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Robert D. Currier, MD; G. M. Collins; S. H. Subramony, MD
Department of Neurology University Medical Center Jackson, MS 39216

Armin F. Haerer, MD
Jackson, Miss

Arch Neurol. 1995;52(5):440-441.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text PDF and any section headings.

Trouillas et al^1,2 have reported beneficial effects in the treatment of ataxia of varied origins with the dextrolevorotatory form of hydroxytryptophan (DL-5 hydroxytryptophan) (DL-5HTP) and the levorotatory form of hydroxytryptophan (L-5 hydroxytryptophan), (L-5HTP), serotonin precursors. The ataxias lack effective therapy.³ We treated six patients with hereditary ataxia using the L-5HTP for 1 year. Of the six patients, three were affected with Friedreich's ataxia, two patients with adult-onset dominant ataxia (Marie's, olivopontocerebellar atrophy), and one patient with adultonset recessive ataxia with retained reflexes.⁴

The duration of disease in the four males and two females, aged 18 to 50 years, ranged from 3 to 20 years. Four patients were ambulatory and two, both with Friedreich's ataxia, were in wheelchairs.

See also pages 449, 451, and 456

After approval by the Food and Drug Administration (Washington, DC) and the Institutional Research Board and with the patients' agreement, treatment . . . [Full Text PDF of this Article]

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