Choline chloride in the treatment of cerebellar and spinocerebellar ataxia.

Abstract

The use of orally administered choline chloride in the treatment of cerebellar and spinocerebellar ataxia was investigated by a short-term double-blind crossover trial in 20 patients with ataxia. These patients, who include 7 with Friedreich's ataxia, 7 with mixed spinocerebellar ataxia and 6 will primary cerebellar degeneration received placebo and 6g/day or 12g/day of choline with crossover at 6 weeks. Serum choline levels were measured 1 h after the first daily dose. Mild but significant improvement in upper limb co-ordination was noted in 3 patients with Friedreich's ataxia, 3 with mixed ataxia and 4 patients with primary cerebellar degeneration. Improvement in gait and lower limb co-ordination was observed in only 2 patients (one with cerebellar ataxia and 1 with mixed ataxia) There was no correlation between serum choline levels and clinical response to choline. Choline chloride produces a mild but functionally significant improvement in motor co-ordination in some patients with cerebellar and spinocerebellar ataxia.

• Authors: I R Livingstone, F L Mastaglia, R J Pennington, C Skilbeck
• Journal: Journal of the neurological sciences (J Neurol Sci) Vol. 50 Issue 2 Pg. 161-74 (May 1981) ISSN: 0022-510X [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 7229661 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Choline

Topics

• Adult
• Cerebellar Ataxia (drug therapy)
• Choline (blood, therapeutic use)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Friedreich Ataxia (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Male
• Nerve Degeneration (drug effects)
• Spinal Cord Diseases (drug therapy)