Idebenone in Friedreich's ataxia.

BACKGROUND: Friedreich's ataxia is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease where impaired mitochondrial function and excessive production of free radicals play a central pathogenetic role. Idebenone, a synthetic analogue of coenzyme Q, is a powerful antioxidant that was first administrated to Friedreich's ataxia patients less than 10 years ago.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of idebenone administration and define the optimal dosage.

METHODS: A critical evaluation of all open and double-blinded idebenone trials in Friedreich's ataxia patients was undertaken.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: Idebenone is well tolerated in paediatric and adult patients. Most trials demonstrated a positive effect on cardiac hypertrophy. The neurological function is in general not modified in adult patients, but a dose-dependent effect was demonstrated in young Friedreich's ataxia patients. Further double-blinded high-dose trials should evaluate idebenone in Friedreich's ataxia early in the disease course.