preferably 0.7 to 1.2 ml/kg body weight, or 0.9 to 1.1 ml/kg body weight is desirable. In some cases it can be desirable to administer the healing solution twice in 24 hour period. In some cases, it is desirable to administer the healing solution several times over a few days. 
     Before the administration of the healing solution, the administrator must determine the extent of the patient&#39;s hydration and nourishment condition. It is desirable for the patient to be adequately hydrated and nourished at the time of the treatment. If the patient has not eaten and is not adequately hydrated within a few hours, e.g., three hours of the treatment the patient might become hypoglycemic, hypotensive, faint or nauseous. If the patient is not thirsty or hungry immediately before being treated he/she should be given between 3-6 ml of water per kg of body weight or a 2.5-9 ml per kg bodyweight intravenously administered saline solution and other nourishment. If the patient is thirsty the hydration amount noted above should be doubled. It is to be noted that the lack of adequate hydration can cause a drop in blood pressure and pain at the site of injection. These factors can limit the operator&#39;s ability to administer the solution more rapidly if needed. Adequate hydration generally entails consumption of about 1 ounce of water (or equivalent) per kg of bodyweight in 24 hrs. Adequate nutrition can be defined as at least 100 calories of food consisting of at least 2 of the three groups (carbohydrate, preferably complex carbohydrate, protein, fat). 
     It is preferable that the patient be reclining during the course of the treatment so as to equalize the natural distribution of the blood supply. Generally, it is preferable the patient be lying flat although the patient can also be sitting or sitting with their legs extended in front. 
     To administer oxygen, a very close fitting, preferably sealed mask can be used to deliver oxygen, preferably 100% oxygen, or an oxygen-enriched breathing mixture. The oxygen or oxygen-enriched breathing mixture can be administered at greater than atmospheric pressure. 
     A typical treatment proceeds as follows. Healing solution is injected into a major vein is recommended (a smaller vain can be used but is sometimes less comfortable). Before or upon the start of the administration of the healing solution the oxygen is provided to the patient and is administered to the patient during the entire time that the healing solution is being administered. The patient should feel a sensation of warmth somewhere in the body which may or may not be related to the area of injury. The sensation of warmth may arise from the dilation of blood vessels. In order for the healing solution to have a substantial therapeutic effect, the heat is preferably felt in the area of injury that is being addressed or treated at that session. It is possible that different areas experience heat in sequence because these are all areas that have some form of injury. Indeed, it is often observed that heat is felt in an area of an old injury that has been forgotten by the patient until the area feels warm and then the patient will often remember that he or she had an injury there. Sometimes warmth is felt in immune organs such as thymus area, glands in the neck etc, especially if there is a history of infection that involved these areas. 
     The healing solution is administered at least until the patient experiences warmth in the area to be treated. If warmth is not felt in the target area, the rate of injection is increased. However, the rate of administration should not be such that there is an adverse change of vital signs, dizziness, light headedness, shortness of breath, chest discomfort or other unexpected uncomfortable sensations. If adverse effects occur, the rate of administration is slowed to that which generates a sensation of warmth in the target area with unreasonable adverse effects. Once warmth is felt in the target area, the rate of administration of the healing solution can be halted or can be maintained at a rate that sustains the sensation of warmth in the target area for a period of time, for example, until the entire dose of healing solution has been administered. The healing solution is administered in an amount and at a rate that allows the sensation of warmth in the targeted are to be maintained for several seconds to several minutes. After the healing solution has been administered, the patient preferably continues to breathe pure oxygen or an oxygen enriched gas mixture for at least one more minute (e.g., at least 5 minutes, at least 10 minutes, at least 20 minutes, or at least 30 minutes). Importantly, feedback from the patient is used to adjust the rate of administration of the solution in order to achieve and maintain the sensation of warmth in the target area to be treated. In some cases it might be possible to use a temperature measuring device to detect and monitor increased warmth in a target region of the patient&#39;s body. 
     EXAMPLE 1 
     A suitable solution can be made by combining the following components and then adjusting the total volume of solution to 60 ml with sterile water. The osmolarity of this solution is about 813 mOsm/L. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 Calcium Gluconate 10%: 
                 1 ml 
               
               
                   
                 Ascorbic Acid 50% 
                 3 ml 
               
               
                   
                 Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate 50% 
                 4 ml 
               
               
                   
                 Sodium Bicarbonate 8.4% 
                 3 ml 
               
               
                   
                 Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6) 10% 
                 2 ml 
               
               
                   
                 Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12) 1,000 mcg/ml 
                 2 ml 
               
               
                   
                 Dexpanthenol (Vitamin B5) 25% 
                 2 ml 
               
               
                   
                 Vitamin B-Complex 100 Injection 
                 2 ml 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     EXAMPLE 2 
     A suitable solution can be made by combining the following components and then adjusting the total volume of solution to 60 ml with sterile water. The osmolarity of this solution is about 820 mOsm. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 Calcium Gluconate 10% 
                 1 ml 
               
               
                   
                 Ascorbic Acid 50% 
                 3 ml 
               
               
                   
                 Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate 50% 
                 4 ml 
               
               
                   
                 Sodium Bicarbonate 8.4% 
                 3 ml 
               
               
                   
                 Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6) 10% 
                 2 ml 
               
               
                   
                 Hydroxocobalamin (Vitamin B12) 1,000 mcg/ml 
                 2 ml 
               
               
                   
                 Dexpanthenol (Vitamin B5) 25% 
                 2 ml 
               
               
                   
                 Vitamin B-Complex 100 Injection 
                 2 ml 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     EXAMPLE 3 
     A suitable solution can be made by combining the following components and then adjusting the total volume of solution to 60 ml with sterile water. The osmolarity of this solution is about 1041 mOsm. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 Calcium Gluconate 10% 
                 1 ml 
               
               
                   
                 Ascorbic Acid 50% 
                 3 ml 
               
               
                   
                 Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate 20% 
                 10 ml  
               
               
                   
                 Sodium Bicarbonate 8.4% 
                 3 ml 
               
               
                   
                 Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6) 10% 
                 2 ml 
               
               
                   
                 Hydroxocobalamin (Vitamin B12) 1,000 mcg/ml 
                 2 ml 
               
               
                   
                 Dexpanthenol (Vitamin B5) 25% 
                 2 ml 
               
               
                   
                 Vitamin B-Complex 100 Injection 
                 2 ml 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     EXAMPLE 4 
     A suitable solution can be made by combining the following components and then adjusting the total volume of solution to 60 ml with sterile water. The osmolarity of this solution is about 942 mOsm. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 Calcium Gluconate 10% 
                 1 ml 
               
               
                   
                 Ascorbic Acid 50% 
                 3 ml 
               
               
                   
                 Magnesium Chloride Hexahydrate 20% 
                 8 ml 
               
               
                   
                 Sodium Bicarbonate 8.4% 
                 3 ml 
               
               
                   
                 Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6) 10% 
                 2 ml 
               
               
                   
                 Hydroxocobalamin (Vitamin B12) 1000 mcg/ml 
                 2 ml 
               
               
                   
                 Dexpanthenol (Vitamin B5) 25% 
                 2 ml 
               
               
                   
                 Vitamin B-Complex 100 Injection 
                 2 ml