L-Dopa Treatment Trial
Investigator:
Howard M. Lederman, MD PhD; Thomas O. Crawford, MD
Location:
A-T Clinical Center, Johns Hopkins Hospital
Purpose:
This small, double blind, placebo controlled trial was performed to determine if L-Dopa had therapeutic benefit for any of the neurologic symptoms associated with A-T.
Conclusions
L-Dopa (Sinemet [Levodopa 100 mg / carbidopa 10 mg]) treatment was gradually increased from one pill per day for four days, to two pills per day for four days, to three pills per day for four days in an attempt to provide maximum improvement with the least side-effects. The maxium dose was maintained for the duration of the trial.
Although individual patients perceived some benefit in one or more areas, no overall consistent improvement in neurologic function was observed. Further, targeted studies may be warranted.