Double-blind crossover study with levorotatory form of hydroxytryptophan in patients with degenerative cerebellar diseases.
作者信息
Wessel K, Hermsdörfer J, Deger K, Herzog T, Huss G P, Kömpf D, Mai N, Schimrigk K, Wittkämper A, Ziegler W
机构信息
Department of Neurology, Medical University of Lübeck, Germany.
出版信息
Arch Neurol. 1995 May;52(5):451-5. doi: 10.1001/archneur.1995.00540290037015.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether treatment with the levorotatory form of hydroxytryptophan (L-5-hydroxytryptophan), a controversial experimental drug, can improve the conditions of patients with ataxia.
DESIGN
A double-blind crossover study with the levorotatory form of hydroxytryptophan was performed in 39 patients with degenerative cerebellar diseases.
SETTING
Patients were selected from an ongoing prospective follow-up study at two university hospitals.
PATIENTS
We studied 19 patients with Friedreich's ataxia, 13 with cerebellar atrophy, and seven with olivoponto-cerebellar atrophy.
INTERVENTION
The levorotatory form of hydroxytryptophan was given orally in a dose of 1000 mg/d. Each treatment phase, with the levorotatory form of hydroxytryptophan or the placebo, lasted 10 months, after which the treatment of patients was crossed over to the other phase.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Ataxia was documented and quantified by using a clinical score, posturography, and measurement of grip force and the rapid-syllable repetition rate.
RESULT
The levorotatory form of hydroxytryptophan had no significant effect on cerebellar symptoms.
CONCLUSION
Long-term treatment with a high dose of the levorotatory form of hydroxytryptophan does not improve the conditions of patients with ataxia.
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