Ascorbic acid for treatment of CMT1A: the jury is still out:

[Guest guest]

Ascorbic acid for treatment of CMT1A: the jury is still out

The Lancet Neurology Volume 8, No 6. June 2

By Dr. Shy

In this issue of The Lancet Neurology, Burns and colleagues1 report the results

of their randomised controlled trial of children with Charcot–Marie–Tooth

disease type 1A (CMT1A) who were given ascorbic acid over 12 months. These

results, and those of similar trials in adults, have been eagerly awaited for at

least two reasons.

First, there is no effective medication to cure or decrease the progression of

any form of CMT disease. Second, and perhaps as important, these trials mark the

beginning of a new era for inherited neuropathies, in which the development of

rational treatments is based on knowledge of the genetics and biology of the

disease.

[Guest guest]

I'm confused, didn't we just read a report that said it didn't work?

Ron

[Guest guest]

Ron,

Yes, we just heard about the Ascorbic Acid trials on children with CMT 1A in

Australia. Like the Canadian research on adults last year (or year before) both

trials were only 12 months in duration. Having read both, I'm thinking that is

too short a time, because all the Euro and US trials are 3 years. So, Dr. Shy

says we still don't know * for sure * if AA will help CMT or not. Just because

one trial doesn't provide positive results, it doesn't mean researchers close

the door on it. More will be revealed in the coming year.

Gretchen

[Guest guest]

Thanks for clearing that up.

Re: Ascorbic acid for treatment of CMT1A: the jury is still

out:

Ron,

Yes, we just heard about the Ascorbic Acid trials on children with CMT 1A in

Australia. Like the Canadian research on adults last year (or year before) both

trials were only 12 months in duration. Having read both, I'm thinking that is

too short a time, because all the Euro and US trials are 3 years. So, Dr. Shy

says we still don't know * for sure * if AA will help CMT or not. Just because

one trial doesn't provide positive results, it doesn't mean researchers close

the door on it. More will be revealed in the coming year.

Gretchen