Open-label pilot study of oral methylprednisolone for the treatment of patients with friedreich ataxia

Muscle Nerve. 2019 Nov;60(5):571-575. doi: 10.1002/mus.26610. Epub 2019 Jun 30.

Abstract

Introduction: In this study we assessed the effect of methylprednisolone on safety, tolerability, and ability in Friedreich ataxia (FRDA).

Methods: The study was an open-label trial of pulse methylprednisolone on 11 participants with FRDA. All participants followed a 28-day treatment cycle, repeated 7 times. Patients were assessed with the timed 25-foot walk (T25FW), 1-minute walk (1MW), the Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale (FARS), and the 9-hole peg test (9HPT). Efficacy was tested by comparing baseline and week 26 visits, separated into adult and pediatric groups.

Results: In comparisons of participants' baseline and week 26 visits, only the pediatric cohort's 1MW score showed change (P < 0.05). The T25FW, the primary outcome measure, did not change significantly.

Discussion: Pediatric participants improved their gait distance in the 1MW, but did not significantly improve in other measures in this overall negative study. Methylprednisolone was generally well tolerated, suggesting that it may be useful for ambulatory children with FRDA if benefit is found with further study.

Keywords: ataxia; lipid; metabolism; pegboard; steroid; timed walk.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Aged
  • Child
  • Female
  • Friedreich Ataxia / drug therapy*
  • Friedreich Ataxia / physiopathology
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methylprednisolone / therapeutic use*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Walk Test

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Methylprednisolone