Clinical trial of vitamin B6 for gyrate atrophy of the choroid and retina

Ophthalmology. 1981 Apr;88(4):316-24. doi: 10.1016/s0161-6420(81)35035-0.

Abstract

Seven patients with gyrate atrophy and deficiency of ornithine-delta-aminotransferase were studied for in vivo pyridoxine responsiveness; three responded to oral vitamin B6 with over 50% reduction of serum ornithine levels and return to normal of serum lysine levels. Electrophysiologic studies were performed on two B6-responsive patients and one B6-nonresponder over various time periods with and without pyridoxine supplementation. Electroretinogram (ERG) amplitudes improved 100% in one patient when initially given high doses of vitamin B6. Electro-oculogram light-to-dark ratio also improved for this patient. Withdrawal followed by resumption of B6 supplementation was associated with mild worsening followed by improvement of ERG responses respectively in both patients. Long-term follow-up will be needed to assess whether pyridoxine treatment will slow or halt the progression of the disease.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Atrophy
  • Choroid*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Electroretinography
  • Humans
  • Lysine / blood
  • Ornithine / blood
  • Pyridoxine / therapeutic use*
  • Retinal Degeneration / drug therapy
  • Retinal Degeneration / genetics*
  • Retinal Degeneration / physiopathology
  • Uveal Diseases / drug therapy
  • Uveal Diseases / genetics
  • Uveal Diseases / physiopathology

Substances

  • Ornithine
  • Lysine
  • Pyridoxine