idebenone and multivitamin treatment in Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON).

Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol. 2007 Jun ;82 (6):377-80 17573650 (P,S,E,B) [Response to idebenone and multivitamin therapy in Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy]

[My paper] N Barnils, E Mesa, S Muñoz, A Ferrer-Artola, J Arruga
Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, España. noebg76@hotmail.com

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the efficacy of idebenone and multivitamin treatment in Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON).

METHOD: Two patients diagnosed of unilateral LHON were treated with megadoses of idebenone, vitamin C and riboflavin for one year. They were examined clinically before, during and after treatment.

RESULTS: No improvement of visual function was observed. Despite the idebenone treatment, in both cases the second eye became involved.

CONCLUSIONS:Despite previous reports of visual recovery with idebenone in patients with LHON, our experience shows that an effective treatment for Leber's disease remains to be found.

Mesh-terms: Adult; Antioxidants :: therapeutic use; Ascorbic Acid :: therapeutic use; Benzoquinones :: therapeutic use; Female; Humans; Male; Optic Atrophy, Hereditary, Leber :: drug therapy; Riboflavin :: therapeutic use; Treatment Failure; Vitamin B Complex :: therapeutic use; Vitamins :: therapeutic use;