Strychnine treatment attempted in newborn twins with severe nonketotic hyperglycinemia.

Strychnine, a potent antagonist of glycine was given to twins suffering from nonketotic hyperglycinemia at age 73 hours. Within hours of the onset of treatment favorable effects were observed such as improvements of muscle tone, movements, defense reactions, and probably breathing. Pyridoxine, N5-formyl-tetrahydrofolate and lipoic acid were given concomitantly with strychnine but failed to alter glycine levels in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. The therapeutic trial was terminated after 2 1/2 days because success, though considerable, was judged inadequate.