Abstract | BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVES: SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group Trials register (August 2005), MEDLINE (from January 1966 to August 2005), EMBASE (from January 1980 to August 2005) and other sources. SELECTION CRITERIA: DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The authors independently applied the selection criteria, assessed study quality and two authors performed independent data extraction. MAIN RESULTS: The search identified 23 studies for consideration but only nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Only two studies used our predetermined primary outcome measure as the primary outcome measure, (survival at 12 months treatment). However, sufficient data were available from four studies to allow analysis of this outcome measure, and a meta-analysis was performed. In the individual studies no significant effect was observed for vitamin E 500 mg twice daily; vitamin E 1 g five times daily; acetylcysteine 50 mg/kg daily subcutaneous infusion; or a combination of L-methionine 2 g, vitamin E 400 International Units, and selenium 3 x 10-5g three times daily (Alsemet). No significant effect on the primary outcome measure was observed in a meta-analysis of all antioxidants combined. No significant differences were demonstrated in any of the secondary outcome measures. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence of efficacy of individual antioxidants, or antioxidants in general, in the treatment of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. One study reported a mild positive effect, but this was not supported by the analysis we used. Generally the studies were poorly designed, and underpowered, with low numbers of participants and of short duration. Further well-designed trials of medications such as vitamin C and E are unlikely to be performed. If future trials of antioxidant medications are performed, careful attention should be given to sample size, outcome measures, and duration of the trial. The high tolerance and safety, and relatively low cost of vitamins C and E, and other considerations related to the lack of other effective treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, explain the continuing use of these vitamins by physicians and people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. While there is no substantial clinical trial evidence to support their clinical use, there is no clear contraindication.
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Authors | R W Orrell, R J M Lane, M Ross |
Journal | The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
(Cochrane Database Syst Rev)
Issue 1
Pg. CD002829
(Jan 24 2007)
ISSN: 1469-493X [Electronic] England |
PMID | 17253482
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Review, Systematic Review)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
(drug therapy, mortality)
- Antioxidants
(therapeutic use)
- Humans
- Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
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