Thomas H. Maugh II

Thomas H. Maugh II has been a science and medical writer at the Times for 23 years. Before that, he was on the staff of the journal Science for 13 years. He has bachelor's degrees in English and chemistry from MIT and a doctorate in chemistry from UC Santa Barbara.

Comments

[Roy Elterman]

Dear Mr. Maugh,

I read with interest your article in the L.A. Times on "FDA approves first drug for infantile spasms". Not quite sure how well you researched the story, but as the first author of "Randomized Trial of vigabatrin in Patients with Infantile Spasm", Neurology, Vol 57/No. 8, Oct. 23,2001 and as the individual responsible for data management, study site monitoring, drug accountability (drug was actually acquired be me and dispensed by the research pharmacy at Parkland Memorial Hospital, Dallas, TX) and coauthor of the investigational protocol, I am not quite sure all of the facts and details as presented are correct. I'm not sure that it was Dr. Shields that spoke with the President of Aventis to get pills. Actually at the time when the study was conceptualized the drug was owned by HMR and I was the one that neogotiated to get drug and funding for the study.

You have a good day.

Roy Elterman

[Gary Gorlick, MD,MPH]

What impressive credentials. Now I see why he is so good.

[James Kalperis]

I just read your report in my local paper the Cape Cod Times about the dangers of Quinine . I have been taking Quinine Sulfate for the past 50 years, known now as Qualaquine. My mother in Greece had suffered from Malaria and had been taking it for cramps in her legs later in this country. She told me to take it when I had cramps and as you well know you do what your mother says you should do.
Recently I have discovered a better solution for these cramps. When I have had a good workout I rub my legs with Witch Hazel before I go to bed. Even if I am having a cramp I rub myself and it causes the cramp to go away more quickly. I just thought this might be helpful for your readers.