Browsing by Author "Milne, Anne Catherine"

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A cost-utility analysis of multivitamin and multimineral supplements in men and women aged 65 years and over
(Elsevier, 2007) Kilonzo, Mary Mueni; Vale, Luke David; Cook, Jonathan Alistair; Milne, Anne Catherine; Stephen, Audrey Isabella; Avenell, Alison; MAVIS Trial Group; University of Aberdeen, School of Medicine & Dentistry, Division of Applied Health Sciences
Background and Aims As people age there is a progressive dysregulation of the immune system that may lead to an increased risk of infections, which may precipitate hospital admission in people with chronic heart or respiratory diseases. Mineral and vitamin supplementation in older people could therefore influence infections in older people. However, the evidence from the available randomised controlled trials is mixed. The aim of the study was to assess the relative efficiency of multivitamin and multimineral supplementation compared with no supplementation. Methods Cost-utility analysis alongside a randomised controlled trial. Participants aged 65 years or over from six general practices in Grampian, Scotland were studied. They were randomised to one tablet daily of either a multivitamin and multimineral supplement or matching placebo. Exclusion criteria were: use of mineral, vitamin or fish oil supplements in the previous three months (one month for water soluble vitamins), vitamin B12 injection in the last three months. Results Nine hundred and ten participants were recruited (454 placebo and 456 supplementation). Use of health service resources and costs were similar between the two groups. The supplementation arm was more costly although this was not statistically significant (£15 per person, 95% CI -3.75 to 34.95). After adjusting for minimisation and baseline EQ-5D scores supplementation was associated with fewer QALYs per person (–0.018, 95% CI -0.04 to 0.002). It was highly unlikely that supplementation would be considered cost-effective. Conclusions The evidence from this study suggests that it is highly unlikely that supplementation could be considered cost-effective.
Effect of multivitamin and multimineral supplementation on cognitive function in men and women aged 65 years and over : a randomised controlled trial
(BMC, 2007-05-02) McNeil, Geraldine; Avenell, Alison; Campbell, Marion Kay; Cook, Jonathan Alistair; Hannaford, Philip Christopher; Kilonzo, Mary Mueni; Milne, Anne Catherine; Ramsay, Craig R; Seymour, David Gwyn; Stephen, Audrey Isabella; Vale, Luke David; MAVIS Trial Group; University of Aberdeen, School of Medicine & Dentistry, Division of Applied Health Sciences
Background: Observational studies have frequently reported an association between cognitive function and nutrition in later life but randomised trials of B vitamins and antioxidant supplements have mostly found no beneficial effect. We examined the effect of daily supplementation with 11 vitamins and 5 minerals on cognitive function in older adults to assess the possibility that this could help to prevent cognitive decline. Methods: The study was carried out as part of a randomised double blind placebo controlled trial of micronutrient supplementation based in six primary care health centres in North East Scotland. 910 men and women aged 65 years and over living in the community were recruited and randomised: 456 to active treatment and 454 to placebo. The active treatment consisted of a single tablet containing eleven vitamins and five minerals in amounts ranging from 50–210 % of the UK Reference Nutrient Intake or matching placebo tablet taken daily for 12 months. Digit span forward and verbal fluency tests, which assess immediate memory and executive functioning respectively, were conducted at the start and end of the intervention period. Risk of micronutrient deficiency at baseline was assessed by a simple risk questionnaire. Results: For digit span forward there was no evidence of an effect of supplements in all participants or in sub-groups defined by age or risk of deficiency. For verbal fluency there was no evidence of a beneficial effect in the whole study population but there was weak evidence for a beneficial effect of supplementation in the two pre-specified subgroups: in those aged 75 years and over (n 290; mean difference between supplemented and placebo groups 2.8 (95% CI -0.6, 6.2) units) and in those at increased risk of micronutrient deficiency assessed by the risk questionnaire (n 260; mean difference between supplemented and placebo groups 2.5 (95% CI -1.0, 6.1) units). Conclusion: The results provide no evidence for a beneficial effect of daily multivitamin and multimineral supplements on these domains of cognitive function in community-living people over 65 years. However, the possibility of beneficial effects in older people and those at greater risk of nutritional deficiency deserves further attention.
Factors Influencing the Participation of Older People in Clinical Trials : Data Analysis from the MAVIS Trial
(2010-01) Fearn, Paul; Avenell, Alison; McCann, Sharon Katrina; Milne, Anne Catherine; MacLennan, Graeme Stewart; MAVIS Trial Group; University of Aberdeen.Other Applied Health Sciences; University of Aberdeen.Institute of Applied Health Sciences
Randomised trial of glutamine and selenium supplemented parenteral nutrition for critically ill patients
(BioMed Central, 2007-09-20) Andrews, Peter J.D.; Avenell, Alison; Noble, David W.; Campbell, Marion Kay; Battison, Claire G.; Croal, Bernard L.; Simpson, William G.; Norrie, John David; Vale, Luke David; Cook, Jonathan Alistair; De Verteuil, Robyn; Milne, Anne Catherine; Trials Management Group; University of Aberdeen, School of Medicine & Dentistry, Division of Applied Health Sciences
Background: Mortality rates in the Intensive Care Unit and subsequent hospital mortality rates in the UK remain high. Infections in Intensive Care are associated with a 2–3 times increased risk of death. It is thought that under conditions of severe metabolic stress glutamine becomes "conditionally essential". Selenium is an essential trace element that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Approximately 23% of patients in Intensive Care require parenteral nutrition and glutamine and selenium are either absent or present in low amounts. Both glutamine and selenium have the potential to influence the immune system through independent biochemical pathways. Systematic reviews suggest that supplementing parenteral nutrition in critical illness with glutamine or selenium may reduce infections and mortality. Pilot data has shown that more than 50% of participants developed infections, typically resistant organisms. We are powered to show definitively whether supplementation of PN with either glutamine or selenium is effective at reducing new infections in critically ill patients. Methods/design: 2 × 2 factorial, pragmatic, multicentre, double-blind, randomised controlled trial. The trial has an enrolment target of 500 patients. Inclusion criteria include: expected to be in critical care for at least 48 hours, aged 16 years or over, patients who require parenteral nutrition and are expected to have at least half their daily nutritional requirements given by that route. Allocation is to one of four iso-caloric, iso-nitrogenous groups: glutamine, selenium, both glutamine & selenium or no additional glutamine or selenium. Trial supplementation is given for up to seven days on the Intensive Care Unit and subsequent wards if practicable. The primary outcomes are episodes of infection in the 14 days after starting trial nutrition and mortality. Secondary outcomes include antibiotic usage, length of hospital stay, quality of life and cost-effectiveness. Discussion: To date more than 285 patients have been recruited to the trial from 10 sites in Scotland. Recruitment is due to finish in August 2008 with a further six months follow up. We expect to report the results of the trial in summer 2009. Trial registration: This trial is registered with the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number system. ISRCTN87144826